Case Synopsis:
The front of a chip spreader was impacted by a Toyota Corolla,
driven by the decedent, resulting in fatal injuries
to the driver of the Corolla. At the time of the incident,
the chip spreader was parked on an asphalt road
with its brakes engaged. The plaintiffs alleged that the collision
between the Corolla and the hydraulically powered chip spreader
damaged the chip spreader propulsion and braking system.
Expert Analysis:
Expert reviewed the repair records, manufacturer's specifications and the hydraulic
schematics. The expert also analyzed and compared damages and repairs (scope & type) to the
hydraulic system designs and operations.
Conclusion:
The expert demonstrated that damages could not
have been caused by collision.
The plaintiff's expert report was inconsistent
with hydraulic schematics.
Key Factors:
(1) Understanding and analyzing hydraulic system schematics.
(2) Comparison of maintenance and repair records over the operating life of the equipment.
(3) Identifying errors in the plaintiff’s expert report.
(4) Preparing a clean, comprehensive report of the findings.
Tomas Cocchiola, PE, CSP:
Mechanical engineering; design engineer of hydraulically
powered machinery and equipment primarily used in trucking, construction, refuse handling
industries and chemical process plant facilities; cranes / forklifts.
Frederic Blum, CFEI, BSME : Engineering investigation and analysis of mechanical
malfunctions, industrial accidents, domestic accidents, as well as product and machinery
evaluation with regard to safety and guarding.
Harris Gross, PE:
Diversified engineering, safety, residential construction, and home
inspection; child / toddler safety with emphasis on the home environment;
equipment, improvement of existing equipment design to improve efficiency and
designing new equipment.
Thomas Cocchiola, PE, CSP
Harris Gross, PE
Frederic Blum, CFEI, BSME
DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
1603 Old York Road,Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com
Carl M. Berkowitz, Ph.D, PE, AICP
Posted by DJS Associates, Inc. at 3:03 PM
Division: Automotive Engineering,
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Platform-to-Railcar Gap Accident
There are numerous trip and fall accidents associated with the gap between the platform
and the railcar. These falls occurs when an object or the nature of the
walking surface prevents or delays the passenger's rear leg from moving forward to achieve a safe footing at the instant the foot makes contact with the surface ahead.
Safe walking requires perfect timing in the transfer of support and balance from one leg to the other, the slightest change can result in an imbalance that can result in a serious fall as the body continues to move forward.
There are two aspects to the platform gap:
the vertical difference between the car floor and platform surface elevation and the horizontal separation of the railcar from the platform.
Today's rail transit equipment uses mechanical and automatic car floor leveling systems to maintain the car floor nearly level with the passenger platform. This is an important safety feature because when the railcar floor is above the platform and it creates a tripping hazard for passengers boarding the vehicle; and when the car floor is below the passenger platform, it is a tripping hazard for passengers exiting the railcar.
Most falls are initially precipitated by a trip
and if the gap is wide enough,
extension of the passenger's leg might fall into the gap space.
Most modern transit systems, with proper design and construction of platforms, together with proper maintenance and proper car floor leveling devices can attain vertical and horizontal gap clearances which make it unlikely that a passenger will trip on the car doorsill or platform, or that a passenger's foot will pass between the car and the platform.
It is clearly recognized by the rail passenger industry
that the gap between a passenger railcar and the
passenger platform is a critical interface where
dangerous passenger falls can occur.
Carl Berkowitz , Ph.D, PE, AICP:
Transportation Education / Safety and Security;
Planning and Administrative Engineering
Carmen Daecher, MSc:
PennDOT Field Issues; Transportation Planning and Safety;
OSHA Regulations
Leo Santowasso, PE, PP, CME:
Transportation Planning and Safety; Municipal
Engineering; Land Surveying
Robert R. Reed, CDS:
Industrial Training Coordination; Terminal Management,
Hazardous Materials Transportation
DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com
Carl M. Berkowitz, Ph.D, PE, AICP
and the railcar. These falls occurs when an object or the nature of the
walking surface prevents or delays the passenger's rear leg from moving forward to achieve a safe footing at the instant the foot makes contact with the surface ahead.
Safe walking requires perfect timing in the transfer of support and balance from one leg to the other, the slightest change can result in an imbalance that can result in a serious fall as the body continues to move forward.
There are two aspects to the platform gap:
the vertical difference between the car floor and platform surface elevation and the horizontal separation of the railcar from the platform.
Today's rail transit equipment uses mechanical and automatic car floor leveling systems to maintain the car floor nearly level with the passenger platform. This is an important safety feature because when the railcar floor is above the platform and it creates a tripping hazard for passengers boarding the vehicle; and when the car floor is below the passenger platform, it is a tripping hazard for passengers exiting the railcar.
Most falls are initially precipitated by a trip
and if the gap is wide enough,
extension of the passenger's leg might fall into the gap space.
Most modern transit systems, with proper design and construction of platforms, together with proper maintenance and proper car floor leveling devices can attain vertical and horizontal gap clearances which make it unlikely that a passenger will trip on the car doorsill or platform, or that a passenger's foot will pass between the car and the platform.
It is clearly recognized by the rail passenger industry
that the gap between a passenger railcar and the
passenger platform is a critical interface where
dangerous passenger falls can occur.
Carl Berkowitz , Ph.D, PE, AICP:
Transportation Education / Safety and Security;
Planning and Administrative Engineering
Carmen Daecher, MSc:
PennDOT Field Issues; Transportation Planning and Safety;
OSHA Regulations
Leo Santowasso, PE, PP, CME:
Transportation Planning and Safety; Municipal
Engineering; Land Surveying
Robert R. Reed, CDS:
Industrial Training Coordination; Terminal Management,
Hazardous Materials Transportation
DJS Associates, Inc.
http://www.forensicdjs.com
1603 Old York Road,
Abington, PA 19001
Phone : 215-659-2010
Toll Free: 800-332-6273
Fax: 215-659-7156
experts@forensicdjs.com
Carl M. Berkowitz, Ph.D, PE, AICP
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