Accident Involving Hydraulic Piling Machine

Photo 1: Hydraulic Piling Machine at accident scene

An accident took place on 20th May 2008 at around 8:00pm when piling work was being carried out. The accident occurred AT a construction site which is situated next to the public parking area. The Hydraulic Pile Jacking Machine (model YZY 240) was equipped with a crane and a hydraulic piling press. Investigation revealed that the machine is located about 2 meters from the site hoarding which is adjacent to the public parking area. During the accident, one of the concrete piles which weigh about 2.8 tonnes with the dimensions of 12 meters (Length) x 300 mm (Width) X 300mm (Thickness) fell and crushed two vehicles in the parking area. The accident happened due to the failure of the lifting lug and sling which were used to tie the concrete pile.

Recommendations:

Hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control (HIRARC) shall be implemented before any piling activity.

Accident Involving Hydraulic Piling Machine B

Adequate lighting is crucial if the piling activity is carried out at night. Piling activity should only be done during broad daylight.

Safe lifting procedure should be updated. Use of spreader device is necessary to ensure the stability of the 12 meters length concrete pile during lifting. Use of spreader will ease the process and prevent the concrete pile from colliding with the crane boom section due to limited clearance between pile and crane boom.

Routine inspection of lifting gear should be carried out prior to any lifting activity to check for defects. Furthermore, all attachments involving sling or shackle with lifting lug must be done correctly to ensure safe lifting.

Good communication between crane operator and signalman is vital during such piling activity:

a)	Signalman appointed should be properly trained to provide clear two-way communication and correct information to the crane operator
b)	Lifting and piling should be supervised and adequate number of workers should be provided.

References:

»	http://www.worksafebc.com/news_room/news_releases/assets/nr_07_01_12/crane_accidents_mobile.pdf
»	http://www.hazardinfo.com/CraneResearchStudy-PrintFormat.pdf
»	http://www.osh.dol.govt.nz/order/catalogue/pdfs/piling-rig.pdf