larger version X904 PARTS X904 ASSEMBLY

BILLY PUGH CO. X-904* PERSONNEL TRANSFER DEVICE (Patent number 7121600)
- Every year Billy Pugh Personnel nets are involved in millions (we roughly estimate 3 to 4 million) of offshore personnel transfers (all over the world) with VERY few mishaps or accidents.

- One main reason (is that) when someone is riding a personnel net, they “concentrate” on what they are doing

- Over the last few years, many of the majors are making an effort to take the “human factor” out of safety equation; riding a personnel net looks dangerous and does require that the rider and the crane operator stay heavily involved in this equation i.e. human factor.

- Recently, other types of personnel transfer carriers have been introduced to the market with some success. The feedback from the field can pretty much be summed up with the following points:

They like the current personnel net and don’t want to change (it has worked safely and reliably for many years).
The don’t like the idea of being strapped in (especially in a sitting position).
They don’t like the fact that they cannot get in and out immediately for rapid debarkation.
The units are large and difficult to store and ship compared to a personnel net.
The units are very expensive relative to what operators and contractors are used to paying.

This is not to say that there is not significant merit to some of the things that the new design brings to the table.

-If a person is ill or unsure they are less likely to fall out of this design.
-The unit provides side impact protection.
-The unit provides some overhead protection.
-The challenge was to keep as many of the features of the personnel net as possible but include some of the advantages of the other unit. We made an effort to keep it looking and performing as much as possible like what the offshore employee is used to.

- We wanted our device to be able to collapse for shipping and storage.

- We wanted our device to provide outer protection in the event of a side impact.

- We wanted some fall protection but in order to allow for quick, efficient embarkation and debarkation we decided to go with “man positioning” system instead (as fall protection cannot have a quick release feature necessary for this application).

- We wanted overhead protection. Though overhead protection in man riding is not generally thought to be necessary in offshore application but it is required for most onshore OSHA applications.

- We wanted the unit to be lower cost than the competition and have the ability to be rebuilt and re-certified.

- We wanted it to look and perform much like a personnel net.

Rider position for embarkation and debarkation of the X-904*		Optional “man positioning” lanyard
Note the position of the riders’ feet during transfer		Riders during transfer. Note overhead and outer protection.

The X-904* Personnel Transfer Device (Patent number 7121600)

- Began as a prototype X-901 and was tested on a Diamond Offshore Rig. The net was very simply a regular personnel net with additional outer protection. The test went well.

- We built a second model (X-902) and then a full sized unit (made of steel). The steel model was on the right track but needed some refinement. We had various industry experts look at the steel design and make comments on how it could be improved.

- We incorporated many of those recommendations. We also decided to lighten the 904 by making it out of 6063T6 Powder Coated Aluminum. We added a shock-absorbing bottom and side netted areas to place work-vests or light gear. We also incorporated a rubber non-slip floor over the diamond plate (not shown in pictures). The outer in inner ropes are made of stainless steel cable covered in a nylon sheath dipped in polyurethane. (These ropes were originally made of a high tech fiber call SPECTRA but the stretch characteristics were unacceptable). The inner ropes are tightened with the middle brace and become rigid for outer protection. The clips (for man positioning) are aircraft quality stainless steel and have a quick release similar how a parachute would be deployed. (Pull and step off).

Riders embark on the X-904* in almost the same way as a personnel net- with the exception that they take an additional “half step” inside. Once inside they attach their PFD to the quick release stainless clips fitted to the interior of the unit. During the transfer, the riders hold on to the inner ropes using the same grip as they would on a personnel net. They are now guarded from outer obstructions and falling objects as well as being more protected in the event they faint or begin to fall for any reason. This riding method is also much less “intense” than regular personnel nets (as they don’t need to hold on nearly as vigorously as on a normal personnel net ride). They have the sensation of riding inside the device but it is not so confining that they don’t feel like they can’t get out quickly or in an emergency. The X-904 is fitted with rubber cushions or “feet” that soften the landing but riders’ knees should remain bent until after the X-904 is safely on the deck. At that point, a quick tug on the release is all that is necessary to disembark the unit.

