03.03.2017
Fallen booms recovered
This morning we finally reported on the three boom lifts that overturned in Barnett, UK earlier this week, and have now received photographs of the recovery process.
Recovery specialist CMG was involved with at least two of the machines, cutting the booms off and then lifting the machines back on to their wheels before trying to lower the risers in order to make it possible to transport them.
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The scene facing the recovery team
The platforms had been supporting bulky lighting rigs and equipment for a film shoot at Wrotham Park, an imposing country house near Barnet which is more typically used as a wedding venue.
One of the platforms went over pulling the other two with it. Thankfully no one was injured in the incident and the damage appears to be limited to the machines themselves and the lighting equipment.
This is just one of several incidents involving the use of aerial lifts to support lighting equipment that we have covered in the past 12 months. Companies looking to rent equipment into this sector might want to ensure that the clients insurance is up to the risks involved.
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Booms off the machines are put but onto their wheels - next job is to try and lower that riser
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Red
Jason725 If indeed the booms were already cut/removed when your company arrived onsite, I apologize for my comments. But from all reports there were three machines that went over. Is there a fourth machine no one knows about or is your math a little off ?
Jasonb725
Gents. Before everyone goes off on one here and decides that my company are cowboys and simple cut booms off willy nilly, you need a simple fact adding to the equation. we were called our by our very good customer to right two of the four machines. on arrival at the site we duly carried out a risk assessment and method statement that was agreed with everyone concerned. the two machines we were asked to right had BOTH ALREADY had the BOOMS REMOVED. Jason CMG.
Love to be a Fly on the Wall, when that Telephone Call comes into the Insurance Companys Office…..
“ You did WHAT……and who authorised this Act of Industrial Vandalism ? ”
I wonder where the rental companies insurance company will be on this one. Refer to JMS web site, Interesting article in JMS Access UK web site. http://www.jms-access.co.uk/jms-help-shed-some-light/
When actively promoting this application, there " could" be an assumption of " expertise".
I wonder if JMS have a copy of the JLG and the Genie guidance manual for Lighting Technicians etc. interesting capacity deration and wind loading and outreach restrictions, some of the wind speeds down to 11 miles per hour, so about 5 m/sec it is a long way down from 28 mph/ 45kph or 12.5 m/ sec.
Red
Up A Mewp, I am glad your experiences with CMG have been positive. I also admit my comments were harsh. However, when I see needless damage inflicted on expensive, late model equipment, that changes their condition from repairable to scrap metal, I am the one who sees 'Red'.
It is very easy to grab a torch or saw, and with a few strokes reduce a machine to a few pieces. But with thought and discipline a recovery plan could have been devised that would limit or eliminate additional damage.
The term "specialist" implies expertise and finesse. In this case, the company you are so fond of displays neither.
I stand by my comments.
cfk88
I agree with Red on this one if this was properly planned there would be no need to cut the booms off these machines.
Up A Mewp
Red, I can only assume your comments come from little or no experience of CMG Rescue Services, and purely from your disapproval of the recovery method used. We have used CMG for the past 4 years for both transportation nationally, and recovery services. We have never come across a company with such professional drivers, a transport manager that can find a solution even at the last minute and even though on occasion a more cost effective alternative has been present, we choose CMG every time as we know the job will be done right, first time. I'm not one for openly promoting companies in comments, but your after your 'slash and burn artist' comment really made me see 'Red', I thought it only right to balance out with views of a regular customer!
Red
Recovery specialist ? Cutting the booms off now leaves the insurance company with total losses rather than machines that might be repairable. I submit with proper cranes and rigging (not a tow truck ) the manlifts could have been righted with little or no damage. At the very least the booms could have been unbolted or unpinned. To me, CMG is more of a slash and burn artist.
Gary Brady
I would suggest that insurers could take the view that this type of incident is not covered, on the grounds that the application could be construed as 'mis use', the machines not being used for their designed purpose as work platforms. There are an increasing number of uses to which MEWPS are being put, many of which introduce additional hazards and levels of risk. Some of these applications add additional loads to parts of the machine not strictly designed to be load bearing. Others increase the surface area, thus creating a potential 'sail' effect. If these additional applications are notified to manufacturers, they could impose additional limitations such as reducing the rated wind speed, working height or outreach for the operation. Above all, if the manufacturer hasn't approved it, it won't be covered for insurance.