Incident alert

An operative was driving a rail mounted stacker lifter, a machine used for lifting hollow core slabs from the production bed and taking them to a position outside where they are lowered onto timbers in readiness for taking away by forklift truck. He was driving this equipment far too closely to a suspended piece of machinery on a crane that was moving ahead of him.

The crane operator stopped the crane movement part way along the route. The operative driving the stacker lifter continued driving forwards and did not stop.  The stacker lifter struck the suspended load, causing some slight damage to the machine and the load to swing somewhat, but this could have been more serious had a person been stood there.

The following points were established

• His vision was not compromised
• He was trained to operate the equipment
• He was aware that this type of equipment does not come to a sudden standstill but continues for a very short distance once the drive lever has been operated due to momentum.
• The stacker lifter was fitted with a forward projecting light which denotes a zone which should not have been breached i.e. to maintain a safe distance.
• It seems that the operator ignored this.

• All personnel operating bed mounted machinery must constantly be vigilant when moving these items of plant and be considerate for other operations which may be taking place nearby.
• The stacker lifter and other items of plant have been fitted with ‘projector’ lighting designed to designate ‘No Go’ area for personnel.
• When moving items of plant this area must not be breached at any time, whether personnel are in area or not.
• Due to the size, weight and momentum of some plant items, it is always the case that these pieces of equipment cannot stop immediately and there will be a short period of ‘run on’ and when coming to a stop the ‘No Go’ area must be maintained.
• It is imperative that all personnel keep sufficient distance between the plant they operate and other activities at all times being mindful that other plant may stop suddenly.