![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](http://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
Prior training proves useful as unwell crane operator recovered from height
It has been reported that 20 members of the fire service have been involved in the rescue of a crane operator from the Durkan construction site at Kingsland Wharves, Hertford Road in Hackney.
Emergency services were called following reports that a man had collapsed in the cab of the crane 30m above ground. The crane access ladder was used to reach the driver and admininister first aid.
The firefighters then used rope lines and other “specialist rescue equipment” to move the driver from the crane to an adjoining crane and lowered him safely to the ground.
Training exercise provided for emergency services
It is fortunate that the London Fire Brigade had previously undertaken training for tower crane rescue at a Durkan construction site.
Durkan invited the London Fire Brigade to conduct specialist training on a 28m crane at their Royal Military Academy site in Woolwich. The aim of the training was to assess which equipment the team would use in the case of a rescue and to give them experience of rescuing people at a height.
John Willoughby, Station manager at Bexley Fire Station said the training was:
“unique opportunity for the London Fire Brigade to train at such a height. Our rescue teams are highly trained people with the experience and qualifications to perform rescues at a height and our training sessions need to be as close to the real thing as possible, in the event of us being called to perform such rescues.”
Ian Cresswell, Durkan Health, Safety and Environmental Director added:
‘Durkan understand the need for the fire service to train in crane rescues and feel that by offering this access we will be helping many crane operators should they fall ill. It is essential that the London Fire Brigade has this opportunity so that they can also assess the right equipment to be able to handle a rescue when there is a need.’