05.11.2015

Living on the edge

Spotted by a reader in Liverpool, UK, on Saturday and large scissor lift set up on the pavement/sidewalk and being use at almost full extension.

At least one of the levelling jacks was set up half on and half off of the kerb, actually resting on the outer edge of the kerbstone itself. With a step of around four inches/100/110mm if the machine had slipped off due to dynamic loadings from a swaying scissor stack or other vibration – or the overturning of the kerb stone itself the machine would certainly have gone over and fell across the road possibly striking passing cars and pedestrians.
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The big scissor lift set up in Liverpool city centre

The situation was made worse by the fact that the lift - a Genie GS5390 with dual deck extensions- was jacked up clear of the ground so that all of the weight of the machine was supported by the four jacks.
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One of the jacks was half on half off the kerbstone

Our correspondent said: “Liverpool City centre Saturday morning. Set up so close to the kerb. When I raised the issue I got the usual response, or should I say lack of response.”

Someone – perhaps the rental company A-Plant – knows who these people are and who it was who heeded the friendly advice of our correspondent. They could do with a friendly word before they kill themselves- or more worrying kill innocent passers-by. Thankfully this time nothing went wrong.

A definite one for our Death Wish series.