20.11.2013
Man rescued from scissor lift
A man operating a scissor lift at Los Angeles International Airport yesterday was rescued from a potential crushing incident by quick thinking colleagues.
The man, 22, was working near Gate 83 in centre of Terminal 8 – the United Airlines gates – when inadvertent operation of the machine caused him to be pinned against an overhead obstacle. While we do not have the precise details we are told that his colleagues were able to use the lower controls on the base of the machine to release him.
The emergency services were called and the man was taken to hospital with minor injuries to his back and torso. Terminal 8 is a relatively small low level gate area, and the scissor lifts used rarely lift more than a metre or two from their stowed position.
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LAX- Los Angeles Terminal 8 - file shot
Vertikal Comment
While it is unfortunate that this incident occurred at all, what is encouraging is that those below knew exactly what to do in this situation. There have been too many examples in the past of those below struggling to help, while the man above loses his life. It indicates how important it is for those working below to be briefed, and ideally trained on rescue procedures.
Bill: Did you read the article? It clearly states that his colleagues "were able to use the lower controls on the base of the machine to rescue him." Where does it suggest there needs to be more visible lowering controls on machines?
What we need is proper training in the first place. Then we need operators who pay attention while they are working.
Garry Blandford
Alternatively fit a Tier 1 system that stops the crush incident in the first place
Hans Aarse
Typical low level access application by the way and yes in agreement with Bill
Barecat
maybe the industry and the authorities should start thinking about a more uniform E-lowering system or at least a more visible / clearly marked handle so almost everybody would be able to lower an access platform.