15.11.2013
Modulift warns on beam use
Modular spreader beam manufacturer Modulift, has issued a warning about the misuse of one of its large Mod 110 beams on the massive Gorgon Gas Project in Western Australia.
It seems that a rigging team attached a load via slings and shackles to end eyes of the beam but then attached the beam to the crane hook via two canvas slings choked onto the beam creating a massive bending motion in the beam which then snapped the bolts in the centre joint – thankfully before the load got too high.
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The incorrect rigging broke the back of the beam
The Modulift statement is as follows:
“You may have heard about a Mod 110 Spreader Beam being incorrectly used at the Gorgon Project, the photos attached show the result of improper assembly, and how not to use a Spreader Beam!”
“As a valued Modulift customer I hope you don't mind me bringing this to your attention, we just wanted to take this opportunity to reiterate the importance of User Instructions. Although issued at time of purchase, if you require a copy of the User Instructions at any stage, we are more than happy to provide.”
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The correct way to rig a spreader beam
Vertikal Comment
How something like this happened on a project that we are told requires a 15 day induction period during which you are certified, spot checked and challenge tested before being allowed on site. It would seem that no skills check is required. And this was not the work of one man who made an error the crane operator and several others in the rigging crew must have seen this occur?
Jaimie Leggo
Here is a typical example of the difference between quality training/VOCs versus the cheapest quote. Time and time again we hear and see major companies taking the cheapest quote to cut costs which will only result in incompetent training. Major questions that corporations need to be asking training providers are how many people were deemed not yet competent on their certificate of competence/or VOCs to find out if they are another tick and flick, "she'll be right mate" provider.
Until this practise changes incidents like the above and many more will continue to happen also putting countless lives at risk for the sake of saving a few dollars. If certain bodies took the time to work out the costings of a fatality or serious incident/accident, they would soon realise this is not the path that any corporation should be heading down.
Jaimie Leggo
Chief Executive Officer
Australian High Risk Training
0892774242
[email protected]
When a spreader beam is attached that way, it breake all the time. Like that you create an upward force in the middle and a downward force on both ends. Use a spreader beam correctly like the yellow one
Sherm
Although I might never have need to know about the effects presented in this article, I appreciate learning about this error.