Incident, defect and emergency response
Domain 8 tests what you do when something goes wrong: defects, near misses, power failure, jammed platforms, rope damage, fire and typhoons.
Defects and near misses
- Stop, tag DO NOT USE, report to the competent person and record it in the log.
- A near miss is reported; it is free information about a failing system.
- Accidents and dangerous occurrences are notifiable to the Labour Department; the site's accident reporting procedure and the Employees' Compensation Ordinance timelines also apply.
Power failure
- Keep calm and keep the platform balanced; do not attempt to climb the ropes.
- Use the manufacturer's manual lowering or brake-release system, operated by a trained person, usually with a second person at the roof.
- Call for help and follow the rescue plan; keep everyone attached to the safety rope.
Jammed platform
- Stop; do not force the hoist. Identify the obstruction - wall fixing, scaffold, rope twist, roller.
- Free it only if it can be done safely from the platform; otherwise lower or raise to a clear level.
- If the platform cannot be moved, evacuate to an adjacent floor only if it is safe and authorised.
Rope damage
- Stop immediately; do not run to the nearest floor if the rope is badly damaged.
- Evacuate, tag the platform and replace the rope; the rope is not repaired on site.
Fire
- Raise the alarm, move the platform away from smoke, land and evacuate by the designated route; use an extinguisher only on a small fire with a clear escape.
Typhoon and rainstorm
- On signal No. 8 or black rainstorm, stop work, lower the platform, secure the rig and counterweights, tie down loose items and isolate power.
- After the event, a competent person inspects before use; ropes, rig and anchors are checked for damage.
Worked example
The platform stops between floors in rising wind and will not respond to the pendant. The crew keeps harnesses attached, radios the roof, and the trained supervisor uses the manual descent to bring the platform to the ground. The platform is then tagged for investigation.
Traps
- Trying to repair at height.
- Climbing out onto the structure without a plan.
- Leaving a platform suspended during a typhoon.
- Restarting after a typhoon without inspection.