Following a serious accident caused by a blocked log into a quad saw, an accident investigation has been conducted by our team identifying the immediate cause and root cause of the accident.
Further controls have been implemented, however, to avoid a reoccurrence and taking into consideration the general hierarchy of control. We suggested the installation of a crane which will eliminate risks associated with manual handling (lifting logs to unblock the quad saw) and avoids any direct contact with machinery parts.
Interlocking gates have been installed which only allows authorised personnel to access the quad saw area and adequate signage provided on all gates and all relevant documentation reviewed and amended accordingly.
The installation of the crane was a success, which provided a safer way of removing blockages from the quad saw. With the installation of a crane, additional hazards and documentation will need to be produced and bought to the attention of employees to ensure safety.
Here are some aspects of the safe use of cranes (for full details see the HSE website):
Planning lifting operations
All lifting operations should be planned so they are carried out safely with foreseeable risks taken into account.
The person appointed to plan the lifting operation should have adequate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifts being undertaken.
The plan will need to address the risks identified by a risk assessment, the resources required, procedures and the responsibilities so that any lifting operation is carried out safely.
The plan should ensure that the lifting equipment remains safe for the range of lifting operations for which the equipment might be used.
British Standard BS 7121Part 1 2006 sets out an acceptable standard for managing lifting operations using cranes on construction projects.
Safe systems of work
You must plan lifting operations carefully to ensure they are carried out safely. Your plan should result in a safe system of work and this information should be recorded. This record is sometimes known as a method statement, which you must ensure that everyone involved understands it.
Key elements include:
– planning – including site preparation, crane erection and dismantling
– selection, provision and use of a suitable crane and work equipment
– including safe slinging and signalling arrangements
– maintenance and examination of the crane and equipment
– provision of properly trained and competent personnel
– supervision of operations by personnel having the necessary authority
– thorough examinations, reports and other documents
– preventing unauthorised movement or use of the crane
– measures to secure safety of persons not involved in the lifting
Thorough examination
There are strict legal requirements concerning the thorough examination of all cranes:
Lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined at the prescribed intervals. This is a detailed and specialised examination by a competent person. The examination will usually be arranged by the crane hire company, although it is the responsibility of the crane user to ensure that all necessary examinations are carried out and that the required reports are in order. Records of thorough examinations and tests must be; readily available to enforcing authorities; secure; and capable of being reproduced in written form.
Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)