APS-4000 Research Exercise 3
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Thomas Edison State College *
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Industrial Engineering
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Jan 9, 2024
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2. Search the Internet for details on the Kansas City hotel skywalk disaster. Describe
the disaster in no more than 1 page (250 to 275 words).
The Kansas City hotel skywalk disaster unfolded on July 17, 1981, at the Hyatt Regency
Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.
During a bustling Friday evening tea dance in the hotel's atrium,
tragedy struck as two suspended walkways, or skywalks, collapsed, resulting in a devastating
loss of life and injuries.
The disaster was because of a flawed design.
Originally, the plans called
for separate support rods for the second and fourth-floor skywalks, but during construction, this
design was altered, and both walkways were suspended from a single set of rods.
This structural
modification proved fatal.
As the dance floor bustled below, the fourth-floor skywalk suddenly
gave way, crashing onto the second-floor walkway, which subsequently collapsed onto the crowd
below.
The resulting debris caused severe injuries and fatalities.
The final toll was staggering.
There were 114 lives were lost, and more than 200 people sustained injuries.
In the aftermath,
this catastrophe had far-reaching implications.
It underscored the critical importance of
adherence to stringent safety standards and engineering practices in construction projects.
The
disaster also prompted significant legal and insurance reforms within the construction industry,
emphasizing liability and risk assessment.
The emergency response efforts during the tragedy
brought to light the need for improved coordination and procedures in handling such disasters.
The Kansas City hotel skywalk disaster remains a somber reminder of the enduring
responsibility to prioritize safety and structural integrity in construction.
It led to comprehensive
changes in industry practices and regulations, ensuring that such a horrific event would not be
repeated in the future.
3.
How could future accidents of this type be prevented? Compare the four basic
approaches to hazard avoidance in preventing accidents of this type. Your response
should be no longer than 1 page (250 to 275 words).
To prevent future accidents of this type, various approaches to hazard avoidance can be
considered, engineering controls, administration controls, PPE, etc.
Designing and installing
insulating materials around power lines or implementing physical barriers to maintain a safe
distance between power lines and work areas can prevent accidental contact.
Installing
automated systems that detect when equipment comes into proximity to power lines and
automatically shut down power can prevent electrical hazards Implementing strict protocols and
training programs for workers, ensuring they are aware of the hazards associated with power
lines and understand safe work practices, can significantly reduce the risk.
Prior to starting work
near power lines, thorough safety planning should occur.
Identifying potential hazards,
conducting site assessments, and having clear communication among workers and supervisors
can help mitigate risks.
Providing workers with insulated tools and equipment can minimize the
risk of electrical shock in case of accidental contact.
Workers should wear appropriate personal
protective gear, such as non-conductive gloves and clothing, to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Governments and regulatory bodies should enforce strict safety regulations pertaining to working
near power lines, ensuring that companies comply with safety standards.
Holding companies
accountable for safety violations and accidents through legal means can act as a deterrent and
encourage adherence to safety practices.
In this specific case, the failure of the "re-closer"
system, an engineering control, played a critical role in the accident.
Enhancing engineering
controls by improving the reliability and redundancy of safety systems, conducting regular
maintenance, and utilizing automated shutdown mechanisms can be effective in preventing
similar incidents.
Additionally, reinforcing administrative controls like comprehensive safety
planning and worker training can further reduce the risk of accidents when working near power
lines.
Finally, strict legal and regulatory measures should be in place to ensure compliance and
accountability.
References
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2023, July 10).
Hyatt Regency Walkway collapse
. Encyclopædia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Hyatt-Regency-walkway-collapse
Hernandez, J. (2021, July 17).
One of the deadliest U.S. accidental structural collapses
happened 40 Years Ago Today
. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2021/07/17/1016603199/one-of-
the-deadliest-u-s-accidental-structural-collapses-happened-40-years-ago-t
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