08.07.2009

Liverpool crane recovery begins

Two big All Terrain cranes, a Demag AC700 and a Liebherr LTM1500-8.1, arrived on site today along with a Liebherr MK100 self erecting mobile tower crane, to recover the fallen tower crane. All three were supplied by Ainscough Crane Hire.

No actual recovery work was completed yesterday, with most of the day spent on inspections, preparation and planning. Wind was also a factor.
Please register to see all images

The three cranes prepare themselves for the tricky job of recovering the fallen tower crane

Please register to see all images

The Liebherr MK100 self erecting mobile, hovers over the fallen crane

Please register to see all images

The Demag AC700 sets up with Superlift

Please register to see all images

Inspections were carried out from a crane basket

Vertikal Comment

One surprise was the access equipment used for the inspections, a fairly rustic looking platform suspended from one of the cranes. It does not appear to meet many of the international standards set out for this type of equipment and given that the height of the fallen crane is in the 25 to 30 metre range, one would have though that a truck mounted aerial lift might have been used.

However it is easy to be an armchair critic, it is of course entirely possible that space limitations meant that the suspended platform was the most practical solution.

That does not change the fact that the platform does not look up to the job with no midrail and no overhead protection. A shame given the that the rest of the approach seems so proffessional.

Following publication of the above article Ainscough sent us a few more details on the use of the platform, reffering to our comments above. The full text of which follow:

Ainscough comments:

"In response to your comments we wish to confirm:

- Our plan which included access and egress to the tower crane using a man basket was approved by the HSE, all safety issues were addressed, and indeed the HSE representative and the client’s Health and Safety Director were in the man basket reported upon.

- Use of a MEWP was considered during the planning of the operation, however this would have put our personnel and HTC in an un-safe condition, hence our decision to opt for the mobile tower crane.

- The EN standard has been revoked "

At Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd. we are committed to the highest standards of health and safety, so I am sure you will understand our grave concern at any suggestion that our equipment does not meet appropriate standards.

I do hope you will accept this note in the spirit it is intended - a well natured attempt to provide information to correct any suggestion that our equipment does not comply with appropriate standards.