Date: June 25, 1990  
                                                        Info Alert # 7  
  
  
                           INFORMATION ALERT  
  
  
HAZARD SUMMARY:  FATALITIES & CRITICAL INJURIES - BRAKES  
  
  In two separate incidents, several workers were killed or critically  
  injured when a braking mechanism failed.  
  
  In the first case, two workers were killed and three were critically  
  injured when the braking mechanism for an elevator failed when a  
  motor shaft broke, causing a complete loss of braking.  The brake  
  for this elevator was located on the same shaft as the motor that  
  drove the elevator.  
  
  In the second incident, a worker was killed when a universal joint  
  failed on the drive shaft of a self-propelled boom-type elevating  
  work platform causing it and the worker driving it to roll down a  
  roadway and over an embankment.  The brake on this vehicle was  
  located on the drive shaft rather than at the wheels, thus causing  
  complete loss of braking when the universal joint on the drive shaft  
  failed.  
  
  
LOCATION(S) AND SECTOR(S) WHERE HAZARD MAY BE ENCOUNTERED  
  
  All sectors.  
  
  
PROTECTIVE MEASURES  
  
  1.  Inspect all braking mechanisms to ensure that mechanical failure  
      of a drive component does not create a hazard to workers  
      (i.e. equipment should "failsafe").  The brakes should act at a  
      point where a failure of a component of the drive train does not  
      cause failure of the braking system.  
  
  2.  Establish a regular maintenance program for equipment that is  
      critical to worker health and safety.  
  
  3.  Inspect all rented or leased equipment before use in the  
      workplace.  
  
  
NOTE:  "Information Alert" is produced by the Industrial Health and  
       Safety Branch, Ministry of Labour for use by Ministry  
       inspectors, health and safety associations and other interested  
       groups or individuals in Ontario.  The goal of this publication  
       is to communicate hazard information as soon as it becomes  
       available to prevent serious injury to workers.  Reproduction  
       and use of these alerts is encouraged.