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Mechanic Killed While Servicing Firetruck - What's Your Lockout Policy?
This is a Safety Orientated Discussion posted to ensure that we all have appropriate cab tilt lock out procedures and to generate discussion to help those who do not.
In the interest of life safety and being able to go home in the morning... TCSS, SB Mike
On August 19, 2008, an employee of Johnson Power Systems in Riverside was killed while servicing a fire truck. The employee was working under the raised cab of the apparatus when unobserved, the cab fell, crushing the worker. This notice has been prepared for the purpose of reviewing safety measures with all Department employees whose duties include working under the raised cab of apparatus. To prevent a repeat of this tragedy, mechanics and apparatus operators are required to ensure that proper procedures are being followed while such work is being performed. The attached instructions detail those procedures.
Currently, Cal/OSHA and the Riverside County Coroner’s Office are investigating to determine the cause of the incident. However, preliminary information (see attached article) indicates that the cab was lifted using the vehicle’s hydraulic system, but not locked in position. For some reason, the hydraulic system failed, allowing the cab to fall, causing the fatality. For this reason, “Lock Out” procedures have been developed and must be followed before employees begin work that places them in danger.
Fire Shops employees and any other employees working under the raised cab of apparatus are required to “block” or dissipate potential sources of harmful energy before beginning such work. In this case, it was the force of gravity in addition to the weight of the truck’s cab that caused the fatality. Regarding the death in Riverside, while additional information is forthcoming and may be useful, it is certain that adherence to proper procedures would have prevented this tragedy. Employees are to review Lock Out procedures to ensure their familiarity with such requirements and are instructed to employ the required safeguards at all times.
Employees are required to be familiar with the attached information on “raised cab” procedures.
Attachments: LACoFD “Raised Cab” LockOut Procedures for Fire Shops Mechanics
In the interest of life safety and being able to go home in the morning... TCSS, SB Mike
On August 19, 2008, an employee of Johnson Power Systems in Riverside was killed while servicing a fire truck. The employee was working under the raised cab of the apparatus when unobserved, the cab fell, crushing the worker. This notice has been prepared for the purpose of reviewing safety measures with all Department employees whose duties include working under the raised cab of apparatus. To prevent a repeat of this tragedy, mechanics and apparatus operators are required to ensure that proper procedures are being followed while such work is being performed. The attached instructions detail those procedures.
Currently, Cal/OSHA and the Riverside County Coroner’s Office are investigating to determine the cause of the incident. However, preliminary information (see attached article) indicates that the cab was lifted using the vehicle’s hydraulic system, but not locked in position. For some reason, the hydraulic system failed, allowing the cab to fall, causing the fatality. For this reason, “Lock Out” procedures have been developed and must be followed before employees begin work that places them in danger.
Fire Shops employees and any other employees working under the raised cab of apparatus are required to “block” or dissipate potential sources of harmful energy before beginning such work. In this case, it was the force of gravity in addition to the weight of the truck’s cab that caused the fatality. Regarding the death in Riverside, while additional information is forthcoming and may be useful, it is certain that adherence to proper procedures would have prevented this tragedy. Employees are to review Lock Out procedures to ensure their familiarity with such requirements and are instructed to employ the required safeguards at all times.
Employees are required to be familiar with the attached information on “raised cab” procedures.
Attachments: LACoFD “Raised Cab” LockOut Procedures for Fire Shops Mechanics
- Attachments:
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EA-531b.doc, 669 KB -
EA-531c.doc, 431 KB
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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While we have no policy, my job preforming PM and repairs on apparatus involves not only tilt cabs but engine cowls on conventional cabs. For me, I don't need OSHA, NFPA, CDC, or XYZ agencies telling me what is common sense. It's a no brainer. I don't even depend on the struts on the Chief's Excursion to stay. Always block or lock out.
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Permalink Reply by BillySFCVFD on
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I don't know how experienced that dead mechanic had but I'm sure there must have been a safety policy in place, it just wasn't enforced. Lackadaisical following of safety starts at the top and needs to be emphasized daily. I've seen that in my 36+ years in US Army mechanical maintenance and I pushed safety ever second. That mechanic could have been doing a "quick" adjustment and shortcutted safety "because it took too long". Lives are gone in an instant so where is the shortcut? The good 'ol boys in my VFD use what Oldman said, common sense. They are good "'ol" boys for a reason.
Mike- Is it still bikini season there? I miss SoCal. TCSS
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