Eichinger Stretcher Rescue Cage

Model 1075 | Crane Evacuation Cage | 2-Person Capacity | CE Marked | UKCA Compliant

The Eichinger 1075 Stretcher Rescue Cage is a fully enclosed crane-suspended evacuation cage designed to safely transport an injured person on a stretcher, together with one attendant or first aider, from height. Built in Germany by Florian Eichinger GmbH, the 1075 features solid steel walls up to waist height with mesh panels above, two sliding doors on the narrow sides for easy access with a stretcher, and four spring-loaded lifting eyes that absorb shock on landing to protect the casualty. The cage is supplied in white with high-visibility signage and comes complete with a four-leg chain sling rated at a 10:1 safety ratio, permanently attached to the main lifting points. A fold-flat vinyl rescue stretcher is available as an optional extra.

Technical Specifications

Key Features

• Fully Enclosed Cage Design — solid steel walls up to waist height with mesh panels above provide impact protection for the casualty and attendant during transport, while maintaining visibility and airflow.
• Two Sliding Doors — doors on both narrow sides of the cage allow the first aider to enter and exit with the stretcher from whichever end is most accessible, critical when working in confined or restricted spaces at height.
• Spring-Loaded Lifting Eyes — four shock-absorbing lifting eyes cushion the cage on landing, protecting the injured person from jolts and impacts during set-down.
• 10:1 Rated Chain Sling — the four-leg chain sling is rated at a 10:1 safety ratio as required by CE regulations and is permanently captivated to the cage lifting points, preventing loss or misuse of the sling.
• Integral Harness & Lanyard Points — overhead anchor points fitted as standard allow the attendant to attach a safety harness and lanyard during transit.
• Fold-Flat Vinyl Stretcher Available — an optional fold-flat pole stretcher constructed from high-strength aluminium alloy with waterproof, anti-cracking orange vinyl fabric. It folds both horizontally and vertically for compact storage and includes a carrying bag.
• High-Visibility White Finish — the cage is finished in white with prominent safety signage, ensuring it is clearly visible during crane operations and emergency situations.
• Designed for Confined Spaces — the slim 880 mm width allows the cage to access tight areas between buildings, within structures, and inside excavations where wider cages cannot reach.

Suitable Applications

The Eichinger 1075 Stretcher Rescue Cage is an essential piece of safety equipment for any construction site where personnel are working at height and crane access is available. It is commonly used on tower crane sites for evacuating injured operators from the cab or jib, on high-rise construction projects where stairwell access may be blocked or impractical for stretcher evacuation, within deep excavations and shaft work where casualties cannot be carried out on foot, on bridge and infrastructure projects where conventional rescue routes are limited, and on industrial sites such as power stations, refineries, and wind turbine installations. The cage is a legal requirement under many site safety plans and is typically specified by principal contractors as part of the site emergency rescue procedure. It is designed to remain on site for the duration of a project and be immediately available in the event of an emergency.

How to Use the Stretcher Rescue Cage

1. Ensure the cage is positioned on firm, level ground and the chain sling is in good condition before use. Visually check the cage structure, doors, lifting eyes, and chain connectors.
2. Open one of the sliding doors on the narrow end of the cage. The first aider enters the cage with the stretcher.
3. Position the casualty securely on the stretcher and fasten both patient securing straps. Place the stretcher into the cage and ensure it is stable.
4. The attendant enters the cage and closes the sliding door fully. If wearing a safety harness, attach the lanyard to the overhead anchor point inside the cage.
5. Confirm with the crane operator or banksman that the cage is ready to lift. Ensure all personnel are clear of the cage and the lift zone.
6. The crane operator lifts the cage smoothly and steadily, avoiding sudden movements. Maintain radio or visual communication between the attendant, banksman, and crane operator at all times.
7. Lower the cage to the designated landing area. The spring-loaded lifting eyes will absorb shock on set-down. Do not exit until the cage is fully grounded and the crane operator has confirmed it is safe.
8. Open the sliding door, remove the stretcher with the casualty, and hand over to the emergency medical team.

Warning: The cage is designed for a maximum of two persons only — one casualty on the stretcher and one attendant. Never exceed the 250 kg safe working load. Keep hands and feet clear of the cage structure at all times during lifting. Only enter or exit the cage when it is fully grounded and the crane operator has given the all-clear. Ensure efficient communication between the hoist operator and cage occupant is maintained at all times, either via radio or a dedicated banksman.

Certification and Compliance

The Eichinger 1075 Stretcher Rescue Cage is CE marked in accordance with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and is supplied with a UKCA certificate for the UK market. It fully complies with BS EN 14502-1:2005, the European standard for suspended access equipment covering calculation, stability, and construction requirements. The cage also meets the requirements of HSE Guidance Note PM28, which sets out best practice for safe use of crane-suspended personnel platforms in the UK. In Germany, the cage is approved by the Berufsgenossenschaften (BG) and complies with the safety rules for hoistable Personnel Access and Materials equipment (PAM/GS). All units are manufactured under DIN ISO 9001:2015 quality management at Eichinger's own facility in Mühlhausen, Bavaria, and are independently tested by TÜV. An EC Declaration of Conformity is supplied with every unit.

Safety Information

• The cage must only be used for crane-suspended operations. It is not suitable for use with forklifts or telehandlers.
• Never exceed the 250 kg safe working load or the 2-person maximum capacity.
• The four-leg chain sling must remain permanently attached to the cage lifting points. Do not remove it for other purposes. Eichinger recommend that chain slings designated for personnel cages are never used for any other lifting operation.
• Always carry out a visual inspection of the cage, chain sling, and lifting eyes before each use. Check for structural damage, worn chain links, and correct operation of the sliding doors.
• Ensure the landing area is firm, level, and clear of obstructions before lowering the cage.
• The attendant should wear a safety harness with lanyard attached to the overhead anchor point inside the cage during all lifting operations.
• Maintain continuous communication between the cage occupant, banksman, and crane operator — either by radio or visual signals via a dedicated third person.
• Ensure the area below the lift path is clear of personnel. At no time should anyone be positioned beneath the raised cage.
• The cage must not be used in wind speeds exceeding those permitted by the crane manufacturer's operating limits.
• All operators and first aiders should be fully trained in the correct use of the stretcher rescue cage and the site emergency rescue procedure before an emergency arises.

Inspection and Maintenance

The Eichinger 1075 Stretcher Rescue Cage must be visually inspected before each use, checking the cage structure, chain sling, connectors, lifting eyes, sliding doors, and harness anchor points for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), the cage must undergo a thorough examination by a competent person at least every six months, as it is classed as lifting equipment used for carrying persons. All inspection records must be documented and retained on site. The chain sling should be inspected in accordance with BS EN 818 and replaced if any link shows visible wear, elongation, or damage. The spring-loaded lifting eyes should be checked for correct operation and free movement. Touch up any paint damage promptly to prevent corrosion. Store the cage under cover or sheeted when not in use for extended periods.

Stretcher Specification

The fold-flat vinyl pole stretcher available as an optional extra is constructed from high-strength aluminium alloy with waterproof, anti-cracking orange vinyl fabric. It folds both horizontally and vertically for compact storage and portability. The stretcher is fitted with two patient securing straps, non-slip plastic carrying handles, spreader bars for additional support, and stirrup feet that raise the casualty off the ground and assist with the initial lift. A carrying bag is included.

Frequently Asked Questions