14.11.2012
IPAF to convene anti-entrapment seminar
IPAF has invited leading UK contractors to a half day seminar on the subject of aerial work platform anti-entrapment systems and processes. Speakers will include Joy Jones, construction safety team manager, and Chris Wraith, IPAF technical officer.
“The seminar has been organised in response to the fast approaching deadlines set on some major projects in the UK for specific anti-entrapment devices to be fitted – IPAF wants to ensure that those involved in this process are aware of the very latest thinking on the best way to prevent entrapment of operators in aerial work platforms and can make informed decisions,” said Tim Whiteman, chief executive of IPAF.
The event is only open to senior directors and safety management of contractors and is by invitation only. It will present advice from the HSE about its views on the best ways to minimise the possibility of an operator risking entrapment while operating in a confined overhead space and review IPAF’s guidance on the subject. Other presentations will look at data available from IPAF’s accident reporting project and a review of available best practice.
IPAF’s half day seminar is free to invited delegates and will be held at the Sofitel Hotel, Terminal 5, Heathrow on the morning of 21st November. Contractors wishing to attend, or IPAF members wishing to nominate a particular contractor to be invited to the event, should email
[email protected]
USER ACCOUNT CLOSED
There has been a tried and tested solution in circulation for a number of years. It doesn’t involve electronics, special attachments or huge budgets. The instructions for use are relativley simple to follow, just as long as they are communicated, managed and enforced. Its technical description can be abbreviated to:
S.E.A.R.C.H
(S)urvey for E)ntrapment (A)bove, identify (R)isk and (C)ontrol the (H)azard
But most of us will simply know or refer to it as a site specific risk assessment / method statement.
Paul Richards
After such extensive coverage, including at the IPAF Strategic Forum, it is scarcely believable that this issue is still so confusing and misunderstood by so many, and has become so divisive to our industry - or is it ?
A look at page 33 of "Best Practice" will reveal that the 20-member + Working Group of the Strategic Forum, amongst other coincidences, consisted of as many vested interest members (2 including a Group Leader)as all access hire companies combined (also 2).
It is wrong to suggest that, at this late stage, the contractors are driving this issue. The contractors have, for several years, been "driven" to this point and the implications of all this to their wider membership have finally dawned on IPAF. It is encouraging that IPAF is now taking the initiative by engaging directly without commercial influence and interference.
Hopefully, IPAF will clear up some misconceptions and take this opportunity to explain that few of the devices, or "gadgets" as some disparagingly refer to them, that are promoted in this arena are anti-entrapment devices. They do not prevent entrapment and are fitted in an attempt to prevent sustained involuntary operation of the controls,effective (let's hope no-one ever has to put it to the test)in one position only and under a very specific set of circumstances.
Our own studies into entrapment have revealed that little,if any,recent evidence exists of entrapment in that particular position. We have discovered a few instances of - thankfully minor - injuries caused by entrapment against the front, side and rear rails of the platform. The global statistics from IPAF of 3 fatalities in 9 months (4 per annum worldwide) attributed to entrapment do not specify the circumstances.
Our research and development into anti-entrapment has therefore focused on the wider issue, and an accident-prevention system which will hopefully aid the avoidance of entrapment not just at the controls but in as many situations and eventualities as possible. This will be made available to all in the near future.
If anyone would like to discuss any aspect of this or any related matter, they are most welcome to contact me.
Paul Richards
Managing Director
Hi-Reach