Wondered what the view is on here about quick hitches. They've been copping a lot of flak lately, particularly after the accident on the DLR recently.
There's some talk of a ban on semi-automatic quick hitches which would surely mean half the industry would grind to a halt...
In my opinion there is nothing wrong with the quick hitches it is the people who claim to be operators that are causing the problems.
I have been operating machines for over 25 yrs but I still treat the operation of attaching a bucket to a quick hitch with a lot of attention.
I have seen drivers trying to go too fast and slewing a machine before the hitch is fully engaged! A very dangerous practice indeed !
I feel semi auto Q-Hitches should be phased out from a production perspective, but to ban the ones that are already in use would prove to be difficult to enforce.
It would be very difficult, and they might have a riot on their hands if they tried it!
As you say, responsibility is with the operators. Maybe the Skanska accident will be a wake-up call, though the Construction Plant-hire Association has been banging on about using quick hitches safely for ages.
There is nothing wrong with the "semi-automatic" quick hitch if the manufacturer's instructions are followed to the letter. It is the operator who needs to remove him/herself from the cab and physically check that all is well.
Much of the problem lies with the paucity of training and the current view that the employers will get on with what's required regarding any legislation. What has happened thus far regarding semi automatic quick hitches is the HSE and its proxy trade associations and confederations claim to have moved for a ban on manufacture, as that is what industry requests.
Industry was not consulted, neither were the huge swell of 360 operators who operate their machines in a safe and competent manner. I am lucky to have the benefit of 46 years experience on roped and hydraulic 360 excavators and feel I understand the theoretical and practical applications of 180 and 360 machines.
As with many of the decisions which affect plant operators and manufacturers the decision makers are not occupationally competent themselves, though this will not change as the so called, "major stakeholders," jostle for position with the HSE. The major argument for the ban on semi automatic quick hitches has been the, "forseeability of risk."
Nothing is said of the failings of the fully automatic version which is by no means "fail to safe." What will be the next equipment that is deemed a foreseeable risk? Will the telescopic handler without the "low profile boom" fitted be deemed too much of a hazard in the all round visibility of the operator and receive a manufacturing ban.
Any such suggestion would incur the wrath of the major manufacturers worldwide. There has not been a single incident/accident in the operation of the semi automatic quick hitch where the manufacturer's requirements have been followed. Nowhere worldwide.
I agree with Iceman's comment regarding the bad practice demonstrated by some operators, though much of site management bears a considerable responsibility regarding this issue.
I agree with Sustainer, forseeability is a factor – but almost anything can be used in a dangerous fashion (3,000 deaths on our roads each year). And while buckets and attachments won’t fall off if the hitch is used correctly, fatalities are not caused by a falling buckets alone.
At the simplest level there are two fundamental problems: operators not using semi-automatic quick hitchs correctly; and other site workers being underneath the bucket or attachment when an accidental separation occurs.
Let’s face it if a bucket falls off and simply ends up in the trench, that isn’t a big problem - although it should be a serious warning! But if people are allowed to work beneath the excavator and a bucket falls off, then you have a tragedy on your hands.
This subject will only get the full attention of employers when one is prosecuted because they haven’t ensured their operators are correctly trained, their workers stay away from dangerous situations (ie working beneath a bucket) and that their site managers are checking compliance.
Yes, A very good summary Sustainer, I agree with everything you have written!
Some excellent and true comments about the "pen pushers" who have no practical ability at all! There are a lot of them on site these days fresh out of college or university and they just don't have a clue about machinery or how we go about a job, Grrrr !
Sustainer:It is the operator who needs to remove him/herself from the cab and physically check that all is well.
I agree completely Sustainer, but why do you think there are operators failing to get out and physically check? As you say, a lot has to do with training, but I'm saddened to think there may be a few bad apples spoiling the barrel i.e. incompetent operators too lazy to have a look.
Say it isn't so!
Demolitionman - did you mean to say wimpy operators or Wimpey operators?
I've been invited to the CPA hosted safety forum 16 January 2009, which is concentrating on the semi automatic quick hitch. This is the first time industry has been formally consulted about the issue.
