Bob decided to use the type of fall arrestor used in mineshafts. This consists of a parachute harness attached to a cable that works like a car safety belt - reeling easily in and out unless it is pulled sharply, when it brakes within 300 mm. Since fall arrestors are designed to be hung downwards, Bob rigged up a vertical pole to provide an elevated anchor point. This was the first of many steps that led to the development of the Safety Pole - a telescoping aluminium pole mounted on a truss or rafter, which extends upwards 1.3 metres above the roof line and is topped with a stainless-steel, pierced cap that spins around on nylon bushes.

By 2001 Bob had a good working prototype, and took it to a patenting attorney who suggested he contacted the New South Wales Department of State and Regional Development for advice and assistance with commercialisation. The Department referred Bob to the Industry Development Centre (IDC-Hunter). IDC-Hunter advised Bob on intellectual property protection, and began researching and collating relevant market information. It also put him in touch with a commercialisation manager, who began working with him on a fee-for-success basis and has proved an excellent resource. It was arranged for Bob to demonstrate the Safety Pole prototype to WorkCover, the Master Builders Association and local councils, and to participate in the Newcastle Technology Showcase. This generated considerable publicity and interest from major building companies.

Bob's commercialisation manager approached a range of companies with a business proposition to take his project further. Bob has now signed a three-year licensing agreement with Life and Rescue International Pty Limited (LRI), a Newcastle company with strong manufacturing capabilities and marketing expertise. LRI have established the Safety Pole as the only anchor point in Australia certified for use by two people, rated to withstand a 2.1-tonne impact. Two models are now being produced and marketed: the temporary tradesman's model, and the vent pole model - which also functions as the building's mandatory sewer gas ventilation pipe and provides the permanent roof anchorage now required by legislation.

Increasing numbers of Safety Poles are now being fitted on government and private buildings around Australia, and worker acceptance rates are extremely high. 'If the Safety Pole saves even just one life, I'll be satisfied,' says Bob, who is full of praise for the encouragement and support he has received from the IDC and his commercialisation manager. 'They're not like people out to make a quid out of you - they're there to help, and have been bloody magnificent.'

Mr Bob Richards
Rojen Roof Safety Pole Inventor
Ph/Fax: +61 2 4963 5015
Mobile: 0414 718 817
Email: rojensafety@optusnet.com.au