17.10.2016
Resting on the leg
Here is one to get your brain kicked off on a Monday morning - Spotted by a reader in downtown Copenhagen, Denmark, a mast climber working over water with a questionable set up.
Whoever set this machine up has place a steel ‘I-beam’ diagonally across the corner of the dock, and then rested one of the outrigger beams on the I-beam with a piece of plywood between to prevent slippage and wear. Plywood sheets are also under each end of the I-beam, with one end looking precariously close to the edge of the dock.
The other three outriggers are set up on the dock, with thick blocks of wood and thinner plywood sheets. What could possibly go wrong?
Please register to see all images
Good practice or a Death Wish?
Well the offending outrigger beam is only half extended, since the first section is fully out and the second fully retracted it is probably OK structurally. However not only is it shorted than the other three, which are fully extended – which might be OK for the height of the mast and the size of the platform? But it is also shorter than usual with the fulcrum point a good 200mm inboard compared to the jack centre.
The biggest risk though is probably slippage of the I-beam from vibrations of going up and down all day etc..We would welcome other views on this – is this good practice or One for our Death Wish series?
We clearly think it is a Death Wish but welcome alternative views.
Please register to see all images
A closer look
Lewis Major
If the mast is tied to the building further up correctly there is nothing wrong with this set up as the base is only dealing with down force. If the mast is freestanding its a wonder its not in the dock already.
Nikfud roofing
It's quite an achievement to get the machine to that position in the first place!