BISHTA respond to hot tub lifting fatality
Alex Clamp- 3 years ago
Alex ClampBISHTA has issued a reaction to a fatal incident involving the crane lift of a hot tub in Bristol and highlighted its efforts to ensure greater safety by helping to produce specialist lifting equipment guidance.
As part of its response to national media reports of the recent hot tub lifting accident in Mangotsfield that resulted in the death of a crane-owner operator, BISHTA has reported that is has recently been collaborating with the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI) to produce free guidance to reduce the likelihood of any incident occurring while lifting hot tubs and exercise spas over buildings. It follows the association’s concern about the apparent lack of site surveys being undertaken in the Channel 5 ‘Hot Tub Brits: More bubbles please’ two-parter programme that it believes were hazardous to the health of those involved and customer property.
In its statement BISHTA said that the association is saddened by the news that a person has lost their life in this incident and is working with relevant parties to look into how and why this incident has and could have occurred.
It also stated: “BISHTA works closely with fellow trade associations, the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI) and the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), with guidance available for all of our respective members (and the wider industry) to minimise the likelihood of accidents, and to share best practices.
“The use of specialist lifting equipment can be an essential factor when deciding on the delivery requirements for hot tubs, swim spas and one-piece pools over houses, other obstructions, etc. There are very few incidents and accidents due to the careful planning undertaken beforehand and by following the Health and Safety requirements where lifting equipment is used and ensuring the correct lifting equipment is used for the job (for safety reasons).
“When determining the lift requirements, several factors are imperative to consider, including the boom reach needed and the structural integrity of the ground where the lifting equipment is to be located during the lift.
“The guidance set out by BISHTA is for its members is to confirm in writing with domestic client’s whether the seller will provide the lifting equipment (as part of the delivery) or if the onus is on the client to arrange the lift on delivery. BISHTA strongly recommends that a contract lift be used as the primary option for domestic clients, and if the lift is the client’s responsibility, the member should recommend using a CPA or ALLMI member.
“This is an important factor as it will determine the insurance responsibilities for public liability, etc., as the client may not know their obligations.”
www.bishta.co.uk
Andy Slater
