02.02.2011

The right tool for the job

This photo is a classic case of renting the wrong machine for the job from a site somewhere in the USA.

The information provided with this photo is minimal, so all we know is that it was taken recently in a southern state – Texas? Florida? It shows two men working on reinforcing bars for a concrete pillar. The two are equipped with all the right gear, including hi-vis vests, hard hats and even harnesses – and an aerial work platform.
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A metre short and is that the control box he is standing on?

However……. The lift they have rented is a 19ft electric slab scissor lift – with a working height of 25ft/7.5m totally unsuited to such work, if for no other reason the work is at 28ft/8.5m, at least a metre higher than the machines capability.

The work appears to involve welding and it looks like the two have a large lead spiralling up from the ground.

The solution to reach the work? Not stop and find a more suitable machine such as a boom lift. No that would be too easy.. So the old standby of standing on the top guardrail does the job. With rebar around, welding and his precarious perch this definitely qualifies as a Death Wish.

Vertikal Comment

While most people pulling this stunt will get away with it - especially on a scissor lift where they are usually up against something they can hang onto, one wonders what sort of planning went into this contract?

These men are kitted out with all the PPE kit so someone on site cares ..or wants it to look like they care – about health and safety and yet this sort of practice goes on. You can be sure too that it is not a one-off, few buildings like this have just one pillar.