Incident alert
ACTIVITY:
TRANSPORT / DELIVERY
DATE ISSUED:
12/10/2017 12:21:43
TITLE
Bulk Tipper Trailer Ram Failure
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT DETAILS
Whilst a load was being discharged from a bulk tipper onto a storage pad, the top ram mounting bolts failed. This resulted in the unsupported trailer body falling approximately 15 metres onto the chassis and the tipping ram striking the top of tractor unit cab.
Fortunately, no one was injured: Although substantial damage was caused to the chassis and tractor unit.
Underlying Causation:
- Tipper ram was fully extended
- Load was not free-flowing
- Driver moved trailer < 2metres to discharge load
- Tipper ram was not connected to trailer
- 4 mechanical fasteners had failed (2 had sheared off and there was evidence of metal fatigue, 2 had stripped off nyloc nuts from threads)
- Trailer was first registered 07.11.13
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
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Final Ram Position
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Trailer Tipper Ram Mountings
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
Learning Points
- Two of the mechanical fasteners showed evidence of metal fatigue
- The inspection and maintenance regime had been ineffective
- Fixings are not part of the mandatory Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) inspection regime
Ensure that any inspection and maintenance regime, takes into account other critical components that are not part of a mandatory VOSA inspection regime; in this case, the ram top mounting fasteners.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
Trailer Tipper Ram Mountings
Click image to enlarge
Top of Tipper Ram Mounting Plate
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