Lifting Operations
Accidents during lifting operations are most often caused by misuse of equipment. If the load slips or drops during lifting, then the potential for serious injury or damage is obvious.
All lifting operations on site are covered by the Construction (Lifting Operations) Regulations.
All work equipment (including lifting gear) used anywhere comes under the Work Equipment
Regulations.
Basic Rules for Safe Lifting
- A person competent to operate the particular equipment being used must supervise lifting operations.
- Persons giving signals (banksmen) must be competent. No person under 18 is allowed to operate equipment or to act as a banksman, unless supervised by a competent person.
- All lifting equipment is marked with its safe working load (SWL) and is supplied with a test certificate. Check that the load is within its capacity and where necessary the lifting equipment has the appropriate certificates.
- Hired equipment is still the responsibility of the user. It is the user who must ensure it is suitable for the lift (notwithstanding anything told to you by the hirer).
- Proper planning of all major lifts is essential including delivery to site, the site occupier, the crane or other drive, manpower resources, site security etc.
- All persons not involved must be kept clear of the danger area by barriers and signs.
- Before lifting commences, know exactly where the load is to be put down and that the space and the route to the set-down area is clear (height and width).
- Measure up the load and the space first, not when it is suspended in mid air.
- Lift and lower slowly, without jerking the load and keep your mind and eye on what’s going on. Do not allow any distraction until the load is safely down.
- It is forbidden for persons to “ride” the load.
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