|
Lemac Engineering (UK) Limited Home of Attachments
Issue 1 2010 |
|
Quick Hitch Update
Lemac Quick Hitch
There were several fatalities in 2007 and 2008 involving the use of Semi-Automatic Quick Hitch systems. The incidents were investigated and the HSE determined that the majority of the incidents involved Semi-Automatic Quick Hitch systems that use a safety bar or pin as a fail to safe mechanism in the event of a hydraulic failure and were not fitted. The safety bar or pin was also a method of determining that the attachment was securely attached to the coupler while the bar or pin was being fitted. It was determined that a driver failing to fit the safety bar or pin was common on several sites and that wide spread abuse of the safety bar or pin system was obvious. The process whereby a driver is required to fit a safety bar, and was not, was deemed to be foreseeable misuse of the safety system by the HSE and all manufactures have since been encouraged to design this out by moving towards a Fully Automatic Quick Hitch system. A date that most manufacturers agreed to change over to Fully Automatic Quick Hitch fabrication was proposed as the 1st October 2008.
The sale of the Semi-Automatic Quick Hitch past the proposed date was acceptable as long as production was aimed at the move towards Fully Automatic systems as there were existing stock issues and new design processes to be implemented. Semi-Automatic Quick Hitches are not illegal on sites and have been determined as ‘Safe’ as long as the manufacturer’s operator instructions and the HSE guide lines are adhered to while working on site. These guide lines for operating a Semi-Automatic Quick Hitch on site concentrate on training, risk assessment and site management. To support those customers that have existing Lemac Semi-Automatic Quick Hitch systems we have a captive safety pin system conversion kit available and for the most variable centred quick hitches it is possible to convert to a front lock automatic system.
Several meetings are ongoing to discuss the alteration of the BSI standards which will be set as a guide to design for Fully Automatic systems and approval will be sought for implementation with a completion date set for 2010. The list below is a few of the main points that are being addressed: -
· All pin coupling hydraulic operated quick hitches should be manufactured as fully automatic · The secondary locking mechanism must be visible from the quick hitch operating position e.g. If the bucket is coupled from the drivers position then the locking action and engagement needs to be verified from the drivers position. · The locking system should be able to withstand the load forces that could be applied at the time of failure. · After a system has failed it must be apparent that the failure has occurred in order that the failure can be rectified so that the secondary safety system is not used as a primary system. · If an electrical circuit was used to engage or disengage the system then the switch should not be able to be inadvertently engaged and the attachment released while in an unsafe working position. The above points and the rest of the standard are still being finalised however all manufactures including Lemac are working towards the new standards and will adapt to all new alteration during the process of establishing a standard.
Lemac currently manufacture Fully Automatic Quick Hitch systems that complies with the initial guidelines set by the HSE and the basic structure of the proposed standards.
Up to 10 ton in machine weight The rear pin is engaged by toggle that is held in place by a positively engaged spring at the rear of the hitch. While engaged the front pin is secured by a locking toggle that acts as an indicator that the rear mechanism is engaged. The indicator doubles as a front pin lock in the event that the attachment has not been coupled correctly.
From 10 ton in machine weight The system works by a toggle coupling the front pin and a second hydraulic cylinder engaging a shear pin to prevent the toggle from opening. The locking ram has a backup spring that allows a positive engagement in the event of a hydraulic failure. The shear or locking pin is visible from the driver’s position, in the cab, where the operation is initiated from to engage the attachment.
As this is an ongoing issue and meetings are being held by a large group including the HSE, CEA, CPA, manufacturers, suppliers and others we will endeavour to contact you on important updates as they are confirmed. However do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions on our products by phone on 01259 751573 or by e-mail at James@lemaconline.com. Alternatively our sales manager, Scott Russell, can be contacted on the same number and by e-mail at Scott@lemaconline.com.
|
|
Latest Updates |
