Inquiry into the fire at UTS on 27 November 2012
Date of death
2012-11-27
Finding date
2015-08-25
AI-generated summary
A 200-ton tower crane caught fire at the UTS Faculty of Engineering and Information construction site in Ultimo on 27 November 2012. No injuries or deaths occurred. The coroner found the fire originated inside the power pack enclosure but could not determine the specific cause due to fire intensity and destruction of evidence. Key findings: IROFSD hydraulic suction hoses incinerated, allowing 400-600 litres of hydraulic fluid to drain into the fire and significantly increase intensity; fire extinguishers were inadequate capacity (2kg); evacuation was successful despite emergency siren failure. Recommendations included developing standardised guidelines for fire detection systems and fire extinguishers in tower cranes; establishing standardised maintenance procedures; replacing IROFSD hoses with flame-resistant alternatives; and testing evacuation sirens when repositioned or recommissioned.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Contributing factors
- Fire cause could not be determined due to heat intensity and damage; possible sources included hydraulic system failure, turbocharger oil feed, or diesel fuel lines
- IROFSD hydraulic suction hoses incinerated, allowing 400-600 litres of hydraulic fluid to drain into fire and significantly increase intensity
- Inadequate fire extinguisher capacity (2kg extinguisher was undersized for the fire)
- Extreme heat from accelerated fire caused luffing rope failure and jib collapse
Coroner's recommendations
- WorkCover develop standardised guidelines for fire early detection systems and sufficient fire extinguishers in tower cranes, in consultation with industry through the Construction Industry Plant Consultative Committee and Fire and Rescue NSW
- WorkCover develop standardised procedures for maintenance of tower cranes while on site, in consultation with industry through the Construction Industry Plant Consultative Committee
- WorkCover develop standardised requirements for replacement of IROFSD suction and feed hoses with flame resistant (or higher standard) alternatives, including specific protocol for existing and new cranes
- WorkCover write to all tower crane owners in NSW with these recommendations, outline expectations and proposed actions, and undertake verification program to evaluate compliance and take enforcement action as needed
- Lend Lease Building Pty Ltd amend its National EHS Management Plan to require testing of evacuation sirens upon any repositioning or recommissioning, in addition to existing monthly testing obligation
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