Cause analysis of bridge erecting machine tipping accident based on fault tree and the corresponding countermeasures

Bridge erecting machine has been widely used nowadays with its efficiency, while just as a coin has two sides, it also brings problem. If a rollover happens, it will lead to equipment damage, casualties or other disastrous accidents. How could technicians take measures to prevent accidents as efficiently as possible? Question remains unsaved. Based on the analysis of "10.26" bridge erecting machine tipping accident, this paper gives a qualitative analysis on the accident by using fault tree analysis. Firstly, fault tree diagram for the bridge erecting machine tipping, namely the causal and generalization relation between events is formulated. All the basic events that influence the way and the degree of the accident are identified, and these can be ascribed to the following three aspects: manufacturing defect, personnel operating error and management oversight. In terms of management oversight, the responsibility of construction unit, safety supervision department and supervision unit are of great importance. Secondly, combining the minimal path set with the structure importance, we conduct a qualitative analysis on the personnel casualties resulted from the accident, thus seek critical approaches to accident prevention. Finally corresponding safety control measures are put forward. It is noteworthy that the approach can be applied in the similar accidents entirely. (C) 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.