Teesside Window cleaning - inquest into the death of one of his employees.

[spruce]

Back in 2023, I started a post regarding the death of Andrew Langstaff who was working for Teesside Window Cleaning.

Here is a link to that thread;

https://windowcleaningforums.co.uk/threads/teesside-window-cleaner-passed-away-in-accident.37578/

A few days ago, an inquest into Andrew's death was held in a Middlesbrough court over 2 days.

Here is our local newspaper's report of the proceedings.

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/andrew-langstaff-inquest-billingham-crash-30801868

The newspaper reports that Huran Hussain testified that strapping an IBC tank into the back of a van was common practice. It isn't. He testified that he believed the straps were safe and was not aware of any other methods used to secure the cylinders at the time. He said: "I wish at the time I knew how dangerous they could be." Absolute lies. Many on this and the other forum warned him about this unsafe practice numerous times, but he chose to ignore the advice. Anyone who commented against what he was doing was seen by him as an idiot.

I'm saddened that this situation has led to a window cleaner's death, but glad that this ratchet strapping an IBC tank down has been shown to be an 'inappropriate' way of securing the tank by the crash investigators.

I spoke to one of his ex-employees a few months ago. He has a Transit van with an IBC tank ratchet strapped in the back. I pointed out how dangerous this was. He said this setup was just temporary. I saw his van a couple of days ago and he still has the IBC tank strapped in. I honestly hope the outcome of this inquest makes him and any others sit up and rectify this.

Interestingly, the investigators also stated that the van was being driven erratically just before the crash. There was no indication that there was drink involved, but the comment made was that Google maps was on his phone and that a photo had been accessed during the journey. Was Andrew distracted by his phone?

 

[Pjj]

Back in 2023, I started a post regarding the death of Andrew Langstaff who was working for Teesside Window Cleaning.

Here is a link to that thread;

https://windowcleaningforums.co.uk/threads/teesside-window-cleaner-passed-away-in-accident.37578/

A few days ago, an inquest into Andrew's death was held in a Middlesbrough court over 2 days.

Here is our local newspaper's report of the proceedings.

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/andrew-langstaff-inquest-billingham-crash-30801868

The newspaper reports that Huran Hussain testified that strapping an IBC tank into the back of a van was common practice. It isn't. He testified that he believed the straps were safe and was not aware of any other methods used to secure the cylinders at the time. He said: "I wish at the time I knew how dangerous they could be." Absolute lies. Many on this and the other forum warned him about this unsafe practice numerous times, but he chose to ignore the advice. Anyone who commented against what he was doing was seen by him as an idiot.

I'm saddened that this situation has led to a window cleaner's death, but glad that this ratchet strapping an IBC tank down has been shown to be an 'inappropriate' way of securing the tank by the crash investigators.

I spoke to one of his ex-employees a few months ago. He has a Transit van with an IBC tank ratchet strapped in the back. I pointed out how dangerous this was. He said this setup was just temporary. I saw his van a couple of days ago and he still has the IBC tank strapped in. I honestly hope the outcome of this inquest makes him and any others sit up and rectify this.

Interestingly, the investigators also stated that the van was being driven erratically just before the crash. There was no indication that there was drink involved, but the comment made was that Google maps was on his phone and that a photo had been accessed during the journey. Was Andrew distracted by his phone?

Thanks for the update Bruce let’s hope this is now taken more seriously by the ratchet strap brigade please post this on ciu as well ime sure the usual suspects will poo poo it but it’s from an independent body that have published this report and it needs publicising

 

[johnny bravo]

ive looked in a companies van also. a big firm in north east. Big 1000 Water Tank. ratchet straps were something like you would buy in a Boyes store. the guy just shrugged his shoulders, he said it sometimes moves when driving.
Not his van attitude

 

[THL4KEL]

I do see quite a lot on my travels who just ratchet strap them. Drove past one earlier today without even a ratchet strap ...

 

[Iron Giant]

Interesting to read that they state he was a sub-contracted

All in all, it's quite sad that mistakes made could have been avoided and this accident could have very well not happened.

 

[spruce]

I do see quite a lot on my travels who just ratchet strap them. Drove past one earlier today without even a ratchet strap ...

It's frightening really.

 

[spruce]

Interesting to read that they state he was a sub-contracted

All in all, it's quite sad that mistakes made could have been avoided and this accident could have very well not happened.

Nothing is ever what it seems with Harun. He was driving a Teesside Window Cleaning van and using their equipment. So he was employed, not a subcontractor.

Unfortunately, sometimes things like this make some realize that this isn't the way to go, and they learn from other's mistakes. Then there are some who just carry on; business as usual.

 

[ched999uk]

Nothing is ever what it seems with Harun. He was driving a Teesside Window Cleaning van and using their equipment. So he was employed, not a subcontractor.

Unfortunately, sometimes things like this make some realize that this isn't the way to go, and they learn from other's mistakes. Then there are some who just carry on; business as usual.

This is just the inquest though. The legalities are another matter once the judge has reached his/her verdict! Then the repercussion's should start. That said, I do wonder why HMRC aren't on this like a ton of bricks.

 

[Part Timer]

Interesting to read that they state he was a sub-contracted

All in all, it's quite sad that mistakes made could have been avoided and this accident could have very well not happened.

Unfortunately some people are purely driven by money. Yes everyone needs it, and everyone wants more, but sometimes money isn't just worth it, especially if you have any principles

 

[Pjj]

Interesting to read that they state he was a sub-contracted

All in all, it's quite sad that mistakes made could have been avoided and this accident could have very well not happened.

He was warned on here many times it was dangerous to use ratchet straps but just ignored the advice now someone is dead how many more situations like this will happen?

 

[Chris34]

He was warned on here many times it was dangerous to use ratchet straps but just ignored the advice now someone is dead how many more situations like this will happen?

If there is evidence of this then are we not supposed to report it?

 

[Pjj]

If there is evidence of this then are we not supposed to report it?

There were many posts on here about the dangers of using ratchet straps, but there is no law preventing it at this time , ime sure many including @spruce will remember them

 

[PC]

Has it been revealed what speed the crash was?
Crash tested systems are only up to 30mph aren’t they?
If the crash was above that then would the outcome have been any different regardless of how the tank was fixed in.
I used ratchets for probably 18 years. I’ve now got it bolted in and with ratchets round it. But I’m far from convinced that in the event of a high speed crash I will be protected.
Nor will all the builders with a tonne of bricks sat on the back of the pick up etc.
I do agree with Spuce that the key is driving as safe as you can. Especially when the tank is full.

 

[Iron Giant]

Has it been revealed what speed the crash was?
Crash tested systems are only up to 30mph aren’t they?
If the crash was above that then would the outcome have been any different regardless of how the tank was fixed in.
I used ratchets for probably 18 years. I’ve now got it bolted in and with ratchets round it. But I’m far from convinced that in the event of a high speed crash I will be protected.
Nor will all the builders with a tonne of bricks sat on the back of the pick up etc.
I do agree with Spuce that the key is driving as safe as you can. Especially when the tank is full.

I passed a builder last week he had the rear doors wide open on his transit custom, the van looked on its a-ss with what looked like 2 ton of sand in the back

 

[PC]

I passed a builder last week he had the rear doors wide open on his transit custom, the van looked on its a-ss with what looked like 2 ton of sand in the back

I see it all the time. Be interested how that works out in a high speed crash

 

[Iron Giant]

I see it all the time. Be interested how that works out in a high speed crash

Probably end up sand blasted

 

[PC]

Probably end up sand blasted

 

[spruce]

Has it been revealed what speed the crash was?
Crash tested systems are only up to 30mph aren’t they?
If the crash was above that then would the outcome have been any different regardless of how the tank was fixed in.
I used ratchets for probably 18 years. I’ve now got it bolted in and with ratchets round it. But I’m far from convinced that in the event of a high speed crash I will be protected.
Nor will all the builders with a tonne of bricks sat on the back of the pick up etc.
I do agree with Spuce that the key is driving as safe as you can. Especially when the tank is full.

Andrew unfortunately caused his own demise by driving erratically. His careless driving could have caused the deaths of those in the Citroën he collided with. Thankfully they survived. While their injuries weren't life-threatening or life changing, we don't know how this accident has impacted on their mental health.

The point is that the crash investigators stated that the cause of death was the tank moving forward (tipping), breaking through the bulkhead, deforming the driver's seat and crushing him against the steering wheel. They referred to the way the tank was secured with those ratchet straps that they used as inappropriate. It's this that we should be taking note of.

We don't know what the outcome would have been if the tank was the right tank and secured properly. You are right @PC , these crash tested systems are only tested to 30mph. I would have hoped that with better securing of the tank, Andrew's injuries wouldn't have been fatal.

 

[Part Timer]

Andrew unfortunately caused his own demise by driving erratically. His careless driving could have caused the deaths of those in the Citroën he collided with. Thankfully they survived. While their injuries weren't life-threatening or life changing, we don't know how this accident has impacted on their mental health.

The point is that the crash investigators stated that the cause of death was the tank moving forward (tipping), breaking through the bulkhead, deforming the driver's seat and crushing him against the steering wheel. They referred to the way the tank was secured with those ratchet straps that they used as inappropriate. It's this that we should be taking note of.

We don't know what the outcome would have been if the tank was the right tank and secured properly. You are right @PC , these crash tested systems are only tested to 30mph. I would have hoped that with better securing of the tank, Andrew's injuries wouldn't have been fatal.

Problem I have with all of this was when he was criticised on here he then started going on about he was his long time friend and he was really struggling with his mental health over the accident and his death. He then stands up, under oath, and lies. Absolute piece of

 

[Pjj]

Has it been revealed what speed the crash was?
Crash tested systems are only up to 30mph aren’t they?
If the crash was above that then would the outcome have been any different regardless of how the tank was fixed in.
I used ratchets for probably 18 years. I’ve now got it bolted in and with ratchets round it. But I’m far from convinced that in the event of a high speed crash I will be protected.
Nor will all the builders with a tonne of bricks sat on the back of the pick up etc.
I do agree with Spuce that the key is driving as safe as you can. Especially when the tank is full.

True they are only tested to 30 mph , but the tank and frame from Ionic’s is designed to bend at the top and blow the lid of the tank causing the water to come out of the tank hit the roof of the van taking the inertia out of the impact also the tank is mounted far enough away from the bulk head that it won’t hit or go through the bulkhead, giving added protection, any load can shift I used to drive articulated milk tankers that could carry 33,000 ltr capacity but for legal weight all you could carry was 25,000 ltr in an un baffled tank I’ll leave you to guess what the surge and push on at junctions was like . Nothing is 100% safe in an accident , but all the fatal deaths I have Hurd of with window cleaners have been home made setups using ibc strapped in tanks up against bulkheads . So clearly this is very unsafe practice.

 

[Iron Giant]

Problem I have with all of this was when he was criticised on here he then started going on about he was his long time friend and he was really struggling with his mental health over the accident and his death. He then stands up, under oath, and lies. Absolute piece of

Whilst he banged on about it, he was off his head on coke judging by his wild ramblings in the early hours of the morning at times,

He was always full of it's just a shame his employees didn't see it and walk away before what happened.