JCB Fatality
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
TITLE
JCB Fatality
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
A fatality occurred when it was necessary to remove the gearbox from a JCB.
Investigations are on-going, it is believed that the wheels had been inadequately chocked allowing the machine to roll as the gearbox was being split from the engine.
On almost all mobile plant the parking brake is a disc type brake attached to the drive shaft. To remove the gearbox it would be necessary to disconnect the driveshaft thus effectively disconnecting the parking brake.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
The competence and training of anyone carrying out maintenance on mobile plant must be confirmed before allowing them to carry out any work. Maintenance manuals and the manufacturer’s guidance should always be followed; this should form the basis for the method statement for carrying out the task.
Where maintenance manuals are unavailable the machine manufacturer must be contacted for guidance.
Where there are no suitable facilities on site to carry out the required work, remove the machine to suitably equipped workshops.
Where the work requires the removal of any major component the vehicle should be worked on a level surface and the wheels chocked to prevent movement in all directions. Consider securing the vehicle further by using the transport tie down points and chains.
Where wheel chocks are used ensure that they are suitable and that they cannot slip on the floor surface. Never use chocks on loose or slippery surfaces. Full guidance on wheel chocking is found in the vehicle operators manual.
Avoid using ramps where access beneath the machine is required and instead the use of a service pit is the preferred choice.
Further information will be issued when investigations are completed.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
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