Accident Involving Use Of Gondola

i.

One of the suspension ropes which had slipped from its mounting (suspension mechanism) on the 15th floor of the building was found to be lying at the bottom of the gondola, causing the working platform of the gondola to tilt and suspend from the other end. It was prevented from falling completely to the ground by the activation of the safety lock and motor brake on the other safety and suspension ropes respectively.

ii.

The safety lock which was supposed to be activated by locking onto the safety rope in the event of such slippage or breakage of the suspension rope was suspected to be not functioning.

iii.

Some timber pieces were found on top of the gondola for the placing of concrete mixture which was used for plastering work.The weight of the concrete was approximately 300kg and the weight of 3 workers was about 200kg, approximating to a total weight of 500kg which easily exceeded the safe working load for the gondola.

1.

Any person who owns or hires a gondola (which is defined as a hoisting machine) has to ensure that a Certificate of Fitness is obtained from the department before the machine is used.This is provided under Regulation 10 (1), Factories and Machinery (Notification, Certificate of Fitness and Inspection) Regulations, 1970.

2.

Any employer or occupier at the place of work where gondola is used has to ensure that it is inspected and maintained at the monthly intervals by the competent person who is registered with the department .Inspection also has to be undertaken by the competent person for any operation involving the relocation of the gondola even on the same building.

3.

Any defects which can render the gondola to malfunction have to be reported for immediate action to be taken by the competent person.

4.

Reasonable steps to be taken to ensure that the essential fittings and all devices on the gondola such as the counterweight structures and mountings, suspension ropes, safety ropes, motor brakes, safety locks, working paltform are inspected daily before use under the supervision of the site supervisor. Such preventive action will ensure that the essential fittings will operate in the event of an emergency situation.

5.

The employer has to ensure that the gondola is not overloaded during operation. Only 2 workers are allowed on the working platform at all times as specified in the letter of approval or the Certificate of Fitness from the department.

6.

The employer has to provide and supply personal protective appliances such as safety harness, safety helmet and suitable footwear for any work on top of the working platform for the gondola and to ensure that they are worn at all times by the workers under his charge.

7.

Systematic training, instruction, information and supervision on the safety aspects and safe use of the gondola have to be provided by the employers.Written records on the training have to be made available for the officer's examination and inspection.

8.

The safe working load capacity plate has to be prominently displayed on the gondola.

9.

The employer has to ensure that the workers can only embark of disembark from the gondola at the ground level.

10.

Further reading and information on gondola can be obtained from the following useful links as provided as follows: