What Is The Catapult Effect And How Does It Affect A Boom Platform?
A vehicle mounted access platform, also known as a boom platform can be dangerous
for workers using them at heights a large distance from the base of the vehicle. The catapult effect has become a well-known problem and subject to various campaigns from safety organizations following fatalities caused by the problem.
Construction and other workers using a vehicle mounted access platform are recommended to use a full body harness attached to the boom platform with a short lanyard in an attempt to reduce the chances of the catapult effect occurring. The catapult effect is, just as it sounds, it is an occurrence when the boom platform a worker is using to observe or work at height moves suddenly from ground level; as the platform moves the worker can be thrown off balance and be thrown from the platform. The catapult or whiplash effect is known to happen when the boom platform moves quickly forwards, backwards or sideways throwing the occupant from their centre of gravity off the platform.
If the worker is not secured by a full body harness then a serious injury or even death can occur from a fall from a large height. Even a small movement at the base of the boom platform can result in a large movement at the top of the boom platform when it is extended fully or close to its maximum height. International campaigns, like the clunk click campaign begun by safety authorities in the U.K. following the death of a construction worker in 2012 have raised the awareness of the catapult effect problem.
It is important that workers using a boom platform are fully trained and aware of the safety features available on the model they are using. For example, each boom platform is equipped with an emergency descent system that allows the operator to lower themselves quickly if the boom platform begins to move erratically. Many boom platform constructors place an emergency symbol close to the emergency descent controls to make operators aware of where they are located.
The use of a short lanyard is recommended to reduce any possible injuries if the catapult effect comes into play when a boom platform is being used; using a short lanyard will not allow the operator to be thrown off the platform and injured or becoming trapped while hanging from a large height. A longer lanyard would allow the operator to be catapulted over the safety railing positioned around the platform and becoming injured from whiplash. The short lanyard should be anchored to a suitable point on the platform with enough strength to hold the operator in position. The clunk click campaign has been taken on to include safety and health groups across Europe and North America; in the U.S. the campaign is known as Click It!