11.05.2010

Tinted skylight warning

Energy Safe Victoria, Australia has issued a safety alert regarding visibility through some cab skylights in certain conditions. The warning relates largely to cranes and telehandlers.

The text of the brief alert is as follows:

“This hazardous condition was observed in the field as a Utility Transmission line crew was using a crane with a glass sun roof to allow better viewing of the load. As you can see by the pictures below, the overhead Transmission lines are not viewable through the glass. This optical illusion poses a significant risk to the operator and those working with the crane as the minimum approach distance may be violated.”
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The power lines were difficult to see through the glass

“This is the first time this has been observed with this type of equipment, owned equipment or equipment that we have rented. This safety alert is intended to make our workers aware of this possible hazard of glass sun roofs. This should be discussed during the job brief and if this condition exists, the glass should be removed if possible or additional spotters used when approaching minimum approach clearances.”
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A closer view

Vertikal Comment

There is not a great deal to add to this as it clearly alerts to a potential hazard, particularly in bright sun. It does though draw attention again to the dangers of working in the proximity of overhead cables and the need to be even more diligent.