03.07.2013

Scissor lift abuse

Spotted by a reader in London last week, a scissor lift used for filming, but not in the way it was intended.

The machine was set up in London’s Trafalgar Square, clearly the cameraman had found the perfect height and then had no intention of moving. In addition to take out any movement or deflection he appears to be using two steel scaffold poles and some rope to brace the platform and a ladder to gain access etc...
Please register to see all images

A scissor lift set up in a prominent location

Our correspondent – who has some knowledge of using platforms for filming explains the situation: “I took whilst checking out a job on The Mall on 25th June, the machine in question was nothing to do with the job I was with and there was no one actually with or on the machine just a security guard. I advised him that these machines should not be used that way and my attempt to gain a contact number to advise further was met with a blank look and 'they will be back in an hour' but it goes to show what lengths people can to misusing machines when they lack the correct training.
Please register to see all images

The platform is braced with two scaffold poles and some rope

This was just off Trafalgar Square and parked on the pavement with a camera fixed into position. I only know they were filming a documentary the security guard did not know what it was about and I had to leave before they returned. I have dealt with the film industry for a number of years and they are normally very good with their knowledge in the use of access equipment but this is the worst I have seen to date by far. There was no pedestrian management present in one of the busiest tourist spots in London and people were walking next to the 'supporting scaffold poles'.”

There are numerous risks with this arrangement, transferring from the ladder to the platform, not to mention the risk to members of the public walking by. And should the operator complete his work and drop the platform - forgetting the poles they may be catapulted out from under the platform or could cause the machine to lose stability and overturn.

At least they did leave someone in charge of the machine while they went off for lunch or whatever. But still a definite candidate for our Death Wish series.