How can you unduly, and unwittingly, influence investigations of Fault Conditions and the remedies applied?
From his experience in troubleshooting and identifying lift faults, Colin Craney evaluates how we can learn to make more informed assumptions, and subsequent decisions, by ‘better understanding and evaluate[ing] witness evidence.”
In his latest Elevator World article, Colin recalls an incident early in his career that had a big impact on how he conducts fault investigations, particularly in relation to witness statements.
After being called to investigate an eight-person lift in a retirement home, Colin and his co-worker were frustratingly unable to replicate the reported fault. A chance meeting on their way out changed his perspective, his approach in future investigations and prevented a potential serious accident.
“I attended with a colleage who was very well versed in resolving control problems. We carried out numerous tests and simulations, checking circuits and wiring connections, but were unable to reprodice any indication of the fault reported. After five or six eventful hours, we finally gave up and packed up our tools.As we were leaving, an elederly gentlement in the building lobby said “Ah! You’re the fellows sorting out the lift problem?.” My colleague, who by this time was suffering from the frustration experiened by Lift Engineers attempting to detect and resolve elusive control problems, was somewhat sharp in his response. The man was a little take aback and responded, saying ‘Do you want me to show you?”. “
To read the full article (and to find out what happened!), click the article below:
Colin Craney has 42 years of industry experience, initially in a number of field and management roles with Otis, followed by 17 years in consulting, currently for SVM Associates. Colin is a U.K. chartered engineer and a fellow of CIBSE, European engineer, chartered safety and health practitioner, accredited consultant on the HSE Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register and a member of the Chartered Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Colin is a barrister, having been called to the bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple.
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