10.03.2009

Knowledge saves a life

A crane operator escaped injury yesterday in Chester, Connecticut, after his lattice crane boom came into contact with high tension – 23,000 volt power lines thanks to knowing to stay in his cab.

Local Police said the crane's boom and hook became trapped on the lines while working on the Chester Bridge yesterday morning.

Connecticut Light & Power crews were called to the scene and arranged to have the power to the line turned off allowing the operator to safely leave his cab.

An eye witness said: that the cranes boom swung into the power lines creating a shower of sparks. Workers on the ground all ran for cover. The operator remained in his cab for almost two hours before feeling all was safe.
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The crane boom entangled in the wires

The accident cut power to around half the town during the rescue and removal of the crane,

Vertikal Comment

This is a good example of the operator knowing exactly what to do and emerging form the crane totally unharmed, All too often in exactly the same circumstances the operator climbs down form the cab or jumps and the electricity immediately arcs through him to the ground.

The importance of remaining in the cab is the most important lesson, although if operators followed the training message of keeping their distance from power lines the situation would not arise in the first place.