Dropped scaffolding fitting

Cause & Consequence

• Moving, flying or falling object
• Handling, lifting or carrying

Description of Process

Erection of scaffolding.

Description of Incident

A scaffolding team were preparing to erect a small platform on the top of the pipe deck gantry crane and had carried a bag of fittings up to the uppermost platform of the crane. As the scaffolder laid the bag of fittings on the top platform next to the handrail, a fitting (weight 832g) fell from the bag and over the kickboard of the platform they were standing on, it carried on over the pipe deck handrail onto the roof of a unit part of a Thermomechanical Cuttings Cleaner below (estimated 25m fall, with 208.4 joules of energy).

Findings:

• Non-compliance with procedures with respect to Area Tech site visits
• Drop hazard identified but not considered for site preparation activities
• Gantry crane not parked/isolated in the safest or most convenient location
• Scaffolding fitting bags are open topped, not cover to prevent drops
• The pipe deck gantry crane does not have infill panels on the handrails

Good Practice Guidance

• Always follow procedures
• Assessment of mobile and moving equipment with respect to drops prevention when in different locations
• Review scaffolding fittings bag design for improvement opportunities
• Carry out a dynamic risk assessment prior to starting any job