The Health & Safety Executive has warned of the dangers of handling top-heavy electrical equipment on site. The warning follows a death at Canary Wharf, London. Cormac Nordon, director of Arnold Control Systems was killed in August 2001 when an electrical panel fell on him during installation.

The accident happened as Nordon lifted one end of a panel off its timber bearer. Before it could be lowered to the floor the panel toppled backwards onto him. He died from severe head injuries.

Andrew Beal, HM Inspector of health and safety says: 鈥淭he inquest emphasises that those involved with the design, manufacture, selection and installation of heavy electrical equipment should consider the risks from overturning during transportation and manual handling.鈥� Steps can be taken to reduce the risk. They include:

  • specifying equipment in which heavy internal parts have been installed at low level and which have suitable jacking points, bottom-located lift points or top-fixed lifting eyes;
  • warning signs alerting the handler of a high centre of gravity and suitable lifting procedures;
  • avoidance of manual handling techniques where, if there is sudden movement, the equipment may be unstable;
  • use of suitable mechanical handling aids.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor