HSE takes enforcement action against Select Plant Hire Company Ltd - 15 June 2007

This week the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) served a Prohibition Notice on Select Plant Hire Company Ltd of Dartford, Kent. The Notice required them, with immediate effect, to cease all climbing (e.g. lowering or raising) of tower cranes by use of climbing frame systems unless the work is conducted by people who have adequate training specific to the type of frame in use.

HSE has taken this action following the collapse of a tower crane in Croydon, London on Saturday 2 June 2007. HSE’s investigation has established that the top section of the crane had not been connected to the climbing frame. HSE continues to investigate this incident.

The Notice covers all of Select’s tower cranes and stops them from climbing tower cranes using inadequately trained staff. The notice will not stop Select from operating their fleet of tower cranes or from carrying out climbing operations. However they can only use fully trained and experienced teams to do this.

Cranes can be erected and operated safely provided they are properly erected according to manufacturers’ instructions and by appropriately trained staff. They must also be used by people who are appropriately trained and familiar with the equipment. There is an ongoing responsibility for operators to properly maintain their equipment and to have cranes regularly examined.

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