HSE stops crane collapse firm climbing

News | HSW
12.08.2007

The notice prevents the Kent-based company "climbing" (lowering or raising) tower cranes using climbing-frame systems, unless the work is carried out by people trained specifically on the type of frame being used.

At around 2.30pm on 2 June a Comedil CTT181 crane, operated by Select, collapsed during a climbing operation at a housing development site next to the Croydon Park Hotel. The jib crashed onto the roof of the hotel, leaving the cab hanging from the side of the building. The crane driver was seriously injured and three other workers were trapped 45m in the air for seven hours before fire crews were able to rescue them.

Local residents reported hearing a crash "as loud as a bomb" and 140 people were evacuated from the hotel and nearby buildings.

The HSE's investigation into the incident is continuing, but the executive has established that the top section of the crane had not been connected to the climbing frame.

The notice covers all of Select's tower cranes. But the HSE emphasised that it only prevents the company from climbing cranes using inadequately trained staff; it does not stop it from operating its tower crane fleet or from carrying out climbing operations with fully trained and experienced teams.

"We believe our crane crews are adequately trained and accumulate extensive on-site experience before taking part in any crane climbing operations," a Select Plant Hire spokesperson said. But he added that there are clearly lessons to be learned from the incident and "we are determined to
learn those lessons - fast". With the HSE's agreement, the company is continuing to carry out climbing operations in accordance with the notice.