Hi all

Sanity check required , thanks in advance.

OK large main crane in use develops a fairly large spill beneath the undercarriage 5x5 meter surface area on ground. As a guide I would say possibly 20 + litres of fluid what looked fairly black in appearance which I see as the very least aged fuel maybe hydraulic oil ? (this is fairly new piece of crane 1120)however.

Immediately instruct a report to give assurance to PC that the capacity of the crane has under circumstances been compromised before even thinking about carrying out the next critical lift.But they carry on regardless.

Regulation 10,3 para 360 L113 clearly states defects which are commonly noted such as : cracks - permanent deformation -corrosion of vital parts-excessive wear - failure of moving parts.

Question: Surely a spill of this proportion must be investigated by a competent person and no just explained off as captured fuel releasing during de rigging operations. ie this is defect which could cause a hazardous state to the same effect as above?

FYI I am pushing extremely hard with this issue to the point,, well the usual point we all do on regular basis and I am not backing down. Until of course LOLOR inspector on here maybe tells me let go ?

Thanks all

j

As requested, moved to OSH forum

Mod Team

Black Hydraulic Oil??

More likely lub oil or perhaps fuel oil (diesel) if it has spilled on tarmac.

Have it analysed.

Jon

It is not clear to me if your organisation manages this crane, or if it is hired. Either way, I would formally request that the responsible person / engineer investigates this and provides a written report - then go with what it says. You have to rely on the expertise of others where you do not have it. I speak as someone who knows little about cranes but have managed safety where various types of crane operate.

A lot of speculation when you have not said what type of crane it is . There is a distinct possibility that it has 2 engines and this is an oil leak from the crane driving engine as opposed to the engine used for lifting. As it is black oil it would be more than likely oil.

Is it yours? If not contact the crane company.

Does the operator not know?

Hi All

Guys I was not meaning to be tight in giving out the info , the crane is Liebherr 11200. As Pikemen and Ashleywillson say I have already formally requested assurances that the capacity of the crane has not been compromised ( this I made sure went to high authority within the organisation) to my line management and site management.

I have received a 6 sentence email from the crane owner that yes this is a culmination of rain water which gather under various trays beneath the carriage section and when de rigging the levels wash out.They are a lifting company working under our plan and PC role.

So its safe to say then, that lets say for example they rock up to Stanley or Sellafield for a job , they must remember to say

"Well yes we a 4 million euro machine that will do the job and we are fantastic, however please don't make a fuss that we leave a 5 x 5 meter mess every time we have derig ?"

Sorry guys I wont have it, Yes I have pushed very hard with this and very content with my discussions and documented emails to the very people who I would hope realise that maybe we should have a look at this, but only after we meet the target lifts which they already have done anyway !!

thanks again for the replies all much appreciated. we can close this one out.

send them a bill for the Environmental clean up