The X-904* can be collapsed in about 20 minutes and put up in around the same time (with some practice). When used every day we would suggest it be left rigid. If it’s only being used for crew changes or for emergency egress then it could be collapsed and covered out of the way.

The product was pull tested and certified for up to 1200 lbs. (This number has plenty of room to go up if needed). It weighs approximately 500 lbs. The capacity will be for 4 people but we plan on making a model for 6 and as much as 8 if the market requires it.

The X-904* has a 7’ bottom footprint, 8’ rigid height and has standing inside headroom of slightly over 7’. The device comes standard with a Billy Pugh Co. 22’ stabilizer and load line attached to the top.

We would estimate that the lifespan of this unit should be very good depending on how it is utilized, cared for and inspected.

Inspection procedures for the life of your X-904
Each time the unit is to be used, a visual inspection (paying particular attention to the load bearing areas of the device) should be done. Any damage or excessive wear should be note and the unit should be red tagged and taken out of service until the unacceptable area is addressed. An example of this would be a rigging line or part of the sling that is damaged, cut or shows excessive wear.

Every 6 months, the X-904 should be inspected by a **qualified inspector. The procedure will be very similar to the inspection process used on synthetic and wire rope slings. Again, load bearing areas are most critical.

After two years of service (or before-if the unit requires it) the X-904 should be refurbished and re-certified for use. The cost of this procedure will vary from unit to unit. Factors involved would be:

•   How the unit is stored
  
•   How much is the X-904 used
  
•   If the maintenance program is followed (from the provided CD)
  
  As an example:
  If an X-904 is being used on a deepwater platform (that only does occasional crane transfers) and is stored in a container or out of the sun, the process and cost of refurbishment and re-certification would be much less than on a drilling rig (where the X-904 is kept in the sun and is used on a daily basis.) In the second instance, there is a good chance that everything (with the exception of the aluminum top, center and bottom sections) might be in need of replacement.

(* Patent number 7121600)

X-904 Parts List (Patent number 7121600)

X-904 Assembly Instructions (Patent number 7121600)

STEP 1		STEP 2
Carefully remove outside packing so as to not damage the basket or its contents.		Remove contents (two poles, coupling, two 14" boards, and yellow cover) from inside basket floor. Untie and remove all securing ropes. DO NOT REMOVE THE DOUBLE NUTS WHICH SECURE THE RED VERTICAL ROPES ON THE BASKET.
STEP 3		STEP 4
Lift top portion of basket with crane (or two to three persons). Screw threaded 'top' pole clockwise, by hand into receiver until it is bottomed out.		Insert 'bottom' pole into receiver.
STEP 5		STEP 6
Pull top pole aside and carefully insert coupling on bottom pole allowing coupling to slide all the way to the bottom of the bottom pole. Do not drop coupling, as it may damage the powder coating on the lower receiver.
		Insert Teflon disk between the top and bottom poles.
STEP 7		STEP 8
Slide coupling up and line up corresponding holes in top pole. Insert threaded rod and tighten nut.		Place 12" boards thru handles in coupling and rotate counter clockwise the prescribe number of turns as indicated in white on top pole and gusset. It is much easier for one person to rotate the coupling. DO NOT TIGHTEN IN EXCESS OF WHAT ONE PERSON CAN TIGHTEN, USING PROVIDED 12" BOARDS. THE BASKET SHOULD NOT BE OVERTIGHTENED USING THESE BOARDS.
STEP 9
Wrap yellow cover around top pole using Velcro and buckles to secure.

• Nabors International
• Global Santa Fe
• bp
• Songa Drilling
• Rowan Companies
• Diamond Offshore
• TransOcean
• Frontier Drilling

AIR CUSHION PERSONNEL NETS
B.P.C. personnel air nets add additional safety to personnel basket transfer. This is especially true in case of a rough seas landing on a pitching work boat or a slightly aggressive ascent to the deck. Air cushion nets add a measure of safety to neck, back and knees by cushioning landing shock. Riders stand on a cushion of air (pneumatic hose) and the net & bottom is also fitted with shock dampening pneumatic hose.

THE BILLY PUGH PERSONNEL NET
Billy Pugh Co. Personnel Nets are manufactured under the ABS equipment type approval program. ABS certification can be requested at additional cost.

Specifications:
API Specification 2C Fifth Edition, April 3, 1995 3.13
API RP 54
Engineered with a design factor of 10
Lifting ring - 7/8" forged steel
Swaged load line with an additional safety line contained
within the rubber stabilizer bag.
Safety load line (optional: add "DC" to model number)
Stabilizer unit covered with plastic impregnated fabric
Netting lines 3/4", 9950 lbs. test each
Top ring 30" padded
Bottom ring overall dimensions 72" with padding
Padding is shock absorbing, synthetic flotation material
9 feet from bottom to top ring
Four entrances to net
Bottom of net - 5 rubber chafe pads
ABS equipment type approval program
Provides safe, sure transfer of personnel
Tested and approved by safety engineers worldwide
Used offshore by major oil producers
Premium quality materials
Recognized as safe transfer device
Proven stabilizing system
Collapsible design for easy storage
All materials certified and approved
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Certified on request
Accept no substitutes - there is a difference

Click here for training and inspection.

Visit Moxie Media for Training videos.
"Safe Offshore Personnel Basket Transfer Procedures and Equipment Criteria" preview video
"Safe Swing Rope and Personnel Basket Transfers for Offshore Oil Personnel" preview video

LOAD LINE ON PERSONNEL NETS
For as long as Billy Pugh Co. has made personnel nets, we have always hand spliced the load lines (the line between the upper and lower lifting rings). The reason being is that load lines wear differently than other wire rope applications (that have a straight line pull). A load line (because of the rubber stabilizer attached) moves side to side and puts more wear than normal in the area where a swage would be. We hand spliced this area so that the wear would be distributed over a larger area of the wire rope. Even with this advantage, there are some downsides to hand splicing. We believe that now have the best of both worlds as we have chosen to go to swaged load lines but have added an additional safety feature as a fail safe to the system.

This new safety feature is an additional line under the stabilizer as a backup to the swaged load line. In the very unlikely event that a load line parts or breaks the basket will be supported by this secondary load line. Though it is not visible (because it needs to be protected from UV under the canvas for the stabilizer) it is (non the less) there (see pictures) and it's the only system of its kind. (Patent number 7121600)

We feel as though this system is an upgrade to our handspliced loadline and creates an even more safe working conditon for offshore personnel transfers. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call.

PERSONNEL NET TAG LINE
Although BPC has been manufacturing personnel nets for the past 30 years, we have never recommended tag or guide lines. The reason being that they can become easily fouled by wrapping themselves around objects on the deck.

When the basket is being raised off the deck and swung over the rail, a normal rope attached to the bottom of the personnel net can wrap around the rail and create a potential hazard. We have developed a new system similar to our Billy Pugh swingrope that incorporates horizontal wrapping on a urethane dipped polydac base rope. The resulting tag line is much stiffer than a normal rope and resists. fouling. It also has a much better gripping surface so that the deck hand will have an easier time guiding the basket to its designated landing area.

Many operators and contractors are now using this tag line for all of ther slung loads....adding a higher measure of safety to their lifting operatations.  See photo at left.

* This tag line also incorporates a snap hook for quick installation.
* The most common lengths are 12 or 15ft.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Effectively immediately, we will no longer offer double locking snap hooks on our tag lines. All tag lines that require a hook will have a twist lock carabineer. The reason for the change is because we have found that the carabineer is a much more durable attachment device and is less likely to twist off the attachment point on the load. The list price for the addition of a carabineer is $70.

BPC MAN BASKET
BPC Man Baskets comply with all the latest OSHA rules for on-shore personnel lifting. These baskets were designed with safety and quality in mind. BPC man baskets are professionally engineered and built to our high quality standards. All units are treated and painted for corrosion resistance.

