EXCAVATOR QUICK HITCH UPDATE

Industry experts meet to discuss excavator quick hitch issues

 

The construction industry Plant Safety Group has brought industry experts together to discuss the use of excavator quick hitches. The meeting on 16th January 2009 was attended by nearly 50 people, including manufacturers, operators, trades unions, principal contractors, safety specialists, clients, rental companies and HSE.  The quick hitch group now plans a number of actions:

  • Information will be gathered from quick hitch users by the Construction Equipment Association to contribute to re-writing the relevant European Standard, EN474;
  • Guidance on hire compay responsibilities regarding provision of equipment and information will be drafted by the Construction Plant-hire Associaton;
  • Best practice when using quick hitches will be drafted, including working practices, management and supervision issues as well as driver behaviour and competence;
  • Sources of supply of second-hand hitches in the UK will be tackled to ensure quick hitches are complete and appropriate information is passed on.

This article was posted on 28th January 2009 in ALL LATEST NEWS, EXCAVATORS.
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