Blade damage during transportation

What happened?

On the Lift-On/Lift-Off (LOLO) Quay, an incident occurred involving a crane and a wind turbine transportation lorry during a wind turbine blade lifting operation.

The driver of the lorry began a manoeuvre as the blade was being lowered onto the lorry bed.

This caused the A-frame of the lorry to collide with the tip of the blade as it was being lowered by the crane causing minor damage to the wind turbine blade.

Why did it happen?

The driver mistakenly thought he was operating a different but similar transport lorry.

The lorry being used was 10 inches (25cm) taller than the operator thought.

The lorry also had different operational characteristics, including different a different control system layout and a different flatbed design.

What did they learn?

Operations of this scale, although routine, require heightened vigilance and knowledge of your surroundings.

The transportation of parts of this size presents challenges, both in terms of logistics and safety.

It is essential not to underestimate the risks associated with repetitive tasks, even if they become familiar.

Signage around the site was obstructed during the manoeuvre, adding an extra layer of risk.

Ask yourself or your crew

Are you familiar with the equipment you are using?

Are you aware of your surroundings when doing a manoeuvre?

Are you aware of the Toolbox talks and Good Practice Guidance (GPG) available for the area of work you are involved in?

What happened?

On the Lift-On/Lift-Off (LOLO) Quay, an incident occurred involving a crane and a wind turbine transportation lorry during a wind turbine blade lifting operation.
The driver of the lorry began a manoeuvre as the blade was being lowered onto the lorry bed.
This caused the A-frame of the lorry to collide with the tip of the blade as it was being lowered by the crane causing minor damage to the wind turbine blade.
Why did it happen?

The driver mistakenly thought he was operating a different but similar transport lorry.
The lorry being used was 10 inches (25cm) taller than the operator thought.
The lorry also had different operational characteristics, including different a different control system layout and a different flatbed design.
What did they learn?

Operations of this scale, although routine, require heightened vigilance and knowledge of your surroundings.
The transportation of parts of this size presents challenges, both in terms of logistics and safety.
It is essential not to underestimate the risks associated with repetitive tasks, even if they become familiar.
Signage around the site was obstructed during the manoeuvre, adding an extra layer of risk.
Ask yourself or your crew

Are you familiar with the equipment you are using?
Are you aware of your surroundings when doing a manoeuvre?
Are you aware of the Toolbox talks and Good Practice Guidance (GPG) available for the area of work you are involved in?