The 2008 decisions to "ban" the manufacture of semi automatic hitches were as the result of the HSE and a few, carefully hand-picked trade associations. Although the gathering is best intentioned I fear they now realise that the 2007/8 consultation was woefully inadequate and they fear egg on the face.
I will give all subscribers some feedback tomorrow evening. I'm praying that there will be some seasoned 360 operators in the audience.
Yes, keep us posted Sustainer.
Sustainer:I've been invited to the CPA hosted safety forum 16 January 2009, which is concentrating on the semi automatic quick hitch.
Hi Sustainer - wondered if anything interesting came up at the forum?
Me too!
I hope everything is ok with Sustainer... he's not been on here for ages!
Thanks for the prompt guys, I've been heavily involved in training hence the delay in responding.
The Safety Forum on Quick Hitches was well attended and for the first time had a good spread of occupations/organisations represented. We even had 3 x active 360 operators in the audience who could give their particular view from the operators' seat. ne guy in particular, who was an owner/operator gave freely of his time and experience and everybody benefited from the audience.
It became clear very quickly that the HSE, CPA, CECA and manufacturers were a trite uncomfortable with the comments in support of the semi automatic variant. The manufacturers have clearly decided to opt for the fully automatic in the long term and let the semi auto version fade out. Naturally the manufacturers don't want to miss the boat and appear to be seeking maximum commercial advantage with the fully automatic. Interestingly JCB still export semi automatic hitches to Australia and elsewhere because there is no ban.
On the point of the initial woeful lack of consultation with industry by the HSE and CPA, it is still apparent that the "hitch" manufacturers are also outside the decision making process with British, and European standards ! If the meeting achieved anything it was the move to end the cosy little decision making clubs that exist inside the M25.
Along with the CJ's "ConstructionSpace" website we are opening the debate, not only on quick hitches, but training, and a mass of other site specific problems. As was pointed out to the HSE they made their decision based on the, "forseeability of risk" with semi automatic hitches. Interestingly one plant operator in the audience raised his concern that on the latter format the HSE would consider banning Telescopic handlers that do not have a low profile boom. (4 x telescopic handler fatalities in the last 15 months).
12 to 15 strng working group will now examine the role of operators, gangers, foremen, site managers and clients. Sadly the HSE still seem aloof and unable to interact with industry.
Sustainer:We even had 3 x active 360 operators in the audience who could give their particular view from the operators' seat
Nice to see they asked the operators for a change!
Cheers for that update.
Yeah, thanks for the update Sustainer.
Good to see you back on the forum.
Sustainer:The manufacturers have clearly decided to opt for the fully automatic in the long term and let the semi auto version fade out.
Sorry - but why is this such a problem?
If all operators used semi-automatic quick hitches correctly, then fine, but unfortunately they do not, as various accidents have demonstrated.
Unfortunately we have to make rules NOT for the majority who operate their machines safely and correctly, but for the minority who don't.
Besides - it's not as if the proposed ban on semi-automatics will apply to those already in use.
I really cannot see how this will inconvenience operators, and I can only see it making sites safer in the long term.
Goldie,
On the face of it removing the semi auto variant is a very good idea. However you should be aware that current auto versions do not fail to safe. If an operative fails to insert a pin in a semi then there is a visible prompt that all is not well. There is no such telltale on a fully auto.
We operate a fleet of approx 40 semi autos, modified to prevent complete removal of the pin, and with the pin painted red. This was a considered decision brought about by a need for a true failsafe, but one which relies on correct operation. We have trained all of our operators in correct use, and have made our supervisors aware of how to detect incorrect use.
I don't understand the HSE viewpoint when their normal approach is to look for underlying and root causes, on the premise that more accidents are prevented by addressing them. Ask yourself what accidents can arise from an operator not being trained, not working to manufacturers instructions, not inspecting his equipment; or from a supervisor not knowing or recognising safe practice or not supervising; or from others being unaware of or entering a high risk area.
The semi automatic quick hitch is showing us a wide range of problems in plant operation and we are in danger of using a band-aid approach as a solution. The semi automatic is not the problem but how we all (management, supervision and operative) choose to use them.