15.10.2005

Bad examples at APEX

During the recent APEX show a surprising number of bad, even dangerous practices were pointed out to us. With the risk of upsetting those who were guilty, (you know who you are) of allowing less than best practice on their stand, here are some examples.

The point of the exercise is that we all, as an industry, aim to do better next time. Harnesses should be available if Boom lifts are to be used, (some manufacturers demonstrating boom lifts did not even have a harnesses with them!), Outriggers on larger units should be well shored with adequately sized pads.

We have taken steps to avoid identifying the guilty parties, the point is not who was caught out as there were planty of opportunities more that we all think about setting good examples next time round.

Perhaps IPAF should issue an award for the stands setting the best safety examples for the visitors? And award wooden spoon for those who most need to improve?

Lets all remember that we are in the safety business!

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A number of exhibitors took customers up in big booms without harnesses, at least here there was no cantilever effect as we have a demonstration.

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A Nylon outrigger foot half on half off of a gloss surface???

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A few exhibitors set up large truck mounts without shoring. In this case, the operator extended the outriggers from a narrow base to take a customer up in a big boom and could not be bothered to move the outrigger pads!

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This one caps the lot! not only did the operator not have a harness on, BUT he clearly felt he needed a better view!!!