CROSS Safety Report
Two tier stacked site cabin blown over
This report is over 2 years old
Overview
A two-tier stacked site cabin was blown over in the wind with someone inside – thankfully they were not injured.
Key Learning Outcomes
For construction professionals and design engineers:
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Site cabins can be deemed as temporary works and should be dealt with in accordance with BS5975
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A stacked cabin arrangement is a significant structure that should have competent design and checking
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Temporary Demountable Structures published by the Institution of Structural Engineers, whilst not directed at temporary works situations, gives guidance on several matters of interest to temporary works designers
Full Report
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A reporter circulates the CROSS Newsletters to his staff and invites feedback on anything that they come across that may be relevant and worth sharing. One of his engineers has highlighted that there may be no guidance from the cabin suppliers who supply site cabins on double or even triple stacking cabins.
This came to light following an internal investigation by a main contractor arising from an incident where a two-tier stacked site cabin was blown over in the wind with someone inside – thankfully they were not injured.
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Another near miss, this time due to under estimation of wind loads or inadequate fixing to the ground. Site cabins are temporary works in this scenario and should be dealt with in accordance with BS5975. A stacked cabin arrangement is clearly a significant structure that requires competent design and checking.
On small sites where space is limited, cabins are often stacked up – however little thought may have been given to the suitability of the ground to withstand the imposed loads. Temporary Demountable Structures published by the Institution of Structural Engineers, whilst not directed at temporary works situations, gives guidance on several matters of interest to temporary works designers.