Rank: Forum user 
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Good morning.
Despite having looked at the task from every conceivable angle, I have reluctantly arrived at the conclusion that I have no option but to allow overhead travelling cranes to be used as work platforms for lighting maintenance.
(As can be appreciated, crane bridges do not really meet the requirements for either “existing places of work” or for “work platforms” as set out in the schedules.)
I have worked through the WAH hierarchy and for one reason or another, have arrived at the bottom with training and instruction as the only control available to me. I hasten to add that whilst recognising that good training has its part to play, I’m not sure that it is adequate or sufficient in this situation.
Does anyone have experience of this or of a similar situation that they could pass on?
Thanks,
Jomo
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Rank: Forum user
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Jomo
It is not necessarily the end of the world... but in simple terms what about the controls? why will people / things not be able to fall off? Guardrails, toeboards harnesses exclusion zones underneath
Cheers
Bruce
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Rank: Forum user
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Jomo,
I would say that there are a number of other factors for you to consider in addition to Training and Instruction. Without knowing the set-up or type of crane involved, etc, etc have you considered a Permit to Work procedure? How will access to the top of the cranes be controlled? Control Measures to prevent falling, either during access as well as durimg working should have Physical measures (ie/s fall prevention or fall restraint measures). Can Maintenance crews reach the lights without further equipment (e.g ladders).
It is a difficult one, but Training and Instruction should not be the ONLY control measure on offer..
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Rank: New forum user
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In one of my past lives it was common practice for the use of an OTC for such access. The crane concened had exposed long- & cross-travel shafts, a platform as secure foothold, but inadequate guardrail for the purpose. Obviously those defects were rectified. Control was by pendant, normally used at ground level when in production use. Access to the crane was by vertical hooped ladder.
Personnel required to maintain lighting, using the crane were provided with a written System of Work which had been devised for the specific tasks of accessing & using the crane. As well as the physical control measures, it was decided to allow the men to control the long travel themselves by taking the pendant onto the platform. (Supply to the cross travel was isolated totally as part of the job prep. procedure)
Hope this helps,
Bruce2
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks guys for taking the time to have a look and for posting your thoughts, I've taken note. Appreciate it.
Thanks
jomo
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