22.01.2021

Boom on fire

A number of you have sent us copies or links to the video below of a boom lift that caught fire after the operator took it too close to overhead power lines.

What you do next in such a situation can make the difference between life and death. In this case the operator did absolutely the right thing - whether by accident or prior knowledge - he stood clear of the controls and waited. Those on the ground who rushed up with fire extinguishers were also stopped from spraying the stricken machine, until the power was confirmed as have been shut down.

We are not sure when and where this happened - although it looks very familiar! - did we cover it before? - But either way we believe that the calm approach taken by those on the scene meant that no one was even hurt in the incident. Just a shame that the level headedness did not extend to working so close to power lines - if it had it the entire incident could have been avoided in the first place.

Have a safe weekend.