24.11.2017

Lifting over pedestrians

A reader in the UK came across an aluminium crane lifting large sheet material into the upper floor of a London building, and noticed that little or no attempt had been made to cordon off the crane from pedestrians walking underneath or traffic.
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The crane is set up in the busy street

The area, in Harrington Gardens, Kensington, is typically congested, the crane is the perfect machine for the job, the outriggers are fully extended, and mats have been placed under the outrigger pads - a little small perhaps when there is likely to be a cellar or other void below - but to be fair these cranes have a light footprint and the load is not heavy.
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It is a perfect tool for the job

As to cordoning off from road traffic, it certainly looks a little meagre to non existant, although it appears that the vehicles parked fore and aft of the crane have flashing indicators? Is due to lack of parking or a form or cordoning off? As to the other side of the crane, it certainly looks very much like the pavement/sidewalk is open, although there might just have been banksman stopping pedestrians from walking under the load during each lift? The rigging looks a tad suspect too, but they appear to be tightly strapped.

Our reader was clear that this was a Death Wish, and from the photos we have received it certainly looks as though he may have a point.
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The crane was lifting large sheet material into an upper floor window

Have a safe weekend

UPDATE
The owner of the crane Randalls Crane Hire called to say that the operator has received a warning as all relevant pedestrian control equipment for the job was on board the crane. However a banksman was also on the job keeping an eye on traffic and pedestrians during lifting operations.