Timely Reminder - tragedy strikes during a recovery

[LiveFreeAndRoam Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close LiveFreeAndRoam]

It never hurts to be reminded of the dangers we face during recoveries. Sadly, this one resulted in the death of a child.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensl ... rom=smh_ft

This is a timely reminder to be ever vigilant during a recovery and use correct procedures with well maintained equipment.

Take care.

LFaR.

[Matty80 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Matty80]

Re: Timely Reminder - tragedy strikes during a recovery

My family & I wish to portray our heart felt condolences to the family & friends affected by the loss of this young boy...

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Re: Timely Reminder - tragedy strikes during a recovery

A terrible tradgedy, and one that happens to often. It is a problem with our favourite pass time that someone can go and buy something as dangerous as a snatch strap, and use it, without understanding the proper techniques and safety issues. From the little detail given in the article i would think that if the proper precautions were taken this tragic loss could have been avoided.

I guess the lesson is, if you have not had specific training in safe snatching techniques best to avoid using a snatch until you have.

Cheers Andrew

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Timely Reminder - tragedy strikes during a recovery

My understanding is it wasn't a snatch recovery. It was a winch recovery where the front vehicle was being winched backwards. The shackle pin broke due to an underrated shackle and the shackle and winch cable recoiled through the windscreen and into the boy sitting in the rear middle seat. Makes me sick just thinking about it. If it doesn't make you go out and swap your winch cable for rop I don't know what will.

[RogueAussie Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RogueAussie]

Re: Timely Reminder - tragedy strikes during a recovery

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensl ... 18wa0.html

A few more details here. Sounds like a multi-vehicle snatch gone wrong. I have also read that it is possible the factory tie down hook was used as the recovery point and that is what failed.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Re: Timely Reminder - tragedy strikes during a recovery

One of the simplest rules for any recovery is to only have those that are absolutely nescessary in the vehicles, everyone else should be well away. Its a simple rule that would have saved a life. Several other things that could've / should've been done or not done as the case may be that would have helped avoid this terrible situation.

Cheers Andrew

[FlyNdrive Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyNdrive]

Re: Timely Reminder - tragedy strikes during a recovery

Thanks for posting Matt. I started a thread in the Trail & Safety section of the Bruiser forum.

-Ben

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: Timely Reminder - tragedy strikes during a recovery

The use of recovery equipment is pertty series business due to the forces involved. While this might be a little over the top perhaps similar laws that apply to smoking and alcohol should apply where you need to be 18 or older or even a licence such as that required for firearms, explosives or to drive a vehicle.

As Andrew mentioned, only drivers of the vehicles should be in the vehcile and all bystanders should be at least 1.5 times the length of the recovery straps away from both vehicles, including the coordinator (if they are not a driver). Dampners on the strap can help as well.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Re: Timely Reminder - tragedy strikes during a recovery

schaffer wrote
As Andrew mentioned, only drivers of the vehicles should be in the vehcile and all bystanders should be at least 1.5 times the length of the recovery straps away from both vehicles, including the coordinator (if they are not a driver). Dampners on the strap can help as well.

Yep, 1.5 times the length of the strap is the MINIMUM distance to be away. The article states that the bolts failed as they were overloaded, the use of a bridle would have halved the forces on the bolts, i would think that the use of a bridle in all circumstances possible is a good idea. Dampeners on the strap should have been used but if it was attached to a hook, the hook may have become airborne seperate to the strap, in extreme snatching situations (and a multi vehicle pull in this case is extreme) the strap can be tied to the hook or shackle with an electrical tie as an added safety precaution. Corect gear selection in both vehicles and the co-ordinator timing the snatch correctly also makes a difference.

If all this sounds like new info to anyone, i would suggest a training session on safe recovery would be a good idea, not just for snatching either, winching and highlifts can also be very dangerous.

Cheers Andrew

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: Timely Reminder - tragedy strikes during a recovery

If winching, it is recommended to have the bonnet raised on the vehicle using the winch. Driver operates winch controller, third party controller stands off at right angles at safe distance with hand held radio or uses hand and voice signals to control the winching operation. Damper over winch cable. No body approaches within safety radius unless cable tension is released. As mentioned use bridles or snatch blocks to halve the load.

Winching, snatching, lifting (jack, exhaust jack or kangaroo jack) or simply changing a tyre can all be dangerous.Get some training from somebody with the right expertese and do it safely. Use the right gear, make sure it is properly rated. If in doubt, attach to axle or other solid suspension component.

The death was unfortunate but avoidable.