Health & safety bulletin
False Ceiling Collapse
23th October 2008
Please see below an alert sent to us from Global Alliance. Although the incident did not concern an Xmo Strata site, it highlights a potentially dangerous situation, and offers advice on handling any similar occurrences.
False ceiling collapse - Lesson's Learnt
Ref. No E/08 Date: 29.9.08
The below photo was taken on one of our sites. It shows a section of false ceiling which collapsed.
Fortunately nobody was underneath at the time.
It was caused when the CCTV contractor was pulling through cables to connect to monitors in the manager's office. The cable got snagged on the aluminium support frame which gave way after a few tugs.
Beware:
- Cables can often snag on other equipment and structures within false ceilings.
- Prior to pulling through cables, always make a visual check that there are no obstructions beforehand. In this case the removal of a few ceiling tiles from some podium steps would have been quick and easy.
- Maintain a visual check at all times when pulling cables through ceilings. If you need additional people, speak with our Principal Contractor Site Managers who can assign one of their team if required.
- Maintaining a visual check will also prevent others from walking underneath.
- If problems arise STOP WORK. Try to locate the obstruction at source. If in doubt speak with the Site Manager and your supervisor.