Safety Alert: Crane boom almost contacts high voltage powerline

Date of incident: 22/11/2021

Description:

A Franna crane was used to transport an aerator from one lagoon to another, when it came very close to contacting an overhead high voltage powerline.

Contributing Factors:

• Spotter not directly spotting
• Synthetic sling too long for task required
• Crane boom too high and extended for travelling task under HV powerline
• 048 not completed correctly (risk assessment)
• Crane driver could not see powerlines
• No load restraint used
• Incorrect process for aerator cable/s placement while travelling

Preventive Actions:

• A spotter must spot only for the plant and equipment in use and not perform other tasks
• Correct slinging of load/s
• Follow training and procedures; SOP 086 working near overhead or underground services
• Task discussion and job site walk over, complete risk assessment in a group environment

Ongoing Safe Actions

• At no stage shall a spotter perform other tasks while spotting.