COLLAPSIBLE CARGO BASKET
Heavy cargo can be moved into basket in collapsed position reducing potential for lifting injuries. Inner canvas prevents smaller objects from rolling out. Rounded/padded design reduces potential for damage to boats.

Specifications:
• Floor is treated steel pipe (schedule 40)
• 5/8" galvanized lifting cables frame and 3/4" treated plywood bottom
• Overall height 10 ft.
• Diameter 6 ft.
• Side extension 3 ft.
• Collapsed height 1 ft.
• Weight 300 lbs.
• Safe working load 3500 lbs.
• BPC X-8CB cargo basket can be fitted with optional stabilizer to aid rough sea usage

DERRICK BASKET DB-1
Manriding has been targeted as a potentially hazardous activity on a drilling rig. Some agencies worldwide are evaluating the possibility of “outlawing” manriding operations to create a safer work environment. At present, a regulatory change of this nature will be difficult to implement. There are multiple reasons why it is necessary to hoist personnel up into the derrick and these reasons (with the drilling fleet being utilized at this time) will not change anytime in the immediate future.

The current recognized method of manriding in a derrick is with the use of a suspension workseat, a seat sling or a boatswain’s chair. All of these products employ a harness with an additional feature allowing the rider to sit while strapped into the harness. There are a variety of problems with these systems when being used in a derrick manriding application.

DB-1 Derrick baskets should be regularly inspected. We recommend third party experts (such as Bishop lifting or similar company) to do these third party lifting inspections.

Click here to see this product in action.

1. Legs loose circulation in just a few minutes.
2. Generally no secondary means of fall protection.
3. Many people approach this activity with trepidation.
4. Inability to carry enough or proper tools up for the job.
5. No outer protection.

The derrick basket concept is that a fall protection harness will be used in concert with the basket thus creating a variety of safety improvements to the current system above.

1. Riders can move around while standing in the basket in a much more comfortable working environment.
2. The derrick basket has a single point attachment at the top of the basket. This limited overhead rigging allows a fall protection harness and retractable life line to be employed independent of the basket. (If a two or four point system was used, the ability to use a harness would be eliminated.)
3. It is much more relaxing for a rider to get inside a basket attached to lifeline and ride up the derrick than to use a workseat alone. Because riders are not sitting, this eliminates the pressure exerted on the limps and/or torso.
4. The basket allows personnel to carry more tools (and carry them more safely) than the current system.
5. The derrick basket provides outer protection for the rider while in an area with many potential hazards.
6. Narrow design of the basket allows for elevation in tight spaces.

The Billy Pugh Co. DB-1 derrick basket was designed in concert with a major drilling contractor and much testing and design work was put into this product. It has in excess of a 10 to 1 safety factor. It weighs only about 105 lbs; this will allow it be moved easily in and out of the drill floor. It’s streamlined design also allows it to move into the derrick while resisting hanging up or fowling on the way up.

This product adds tremendous level of safety to the current systems available on the market. It’s use of a secondary means of fall protection takes all current manriding procedures to a new level of safety. The product has been reviewed by a variety of safety agencies around the world with an appreciation that a significant hazard has been made much safer with the introduction of this device.

CAUTION:
The DB-1 Derrick basket is designed with a single lifting pole. This design is critical so that the rider can safely employ secondary fall protection while inside the unit. In the event the tugger line fails, the person falls out or the basket fails; the secondary fall protection will protect the individual from falling.

NEVER use the DB-1 without secondary fall protection. We recommend a full body harness and a retractable life line.
ALWAYS inspect the lifting pole, braces and attachment points of the basket before each use.
The SWL of the DB-1 is 400 lbs. Never overload the unit.
If the DB-1 is properly used, it adds a significant measure of safety to manriding.

