Safety alert 03/2013 - Collision between 2 overhead travelling cranes pushes scissor hoist over

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file type icon 03-2013 Collision between 2 overhead travelling cranes pushes scissor hoist over

A crane service technician was seriously injured when he fell 6 metres out of a scissor hoist from which he was working. The technician had raised himself on the scissor hoist to provide repairs to a stopped overhead crane. The crane under repair pushed the scissor hoist over on impact by a second overhead crane operating and in travel on the same runway.

Contributing factors

  • The repair work was taking place on a two crane runway.
  • Measures were not taken to prevent the second crane contacting the crane under repair.
  • The handrail of the scissor hoist had been raised above the crane structure. 

Action required

  1. Risk assessments need to be carried out prior to commencing repair/service work on a multiple crane runway. 
  2. Safe work procedures are in place before such work is carried out.
  3. Anti-collision equipment should be fitted to prevent contact between cranes on a multiple crane runway.

Further information

  • Australian Standard AS 1418.3:1997 Cranes, Hoists and Winches - Bridge, gantry, portal (including container cranes) and jib cranes.
  • Australian Standard AS 2550.1:2002 Cranes, Hoists and Winches - Safe use - General requirements.

Further information can be obtained from the WorkSafe Internet site or by contacting customer service on 1300 307 877 or email: 
safety@dmirs.wa.gov.au

This Alert contains safety information following inquiries made by WorkSafe about an incident or unsafe practice. The information contained in this Alert does not necessarily include the outcome of WorkSafe’s action with respect to an incident. WorkSafe does not warrant the information in this Alert is complete or up to date and does not accept any liability to any person for the information in this report or as to its use.

WorkSafe
Alert
Last updated 29 Jun 2017
First published 11 Mar 2014

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