Haulotte elevating work platform failure
Issued: 17 August 2012
Last Updated: 17 August 2012
Purpose
The purpose of this safety alert is to highlight risks associated with a failed cast steel linkage on an elevating work platform (EWP).
Background
A worker received severe injuries when he was ejected from an EWP on a construction site on the Gold Coast. The incident involved a Haulotte H16TPX boom type EWP, manufactured in 2008.
Contributing factors
The linkage between the fly jib and boom catastrophically failed and allowed the platform to drop so that it hung vertically (refer Photograph 1). Photograph 2 shows a close up view of the failed linkage. The linkage on this particular model is manufactured from cast steel.
Action required
As a matter of urgency, all Haulotte boom type EWPs with a linkage similar to that shown in Photograph 2 are to be inspected by a competent person.
If cracks, excessive wear or other damage are found, then the EWP is to be removed from service. Haulotte Australia Pty Ltd is currently investigating the issue. Owners should seek guidance from the manufacturer on inspection criteria and remedial measures to be taken. Haulotte Australia can be contacted on 1300 207 683.
Further information
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 imposes health and safety obligations on a person(s) conducting a business or undertaking, whether as an employer, self-employed person, designer, manufacturer, supplier or owner of plant.
Further information may be obtained from the following codes:
- How to manage work health and safety risks Code of Practice 2021 (PDF, 0.65 MB)
- Plant Code of Practice 2005
Photograph 1: General view of EWP with platform hanging vertically |
Photograph 2: Close up of failed linkage |
