Terex safety notice requires Genie Z-135/70 inspection

Terex AWP has issued a safety notice requiring an inspection of the secondary boom angle on Genie Z-135/70 booms.

It coincides with the manufacturer’s continued investigation into the collapse of a Z-135/70 belonging to Kimberly Access in London, UK, on 5 June, 2013. The boom’s operator was killed in the incident.

In the statement Terex said it had been made aware that in some instances, machines that were calibrated in the field were not done so in accordance with the machine’s service manual. However, the company made clear it was not suggesting that the accident at Kimberly Access was due to improper calibration.

“This safety notice is being issued to ensure that machines that were calibrated after leaving Terex AWP’s factory were calibrated in accordance with the procedures in the Genie Z-135/70 service manual.

“This Safety Notice requires a simple inspection of the secondary boom angle. Completing this inspection procedure will confirm whether the secondary boom angle sensor is properly calibrated and the machine is safe to use.”

The guidance from Terex comes as the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carries out its own investigation into the cause of the collapse. The HSE declined to comment on its findings so far and has given no indication as to when the investigation will be completed, despite pressure from the industry for a quick conclusion.

In the safety notice, Terex AWP was adamant that the Z-135/70 is safe to use. “As our thorough investigation has progressed, the integrity of the Genie Z-135/70 machines in the field continues to be confirmed.

“Genie Z-135/70 machines are safe to use as intended provided the machine is in proper working order, the operators are properly trained, and the owners/operators follow the warnings and instructions provided by Terex AWP, which are located on the machine.”

As part of its investigation, Terex AWP also conducted an extensive review of all primary and secondary (redundant) control systems. “These reviews have confirmed the effectiveness of the design and integrity of the Genie Z-135/70 machines. We continue to pursue information specific to the Kimberly Access incident and are fully cooperating with the HSE investigation,” added the manufacturer.

Kimberly Access prefered not to comment on the incident until the HSE had published its findings, but said it had cooperated fully with all areas of the investigation.