Standard Outrigger Pad Use Policies Improve Safety
Many crane rental companies and DICA customers often report having standard policies in place regarding the use of outrigger pads or crane pads. DICA recommends using outrigger pads or cranes pads every time outriggers are deployed.
The recent article, “Experienced but not competent?” on page 41 in the October 2016 issue of Cranes & Access magazine reports:
“It would be nice to say that the incidence of equipment overturns was falling. However, in spite of the efforts of operators to always use mats under outriggers, the number of incidents seems to be as prevalent as ever.
Looking at last month’s news stories on Vertikal.net, there were five overturning reports of which three – two crane and one truck mounted platform – were directly related to outrigger set up or ground conditions.”
Situations like this stabilizer punch through are 100% preventable. They simply require the correct sizing and use of appropriately designed, constructed and sized outrigger pads or crane pads.The article further states that even experienced crane operators sometimes forego their use. Following a recent incident where an unsupported outrigger punched through pavement causing the crane boom to strike the roof of a building, U.K.-based crane rental firm Blade Access has since implemented “Specific Point Loading Education on why additional ground protection is required.”
Likewise, late last year, WorkCover, a health and safety organization in Australia, issued a safety alert recommending: “Employers should provide operators with sufficient training instruction and supervision for them to make an informed decision as to what ground support is required.”
An example from the WorkCover safety alert of how an outrigger punched through the surface crust into soft ground.Please see the following links for more information on proper outrigger pad and crane pad setup.