Knuckleboom Loaders

Hazard Summary

Several accidents in the Nova Scotia forest industry have occurred this year when the turntable bearings on knuckleboom loaders have broken free, causing the loader to fall.  Investigations showed that several bolts, which attach the turntable bearing to the body of the vehicle, appeared to have been broken for some time. Those broken bolts placed additional strain on the remaining bolts.  Those bolts eventually broke, causing the loader to fall.

Recommended Preventive Measures

1. Maintain equipment according to the manufacturers' specifications and inspection schedules,
2. If there is no record of maintenance and materials used in maintaining the equipment, bolts and washers should be replaced using material recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Equipment should be operated by a person who has the knowledge, training, and experience to safely operate the equipment.
4. The equipment should also be serviced and maintained by a person who has the knowledge, training, and experience to safely perform those duties.

NOTE: On March 31, 2000, the new Occupational Safety General Regulations of the >Occupational Health and Safety Act become law.  Those regulations will require equipment such as knuckleboom loaders and other hoists be maintained according to the manufacturers' specifications or specifications certified by an engineer, and inspected by a competent person at least once a year.

For more information, contact:

Occupational Health and Safety Division