CPA Bulletin

40 CPA Bulletin > August 2024 www.cpa.uk.net ESTA: 1 ESTA ESTA is urging members to send in information about problems with the use of AdBlue in mobile cranes and SPMTs. Crane rental companies around Europe are reporting growing issues with the use of AdBlue with some saying almost one third of all on-road breakdowns seem to be AdBlue related. AdBlue is a mixture of water and urea used in diesel engines to minimise the production of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. It reacts with NOx in the catalytic converter, breaking it down into nitrogen and water vapour in a process known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). The concerns were raised at the last meeting of the EU Regulations Workgroup whose attendees include ESTA members and representatives of the crane manufacturers through FEM, the European Materials Handling Federation. A key concern is that if the AdBlue system malfunctions - perhaps because the engine is too cold - then the crane’s engine can lose power or even shut down, with potentially dangerous consequences. Reports suggest that similar problems can face SPMT operators, a particular concern during load outs. ESTA Director Ton Klijn said: “As a first step, we are gathering information and we will then consult with the members of the European Regulations Workgroup and decide on the next steps.” One solution might be for the engine manufacturers to develop some sort of “override” that would allow the engine to keep operating for a limited period despite the AdBlue systemmalfunction. ESTA concerned over AdBlue-related ‘malfunctions’ The first edition of ESTA’smuch-anticipated Lifting Operation Risk Management Guide has been released. ESTA intends the new guidelines to help companies assess the risks involved in different types of work and give them advice on how to protect themselves using state-of-the-art work preparation and properly drafted terms and conditions. The guide is especially aimed at smaller companies but also contains information for clients to help themmanage projects safely and ensure that they give accurate and relevant information to their suppliers. The report’s preface explains: “The aim of this best practice guide is not to reissue a set of rules and regulations for the industry, but rather an attempt, by outlining different forms of contracts and listing existing regulations and incident prevention measures, to make users of lifting equipment aware of the risks of lifting operations and protection against their consequences.” The report was produced by an ESTA working group whose members are: Blanca Claeyssens, managing director of ASA France; Marcel Schets, SHEQmanager at Mammoet; Joe Collins, heavy lift manager with Becht Engineering; Norbert van Schaik, senior lifting specialist with Siemens Gamesa; and Ton Klijn, ESTA Director. “The background for this initiative was the fact that crane companies are increasingly dependent on information or auxiliary materials supplied by the customer, the reliability or integrity of which cannot always be adequately established,” Ton Klijn explained. “ESTA was therefore looking for an opportunity to ensure members are aware of the risks, aided by publishing a best practice guide with operational recommendations and suggestions for adapting conditions. ESTA stresses that the publication, which is available free to members, is only for guidance and is based on the consensus of ESTA member organizations. It is not a regulation or standard and should not be treated as such, and it cannot replace the users’ own knowledge of relevant directives, laws and regulations. ESTA releases first edition of Lifting Operation Risk Management Guide