Institution news
Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement and experience with regards to Crane Safety
Roger Shail (RS): At Sellafield I act as an Appointed Crane Engineer, part of this role is to provide guidance to Projects in planning of construction crane lifting operations. Where Construction Crane Safety Assessments are required provide assistance to Safety Assessors in qualitatively assessing the risk associated with use of a construction crane. Provide advice to the Lifting Operations Duty Holder, while undertaking the requirements of the intelligent customer as defined by the Office of Nuclear Regulators.
What are the main challenges facing the industry at the moment?
RS: The challenges we are facing at Sellafiled, as with other large infrastructure projects is the availability of SQEP (Suitably Qualified and Experienced People). This is due to the aging demographic of the workforce and fewer people coming into the industry, therefore it is vital that we engage with younger generations to ensure project success in the future.
What are your top tips when tackling a new lifting challenge?
RS: Plan, plan and plan. Then once you have your plan ensure you have your contingencies in place as no plan survives the first action.
RS: STAR – Stop, Think, Act and Review. Sounds simple, but it works and can stop incidents escalating. .
What developments in the crane industry either technology or techniques, are you most interested in for the future and why?
RS: The development of BIM (Building Information modelling) to better plan lifting operations.
Why is it important for engineers to join this year’s Crane Safety seminar?
RS: To understand what new developments are out there, what others are doing and get inspiration for your next lifting challenge.
Crane Safety 2022 will take place on 13 September in London
Join us at the Institution's London Headquarters in September to address the key challenges involved carrying out with safe crane operations. Presentations will cover recent lifting projects across a wide variety of projects and industries, together with technical insights and industry best practice to reduce the risk of incidents, maintain compliance with standards and make the most of new and novel technologies: full details and registration at www.imeche.org/cranesafety.