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  • Registered: 04-09-2009
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Topic: Do we need a high reach register?

This is a subject that has been the source of much discussion, numerous comments and innumerable phone calls since the idea was first suggested in Construction Equipment's Demolition Digest (http://www.constructionequipment.com/bl … 51056.html) and again on the front page of Demolition News (http://www.demolitionnews.com/2009/12/0 … -register/).
To recap, following a spate of accidents and fatalities, the UK's Health and Safety Executive has created a register of tower cranes that, among other things, ensures that tower cranes are inspected and maintained regularly and correctly.  With high reach machines now matching some tower cranes for height, is this a concept that the demolition industry should adopt?

  • Registered: 09-12-2009
  • Posts: 1

Re: Do we need a high reach register?

Dear Sir

I own a Hitachi ZX470 high reach machine and feel that all the register would do is give the high and mighty NFDC a reason to form a register and make it that you could only use these machines if you were either trained or registered with them, and on that basis, I do not feel that a register would be appropriate.

Kind regards

Bob Finch

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  • Registered: 04-09-2009
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Re: Do we need a high reach register?

Hi Bob,

And thanks for taking the time to comment.   You make a valid point but - in the case of the Tower Crane Register - it is overseen and policed by the Health and Safety Executive, not by a trade association.

My personal opinion is that, if a register were created, it would need to be totally independent and transparent.

Mark

  • Registered: 14-12-2009
  • Posts: 4

Re: Do we need a high reach register?

Mark,
I don't feel that a register will work as HSE do not have the resources to police it and I don't feel that owners of theses machines need to be checked that are keeping them in test. if you spent £750K on a machine you would make sure that it was in test and used correctly.

  • Jaef
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  • Registered: 23-11-2009
  • Posts: 3

Re: Do we need a high reach register?

Bob
I am unsure of your post. You seem to imply that some would want to use the machines without training etc. I am sure I have misunderstood but would be interested to know what would be appropriate as to ensuring safety etc...?

  • Registered: 27-02-2010
  • Posts: 2

Re: Do we need a high reach register?

OK ALL THIS TALK OF REGISTERS AND HIGHREACH GUIDANCE BUT HAS ANYONE GIVE A THOUGHT TO THE GUYS DOING THE JOB?WE ALL APPLAUD THE BLASTERS AND THE TOP-DOWN MEN BUT  WHAT ABOUT THE GUYS TAKING DOWN THESE 50M+ BUILDINGS FROM GROUND LEVEL AND THEY NEVER GET A MENTION.THE GUYS ON THESE BIG RIGS ARE NOT JUST OPERATORS BUT ALSO VERY CLEVER ENGINEERS AS THEY CAN TAKE THESE STRUCTURES DOWN LIKE A WORK OF ART AND REALLY CAN READ THE BUILDING,THERE IS PLENTY WHO WANT TO DO THIS JOB BUT ONLY A HANDFULL WHO CAN.THE INDUSTRY NEEDS TO LISTEN TO THESE PEOPLE AND NOT JUST THE MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS AND INDUSTRY GROUPS.
NEXT TIME YOU SEE A BIG DEMO-RIG IN ACTION JUST THINK COULD YOU DO A BETTER JOB YOURSELF?A MACHINE IS GREAT BUT ITS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE GUY IN THE SEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • Registered: 04-09-2009
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Re: Do we need a high reach register?

You make a very valid point but it is precisely these guys (the operators) that the industry should be working to protect - If for one would hate to see an accident injuring or killing one of these very good operators purely because someone (not necessarily his employer) had taken one too many shortcuts on the maintenance and repair of the machine.

I also believe that a guidance should be helpful to operators, not a hindrance.  That said, I would certain question whether we need three (at least) sets of the same guidance: http://www.demolitionnews-forum.com/top … -guidance/

  • Registered: 12-06-2010
  • Posts: 3

Re: Do we need a high reach register?

I agree with sweffler, the machine is only as good as the operator, i also dont agree with the NFDC. ok fair enough they want to stop cowboys an the likes, i dont see them doing much in my area, their is one company wich has had 14 YES 14 different names in 10 years and they ar real cowboys, they buirey asbestos were ever they go, back fill basements need i say more, all i want to do is a good days work then be paid. is that to much to ask

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Re: Do we need a high reach register?

Sadly, getting paid for a good day's work is one of the greatest challenges in this industry today.   Unfortunately, all too often, demolition contractors find themselves at the financial mercy of larger and supposedly reputable main contractors who publicly admit that they've pushed out standard payment terms to 60 and even 90 days.

Quite how demolition contractors are supposed to keep their machine fleet up-to-date and maintained and their workforce trained against that background is beyond me.

  • Registered: 08-02-2011
  • Posts: 19

Re: Do we need a high reach register?

As others have already said:

You dont invest that kind of money and not look after it.
Operators of these machines are the vital links and they do look after their machines.
The HSE wouldnt be able to police it.
The NFDC would love to get their hands on it as it would be yet another cash cow to add to the already expanding herd!
The guidance should be there to help not to hinder.

  • Registered: 08-06-2011
  • Posts: 2

Re: Do we need a high reach register?

You seem to imply that some would want to use the machines without training etc. I am sure I have misunderstood but would be interested to know what would be appropriate as to ensuring safety etc...?


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