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High potential near-miss: Failure in safety gate

Step Change in Safety has published the following safety alert regarding a near miss incident in which there was a potentially very serious failure of a safety gate at height.  During a routine inspection, whilst stepping from a ladder onto a gantry, the crewman performing the inspection discovered that the safety gate bar was adrift from its hinge bracket.  The crewman narrowly avoided a fall.  He replaced the gate bar and immediately reported the event. There were no injuries.

Investigation revealed that a retaining plate and bolt were missing due to the bolt working its way loose.  The bar was repaired immediately.  Ongoing checks of all such safety gates took place to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.  In the long term, a review was arranged of the maintenance strategy of the safety gates.

The full report can be found at stepchangeinsafety.net/safer-conversations/safety-alerts/near-miss-high-potential-failure-safety-gate-bar.

Members may wish to refer to the following incidents (search words: gate, failure):

Safety Event

Published: 29 November 2016
Download: IMCA SF 34/16

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