PERSONNEL WORK BASKET
This lightweight basket is designed for those jobs not requiring steel OSHA Man Basket specification. This basket is collapsible, flexible but very strong. The bottom is fitted with canvas to keep tools or other small objects from falling out. As with all our products, it's built to quality BPC standards.  AS with all rope products always keep caustic chemicals away from the load bearing ropes of the PWB.   Store this product out of the sun and wash with fresh water ater each use.

SPECIFICATIONS (X-800, PWB-2):
• Pick-up ring: 7/8" x 5 1/2", with 4 legs - each made of 1" polypropylene. Each rope has a tensile strength of 7 2,6001b.
• Top ring: 1 1/2" x 43"dia. (6063 TG) aluminum
• Floor: 1 1/2" x 43"dia. w/non-skid aluminum floor
• Structure of basket: 12 ea. 3/4 " polypropylene 3-strand ropes. Each rope has a tensile strength of 7650 lbs.
• Overall basket height: 14ft
• Basket weight: 90 lbs

RIGID CARGO BASKETS
Built from steel and galvanized for corrosion resistance. Our rigid baskets are built tough for tough jobs. Lifting bridle is 5/8" mechanical spliced galvanized wire rope. Available in standard or custom sizes.

CONTAINERIZED FAST THROW LINES
What are the chances of the ring buoy on the right being thrown to the victim without the rope tangling?
What are the chances if the victim does catch the ring that the U.V. degrigated rope, that has been sitting in the sun for 2 to 3 years, will not break?
Billy Pugh Co. containerized fast throw lines are safer and more cost effective than a simple coil of rope.
Line will not tangle and flows out of PVC container (much like a line throwing gun)
Line will not rot or be degrigrated by U.V. (Sun) rays.

THE BILLY PUGH COMPANY LIFE FLOAT
No float compares in quality to the BPC life float. Our floats last as long as whatever they're sitting on.
After many years of service in the field, this float can be rebuilt to like new condition.
• Hard Outer Shell
• Urethane Inner Core
• Black Polypropylene Life & Pendant Lines
• Nylon Platform Netting & Baskets
• Weather Resistant Platform
• Mildew, Rot & Sunlight Resistant
• Sealed Shell
• Long Lasting
• Maintenance Free
• 5 Year Warranty
• Rigging can be replaced in the field

AUTOMATIC WATER LIGHT
Automatically Activated Strobing Man-Overboard Light

Perfect marker light for manoverboard situations, dive areas, as well as marking underwater obstructions. High intensity Xenon strobe gives 360° visibility. Automatically activated; float-free bracket. Floats upright in all conditions. Requires 6V lanter-style battery. Complies with SOLAS 74/83; USCG 1 61 .010/6/0 approved.

FIBERGLASS RING BUOY BOX
B.P.C. ring buoy boxes keep rings and safety lines out of harmful environments.
• Hand rail or wall mounting kits available.

LIFE RING BUOY
Model A301-30"
(USCG)

• Molded of high impact polyethylene
• Color will not dent or peel
• Black polypropylene rope terminated with hand splice
• USCG Approved throwable device for all vessels
• U.S. Coast Guard Approval # 160.050/1 20/1
Options: Stenciling • SM2-Waterlight • CFTL or Life Line

Life Ring Buoy
(SOLAS)
• Same as A-301 but with Retro-Reflective Tape
• USCG approval No. 160.150/12/0
• Meets SOLAS 74/83

RESCUE RING
The BPC Rescue Ring is designed to close around victim when tension is applied to the lifting ring. This product is significantly superior to a regular ring buoy when rescuing weak or unconscious victims. The interior of the flotation ring is stainless steel cable reinforced.

RR-30
30" diameter

SUPPLY BOAT & CREW RESCUE NET
Rescue net designed after Billy Pugh Co. helicopter rescue net (used by U.S. Navy and most foreign government and public rescue operations). This net is davit launched and will partially submerge for easy pick-up of man overboard. Net is large enough to lay down in or put additional support person inside to aid unconscious or weak victim. Net is collapsible and light weight for easy storage.
MODEL N0. X-544
72" Wide, 60" High, 45" Deep

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CUSTOM FIBERGLASS BOXES
Billy Pugh Company can manufacture custom boxes or enclosures to your size specifications. We start with a welded aluminum angle frame built to you size requirements and finish with sealed fiberglass panels making a strong, corrosive resistant enclosure.

Recommended Applications:
• Chemical Storage
• Odd Sized Boxes
• Paint Storage
• Large Enclosures

LIFE PRESERVER BOX -40
53" X 44" X 28"

WVO-100
The WVO-100 incorporates some features not available on other type V work vests. Zinc diecast bronze-plated hardware versus plastic. All straps molded into the flotation so that much like a harness, body strain will be on straps and not flotation material.
Options: Stenciling, Reflective Tape, Whistle, Waterlight

All flotation material is coated with vinyl which is tough, fire resistant, selfextinguishing, and highly abrasion resistant, and easily cleaned. This material is unaffected by oil, gasoline or basic chemicals.
• Adjustable 1" black nylon web straps securely sewn with nylon thread, which is rot and mildew proof.
• Heay-duty manganese bronze and acetal hardware, corrosion resistant. Certified and tested for USCG and FAA specifications.
• Marking and labeling is screen-printed in water resistant, vinyl ink.

Options: Stenciling, Reflective Tape, Whistle, Waterlight

WVO-50
Marine Work Vest, Type V
All flotation material is coated with vinyl which is tough, fire retardant, selfextinguishing, highly abrasive resistant and easily cleaned. This material is resistant to oil, gasoline and basic chemicals.

Adjustable 1" black nylon webbing straps securely sewn with nylon thread, helping to preventrotand mildew. Heavy-duty aluminum slides & acetal closures resist corrosion.
• Certified and tested by USCG.
• Marking and labeling is screen printed in water-resistant, vinyl ink.

Options: Stenciling, Reflective Tape, Whistle, Waterlight

THE ALL WEATHER TRUE GRIP BILLY PUGH SWING ROPE
Swing ropes currently in use consist of an untreated length of rope with a series of knots about 24" apart. The untreated rope (suspended from an overhead structure) is slippery (and potentially unsafe) when wet and is subject to rapid deterioration when exposed to weather and chafing. The following improved design and method of fabrication creates a non-slip gripping surface between the knots, is easier to grasp and will last many times longer than the knotted ropes presently used offshore.

U.S. Patent #4789045
Regular knotted ropes also available for Escape Ropes

STEP 1 A specified length and size of twisted rope is prepared with a stainless steel thimble and eye splice in one end and a series of overhand knots equally spaced from the other end, as per customer specifications.

STEP 2 The entire rope is dipped in a vat of liquid polyurethane which saturates the rope, sets the knots and eye splice, and produces a chafing and weather resistant rope.

STEP 3 The gripping area between the knots is coated with a bed of polyester resin, then wrapped with 3/8" nylon over 3/4" poly Dacron, yielding a total gripping area width of 1 1/2"s. When the resin cures, it bonds the wrapping to the rope. This provides an all weather non-slip surface on the gripping area between the knots.

WRN-18-14
• Oakwood Rungs - 2 " x 2 " x 18 "
• Non-skid surface
• Painted International Orange
• Ropes - 3/4" Double Braid Nylon
• Ropes are urethane dipped to better resist fire and chemical exposure.
• Dipping rope also adds durability and ultra violet protection
• 600# SWL per rung

W-1
• Aluminum Round Rung - 1 1/2" x 20"
• Aluminum Pipe (SCH 40)
• Rungs are 14" apart
• Non-skid surface
• Galvanized Thimble Eyes on Top
• 5/16" Galvanized Chain
• Stainless Bolts & Lock Nuts
• Aluminum Round Rung - 1 1 /2" x 20"
• Aluminum Pipe (SCN 40)
• Rungs are 14" apart
• Non-skid surface
• Galvanized Thimble Eyes on Top

W-1S
• Same as W1 except ladder includes aluminium disc "Stand-Offs"