Revised high reach guidance now available

The National Federation of Demolition Contractors has released an updated version of its High Reach Demolition Rig Guidance Notes for demolition machines of 15 m (50 ft) working height and above. It has been revised by a NFDC working group under the direction of the NFDC president.

The guide consists of four main chapters, with the first outlining its scope, objectives and relevant UK safety legislation. It then moves on to discuss the equipment and operator requirements, including relevant training and provides a list of basic 'do's and don'ts'.

The majority of incidents with this type of equipment are caused not by the machine or the operator but by ground conditions on site, such as machines falling into unidentified voids or poorly constructed ramps. The Guidance Notes lay down basic steps that should be undertaken before a high reach demolition machine commences work to identify potential site hazards and emphasises the need for careful inspection.

Finally, it lays down the correct steps that should be followed while the machine is actually working on site and for its subsequent transport off-site.

The NFDC has also recently introduced a training course for equipment of this type, with the first such session taking place by June of 2012. The training course is open to operators already experienced with using demolition excavators with booms up to a working height of 15 m.

For more information, go to www.demolition-nfdc.com or contact the Federation on +44 (0)1442 217144.