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Plant Hire Home Page > News > Semi-automatic quick-hitch ban? 131

Semi-automatic quick-hitch ban? 131

Posted on Friday, 03 October 2008 12:31PM by Editor
It has been revealed that main contractors are considering banning semi automatic quick hitches after manufacturers stop supplying them. The supply officially stops on the 1st of October when semi automatic quick-hitch mechanisms are not allowed on new machinery.

The Health and Safety Executive have approved manual and automatic quick hitches for use, the news only affects semi automatic hitches. John Knight, Mace operations director for environment, safety and health, stated that "you will see some of the main contractors banning or restricting the use of semi-automatic hitches and they will welcome the moves to be taken by the HSE."

The decision was taken due to the deaths of a number of workers by falling buckets over the past year. The semi-automatic hitches work around a manual safety pin and all of the incidents occurred when the pin was not inserted (or not inserted correctly) when the bucket was fixed to the excavator. John Knight goes on to say "from the talks I have had with main contractors, there has been a mixed response to the issues and awareness of the proposals.

There has been very little publicity outside of the HSE's website promoting the issues. Each of the main contractors have had experiences with quick-hitch incidents and have learnt lessons. But they have been looking for guidance from the HSE relating to the wider industry issues which they had little influence over. Major plant operators are better informed but have yet to agree on a policy."

It is worth noting that semi-automatic hitches will remain legal on existing and second hand plant equipment, and no retrospective action will be taken.
 
 
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