Articulated Tipper Overturn
ACTIVITY:
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS / DELIVERY
TITLE
Articulated Tipper Overturn
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
An articulated tipper was delivering aggregate (dust) to a site, when the tipper section collapsed during discharge of the material. The tipper body fell onto an adjacent storage bay wall, which prevented the vehicle tractor unit from overturning. Whilst no person was injured, the site loading shovel was operating in the area when the collapse occurred. Damage was limited primarily to the trailer unit.
Initial investigations indicate that the main cause of this incident was poorly loaded material at the supplying site. The load is believed to have been loaded more to the front and near-side of the tipper, causing the imbalance when the tipper ram was extended.
Tipper overturns are not uncommon within the industry. A recent incident in another quarry nearly ended in a fatality when a tipper overturned onto an adjacent vehicle crushing the cab.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
The following precautions should be in place to prevent a recurrence:
? Suitable area to tip – Are site tipping
areas clearly demarcated, with
appropriate notices/warning signage,
and located on suitable firm level
ground? Are tipping areas inspected
and maintained? Are tipping areas
free from overhead obstructions such
as power or telephone cables? Do
drivers check the tipping area? Are
drivers aware of the risks of overturn
and the need for firm level tipping
areas?
? Safety zone around tipping
operations – Are arrangements in
place to exclude people and other
vehicles from the immediate area
during tipping? Are there rules in
place and have they been clearly
communicated? Do drivers know not
to tip unless the area is clear?
? Correct loading of tippers – Do mobile
plant operatives/drivers ensure that
loads are loaded evenly? Are they
aware of the potential consequences
of uneven loading? Are loads checked
by the driver prior to leaving to ensure
even loading?
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
ACTIVITY:
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS / DELIVERY
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