HSE issues mast climber safety alert

The Health and Safety Executive has issued an alert over a serious technical fault on mast climber work platforms which could lead to them collapsing on site.

Safety experts have discovered some types of mast climber, which rely on two independent motor drive units per mast as the means to prevent the platform falling with overspeed, are not fitted with suitable and sufficient controls to manage this risk.

The HSE said: “This means work platforms could fall from height where mechanical faults in drive units go undetected. If not rectified quickly, the fault could cause serious injury or even death.”

Contractors must urgently check all mast climbers in use have adequate drive unit controls.

If not, they must withdraw the machines from use immediately for upgrading and further checks.

To read a full version of the safety alert click here.

The relevant section in the CIP Construction H&S Manual remains up to date.