22nd March 2010 23:31
The Moses Mabhida Stadium sky car, created to set Durban apart from other World Cup stadiums, is making a name for itself - for all the wrong reasons.
Department of labour inspectors will visit the stadium to "take a look at the overall working of the sky car".
Provincial departmental spokes-man Jay Anand told The Times that inspectors have been instructed to determine if the sky car is safe and if it is operated in compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The investigation comes after reports that sky car staff are not trained in the management of crisis situations.
A week ago a 63-year-old woman collapsed while trying to walk down the 550 steps to the ground after the sky car broke down.
Another man, also desperate to get off the stadium"s arch, was forced to carry his baby down the steep steps - also known as the Adventure Walk.
The sky car has broken down several times in the past four months. However, after each incident, the city has given the assurance that it will never happen again and that visitors are perfectly safe.
Anand said the inspectors will pay special attention to disclaimers on signage at the entrance of the ride. Visitors are warned that they use the sky car at their own risk and that the city will not be liable for damages, injuries or loss.
"The venue must take some responsibility for safety procedures. This will be looked at and the department will issue its findings as soon as the inspection is over," Anand said.
The sky car, which carries visitors to a platform at the top of the gleaming white arch, was built to generate revenue to pay for the R3.1-billion stadium. The arch also boasts an adventure walk and a bungee swing.
Despite the impending inspection and questions about safety, the sky car was in operation yesterday. Durban"s city manager, Mike Sutcliffe, was unavailable for comment.
Times Mobile
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment