Conquip Stretcher Cage

Crane-lifted rescue frame for transporting injured personnel on a stretcher — a legal requirement on sites with regular lifting operations.

The Conquip Stretcher Cage is a crane-lifted rescue frame designed to safely transport an injured worker on a foldable stretcher, accompanied by one attendant, from a building structure, tunnel, or excavation. It is a safer alternative to lifting a stretcher up or down temporary stairways and removes the need for multiple operatives to manually carry an injured colleague through restricted site routes. A Stretcher Cage is a mandatory legal requirement on sites where regular crane lifting operations take place — it must always be available on-site to enable rapid casualty extraction. The cage is designed to fit the Conquip Foldable Stretcher with an injured person plus one attendant, and the 'up-and-over' door provides maximum internal space and unobstructed access during a casualty load. A raised frame base prevents crushing risk when the cage is landed.

Technical Specifications

Key Features

• Designed to fit a Conquip Foldable Stretcher with an injured person plus one attendant
• Up-and-over door provides maximum internal space and clear access during casualty loading
• Raised frame base prevents crushing risk when the cage is landed on uneven ground
• Half-height solid steel sides offer maximum protection for the casualty while preserving operator and attendant visibility
• Designated internal harness attachment point per occupant for the attendant during transit
• SHS Emergency Descent Point (EDP) for evacuation in case of crane or chain failure
• Recessed handrails reduce snag risk while providing stability
• Optional stretcher mounting brackets allow the foldable stretcher to be stored on the side of the cage and off the ground
• Supplied with chain slings — ready to deploy in an emergency

Suitable Applications

The Stretcher Cage is a mandatory part of the rescue plan on any construction site where regular crane lifting operations are carried out. It is widely deployed on tunnel projects, deep excavation sites, basement and below-ground works, infrastructure projects, and major civils sites where a foldable stretcher cannot be safely carried up or down temporary access routes. It pairs directly with the Conquip Foldable Stretcher for a complete rescue solution.

How to Use

1. Verify the cage is sited and accessible to all areas where lifting operations are carried out — confirm in the site rescue plan
2. Carry out pre-use checks: door mechanism, internal space clear of obstacles, stretcher condition and accessibility, harness points, and lifting points
3. In an emergency, position the cage adjacent to the casualty and open the up-and-over door fully
4. Transfer the casualty onto the foldable stretcher and load the stretcher into the cage
5. The attendant enters the cage and connects to the designated internal harness point
6. Close the up-and-over door fully before any lift commences
7. The crane operator takes the strain slowly and verifies the cage is balanced before lifting to the rescue point
8. The cage is lowered gently at the destination; the casualty is transferred to medical care without leaving the stretcher where possible

Warning: The attendant must wear a fall arrest harness connected to the designated internal harness point. WLL of 240kg must not be exceeded — casualty weight, attendant weight, stretcher, and any equipment all count toward the total. Pre-use inspection required before every deployment, and a thorough examination every six months under LOLER 1998.

Safety Information

• Working Load Limit of 240kg must not be exceeded under any circumstance
• Cage must be available on every site where regular crane lifting operations are carried out — this is a legal requirement
• Pre-use inspection required before every deployment; thorough examination every six months under LOLER 1998
• The attendant must wear an approved fall arrest harness connected to the designated internal harness point
• Up-and-over door must be fully closed before any lift commences
• Lifting must be carried out by a competent crane operator with a trained banksman or signaller
• Cages with damaged frames, compromised door mechanisms, or worn harness points must be removed from service immediately
• Use only the supplied chain slings; verify chain condition as part of pre-use checks

Frequently Asked Questions