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Page 49
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Death trap pits
I was interested to read your article "Inspec tion pits can be death traps" (CM May 25) in which you were quoting HMSO journal Accidents 95.
I have since obtained a copy of this publication which reviews with some accuracy an account of three pit accidents. Reminiscent of "off with his head" from the Queen in Alice in Wonderland, authority in blissful ignorance recommends similar action as a remedy; I quote "it would be of great benefit to everyone if the vehicle pit could be outlawed completely", "the reaction of most would be to encourage the replacement of the pit by a power-operated platform on which the vehicle can be raised well above floor level".
It is not difficult to agree to the use of lifts in the car and small van sector, in fact the greater efficiency provided by the correct type of lift demands this. In the commercial vehicle sector, particularly the heavies, the lift has a limited role. Pits that could be tailored to suit vehicles of maximum length and weight would, on average, occupy 25% of vehicle placements in maintenance areas, and are likely to provide this facility for the foreseeable future.
In two of the three accidents reviewed, ignition of the vapour was caused by an inspection lamp. Once again, due no doubt to blissful ignorance, under the title "Inspection lamps". I read, "It is unlikely that any intrinsically safe portable handlamp will give sufficient light to enable precision work to be undertaken so this means that there is a need for a lightweight, flameproof or 'increased safety' portable handlamp to be developed for situations where fixed installations are not practicable and where a good standard of light is necessary". Too late, an approved portable BASEEFA safety handlamp was available in 1971.
The blissful ignorance concerning pits is shared by many. The following extracts from a fire chief's letter illustrate the superficial nature of the inspections made by fire prevention officers, "When considering the means of escape from workshops it is pertinent to consider the pits as well, and normally it is sufficient, even in the biggest of pits, to ascertain that egress is available at both ends". "However, information is now to hand showing that clear access from end to end of the pit cannot always be guaranteed because the installation of permanent fittings obstructing the free passageway is becoming common". -It is pleasing to note the concern shown by the specialist firm who have drawn attention to this matter and which will enable the design of maintenance pits and their equipment to receive close study by my officers carrying out statutory inspection of premises". Fire Protection Review 1971.
Ignorance concerning the use of pits is not confined to authorities. Architects and developers are offenders though with some justification, but they cannot be excused incorrect definitions. With few exceptions pits are labelled as inspection pits irrespective of use, and it is probable that lass than 1 per cent are used exclusively for that purpose. An inspection pit can be of the simplest fo with access and exit at opposite ends, a with built-in lighting, ventilation to extri heavy vapour, and fenced on its perimet would be acceptable to the most criti. authority. Such a pit used for maintenan would be condemned in the terms of t correspondence quoted.
HM Inspector of Factories seeks protectil to prevent bodies falling into holes and wol, push to cover excess openings. The f prevention officer would be pulling the ott way seeking openings for escape.
Summing up, I would suppose that authc ities had made no inspections at the pr mises where the accidents occurred: or, th the inspections were superficial. (There is cross pit in frequent use in a local distributor's workshop, and HM Factc Inspector visits regularly. It is an understat ment to class this pit as dangerous.) To prevent further accidents of this natu I would suggest that the appropriate gover ment departments get together to stui and approve pit designs, using the expert' existing in the motor repair industry.
I am sending a copy of this letter to ti Department of Employment.
H. E. DORAN, AMIN Chiseldon, Wilt
New venue
The National Guild of Transport Manage is still in existence. We, in the Loncic centre, have recently moved to our new vent at the Horseshoe public house, Clerkenwl Close, EC1, and we would welcome old at new members to our meetings on the secol Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm. M. B. GEN NGTM Press Office