Close call

RyanCafferky said:
Paul-

The crane operator didn't like using the Senas. We had three of us on the crew synced up on our helmets and we were in great communication. At that point two people with communication were on the ground and I was the only person in the air. One of those ground crew members was communicating very clearly with the operator. In the future I will watch more closely to make sure the anti-two block is further from the pick. I feel like that is the only thing other than notching the log that I could've done differently to prevent this accident.

I like the even loading with bridle set up but I also like the security of two separate slings as well. They are independent of each other versus fully committing to one thing like bridle set ups.
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When I first read about this a few days ago my first feeling was to blame the operator. Especially now that you say he wouldn't use the intercoms.

If I had such a dangerous close call happen I would be close to replacing the operator, or give one warning if you really don't feel like going that far.
 
I've seen some crane operators locally (actually just one in particular) that habitually only runs out the very minimum of stick to make the pick, regardless of the fact that their load chart would be better if they ran out more stick and had a steeper boom angle, not to mention avoiding any anti 2 block problems. It's like they are afraid of a lot of boom or something...... this is not tree work but general hoisting. They seem to feel safer with less stick, even though they have less capacity. These are static loads, not potentially dynamic like tree work, so really no excuse to two block especially if a higher capacity could be obtained with more stick/more line out/steeper boom angle.
 
SonshineTreeCare said:
When I first read about this a few days ago my first feeling was to blame the operator. Especially now that you say he wouldn't use the intercoms.

If I had such a dangerous close call happen I would be close to replacing the operator, or give one warning if you really don't feel like going that far.
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We did one last pick with that operator and immediately scheduled with another company for the remaining 27 picks. Those went smoothly.
 
Thanks for sharing the story Ryan. Doing that really makes a difference!

I've never once used the bridle configuration. It never seemed like a great idea because each sling is dependent on the other and if tension is reduced you could lose everything. And I am well aware of the fact that many people use the system with great success. Sometimes it's not enough for me though. My instincts won't let me do it for some reason.
 
I would agree with Mark on this one. I have only used the bridal set up once for sling length reasons. But notches were included and it was suggested by the op.
I would much rather choke both slings independent of each other adding a safety factor and removing much of the tension issues. Yes a choke can slide but much less likely.
But as is always said on this forum, there is more than one way to skin a cat what works for you or I might not work of the other. As long as everyone learned something and came away with all your fingers and toes all is good. It's all about going home at the end of the day!
 
Thanks for chiming in Mark. I was hoping to hear your opinion on this one. I have to admit this incident was hard to admit and hard to share because I felt partially responsible for such a horrific near miss. But it is one I felt that a lot of other people could learn from.

This incident really has me reconsidering how I do crane jobs, what slings I should and shouldn't use (even if that is what the crane company is providing), and whether I should be providing my own slings and the liability issues I could run into because of that. It also has me looking at liability issues I could have run into with this incident because I am an independent contract climber, and this incident could have demoed a house, a car, a shed, and could have smashed the crane and its operator. The what ifs have been going on and on in my head since it happened.

I like metal slings but the crane company that we use most uses the bell and nub type. I love them for the speed but I know that isn't a good way to go. I like the look of the adjustable chain system that Treestuff is selling but the WLL limit is a bit on the low side. Most of the time I just do rig down removals but the cranes come into the mix from time to time. I just need to fly out east again and work with some of you guys doing lots of crane work and get on my A game.
 
I would say that you should use the rigging that you're most comfortable with. Any crane operator should be fine with whatever you bring with you as long as they are rated, in good shape and suitable for the loads.

I think it's really great that you take this so seriousl . We don't have to wait for an actual accident to happen before we make a change. Hopefully you sharing this prevents others from having a similar issue.
 
After my recent near miss with the bridle slipping up that log I decided it was time to buy some crane slings. I bought some of the endless round slings since they were reasonably priced, ridiculously strong, and easy for me and the crew to use.

Today the crane company showed up to pick a cedar tree and when I told the operator that I wanted to use my own slings, he called his boss and was told that they do not allow anything but steel for trees. When I asked about the chokers they use (bell and nub chokers designed for skidding logs) they told me that someone at Oregon OSHA told them those were ok. I like how efficient they are to use when I'm in the tree but I also know it isn't good practice or legal.

I'm going to call the other crane companies in town and see what they are using and allow and also call the company owner of the crane company and see what he has to say.
 
I love the endless round slings, but I've run into that same mindset before, especially with operators unfamiliar with tree work. "Nothing but steel." I don't believe it is an actual rule anywhere, just the old "That's how we've always done it" thinking. Usually a phone call will set them straight.
 
Jeff said:
I love the endless round slings, but I've run into that same mindset before, especially with operators unfamiliar with tree work. "Nothing but steel." I don't believe it is an actual rule anywhere, just the old "That's how we've always done it" thinking. Usually a phone call will set them straight.
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no need to set any operator straight. they have the final say what is used to rig and what size rigging they are comfortable with. steel is preferred by many as it is very durable and digs in well on the tree. endless round slings are very strong, durable, have good retention, and are very easy for the climber to use. discuss there use with the op and most will agree providing they have legible rating tags and no physical damage.
 
Jeff said:
I love the endless round slings, but I've run into that same mindset before, especially with operators unfamiliar with tree work. "Nothing but steel." I don't believe it is an actual rule anywhere, just the old "That's how we've always done it" thinking. Usually a phone call will set them straight.
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Nobody sets me straight, ( as dbl said I can be educated to new products)
Your life, my life and anywhere from a hundred thousand to several million $$ worth of equipment is my responsibility. So we either do it my way or we part company.
By you and me . I mean the climber and operator.
Ps. I love round slings , but there expensive enough I save them for critical lifts. I'd use yours anytime as long as they are labeled and in good shape
 
I just realized I did use the phrase "set them straight" and that is NOT what I meant. Sorry. @Tradesman is correct: several lives, lots of property and lots of $$$ are at stake, and the crane op, the climber (and if used, the signalman) are a team and are all in this together.

What I was trying to say was I've had operators tell me we CANT use round slings, but when they call their boss, supervisor, or another operator that they respect and trust, they find out that yes, round slings are in fact acceptable, and therefore they've been set straight.

Believe me, when I'm on the ball and my life is literally in that operator's hands, the last thing I want is him having a beef with me. I make sure he and I are in agreement on everything we do. Sorry for the confusion.
 
In regards to the log skidding style cables, that's what we use we get them from a crane rigging company. I feel they are not osha approved my boss don know jack so long story short I use um... I've never had them slip. You can very easily put two or three of them together to get around a big mofo and pick it straight up. The are in my opinion easy for the climber, don't have to ta k e them off the ball then as long as the groundies arnt spacing out it take 2 seconds to undo them.

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