Can the demolition industry take a leaf out of the crane sector’s book?
During the past five or so years, the demolition industry has seen (more than ) its fair share of guidance on the safe use of high reach, demolition specification excavators. The UK’s National Federation of Demolition Contractors led the way, followed by an NDA-badged version for the US market and then a stand-alone European edition from the European Demolition Association. A revised version of the original UK edition is currently being compiled.
At the same time, these organisations have started to set in place a set of training standards to back up these guidance notes and to ensure that only the very best, most experienced operators are allowed behind the levers of these highly specialised but potentially hazardous machines.
So we were intrigued to learn that the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has introduced a new decal to be placed onto cranes that states “Designated/Certified Operators ONLY”. The decal signifies that the machine should be operated only by personnel who have received employer certification of training and evaluation according to relevant OSHA standards.
“AEM and its member manufacturers are committed to fostering safe equipment operation and we have worked closely with OSHA for many years towards this end. This alliance is an example of our industry’s pro-active education and training efforts,” says AEM President Dennis Slater.
All of which set us thinking. Could the NFDC, EDA, IDE and NDA not agree on a similar scheme for high reach excavators?
Sure, it is JUST a sticker; and no, it won’t stop the determined lunatic from trying their hand at high reach excavator operation.
But it strikes us that this is a very cost-effective and highly-visible way of demonstrating the need for competence and relevant training and of providing a constant reminder of the need for best practice
