Accident Involving Use Of Gondola

There was an accident involving the use of gondola

that was reported on 29 Mac 2008 (Saturday) and at
about 10.00 am in a high-rise building construction
project somewhere in Bukit Mulia, Ampang.

A forensic engineering investigation was carried

out on 31 March 2008 at the place of accident and
accident involving the use of condola observations
were obtained:
i. One of the suspension ropes which had slipped
from its mounting (suspension mechanism) on
the 15th floor of the building was found to be
lying at the bottom of the gondola, causing the
working platform of the gondola to tilt and
suspend from the other end. It was prevented
from falling completely to the ground by the
activation of the safety lock and motor brake
on the other safety and suspension ropes
respectively.
ii. The safety lock which was supposed to be activated by locking onto the safety rope in
the event of such slippage or breakage of the suspension rope was suspected to be not
functioning.
iii. Some timber pieces were found on top of the gondola for the placing of concrete mixture
which was used for plastering work.The weight of the concrete was approximately 300kg
and the weight of 3 workers was about 200kg, approximating to a total weight of 500kg
which easily exceeded the safe working load for the gondola.

During the accident, 3 workers who were on the working platform which was at level 13,
were thrown off and landed on the ground below. They succumbed to the serious injuries.

It is strongly advised that the following safe work practices are followed for activities
involving the installation, use, maintenance and dismantling of gondola:

1. Any person who owns or hires a gondola (which is defined as a hoisting machine) has to
ensure that a Certificate of Fitness is obtained from the department before the machine
is used.This is provided under Regulation 10 (1), Factories and Machinery (Notification,
Certificate of Fitness and Inspection) Regulations, 1970.
2. Any employer or occupier at the place of work where gondola is used has to ensure that
it is inspected and maintained at the monthly intervals by the competent person who is
registered with the department .Inspection also has to be undertaken by the competent
person for any operation involving the relocation of the gondola even on the same
building.
3. Any defects which can render the gondola to malfunction have to be reported for
immediate action to be taken by the competent person.
4. Reasonable steps to be taken to ensure that the essential fittings and all devices on the
gondola such as the counterweight structures and mountings, suspension ropes, safety
ropes, motor brakes, safety locks, working paltform are inspected daily before use under
the supervision of the site supervisor. Such preventive action will ensure that the
essential fittings will operate in the event of an emergency situation.
5. The employer has to ensure that the gondola is not overloaded during operation. Only 2
workers are allowed on the working platform at all times as specified in the letter of
approval or the Certificate of Fitness from the department.
6. The employer has to provide and supply personal protective appliances such as safety
harness, safety helmet and suitable footwear for any work on top of the working
platform for the gondola and to ensure that they are worn at all times by the workers
under his charge.
7. Systematic training, instruction, information and supervision on the safety aspects and
safe use of the gondola have to be provided by the employers.Written records on the
training have to be made available for the officer's examination and inspection.
8. The safe working load capacity plate has to be prominently displayed on the gondola.

9. The employer has to ensure that the workers can only embark of disembark from the
gondola at the ground level.
10. Further reading and information on gondola can be obtained from the following useful
links as provided as follows: