This accident was completely my fault. My outrigger was to close to the basement. However, I felt it was my only place to set up for this module home I was supposed to piece together. It is a 14 ton crane w/ a maximum tip height of 113' with the jib and stinger out. I tested my outriggers holding capacities by leaning the boom over to 35 degrees at 3 o'clock. It held... so when I got a 1200 pound load on at 60 degrees at 3 o'clock, it started to come down. My outrigger was sinking fast. I immediately dropped the load and started swinging my boom in hopes to regain the center of gravity. Well, let's just say catching the center of gravity never happened. I knew it was time to bail when the crane got to about half way down to reaching the ground. This little mishap made me a very safe crane operator.... they're not toys. Thanks,<deleted> <name omitted>> Crane Service Comment by Peeks: Attempting to swing the load back to the center of gravity actually worked against you. The torque of the swing only threw more weight on the already sinking outriggers. Want Proof: Set your crane up on solid, level ground with the outriggers fully extended and the pads down. Fully retract the boom and set at about 45 degrees with no load on the hook. Next, swing around to 3 o'clock. Raise the two pads on the side your boom is facing about 3 inches off the ground. Next, make a few somewhat sudden swings each way while watching the pads. Yep, they'll take a dip every time. Tip: If at all possible, keep your load low to the ground in such situations. |
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