Health and Safety Course Lifting Operations

1. Lifting Operations &
Lifting Appliances

2. LOLAR 98
Lifting appliances must be of adequate strength &
stability, as must the load itself
Lifting appliances used for lifting people must be
designed to prevent falls, crushing, trapping or
striking
Equipment must be positioned and installed to
prevent load drifting, free-falling or unintentional
release from causing injury
SWL and other necessary safe use information
marked on the equipment

3. LOLAR 98
Lifting operations must be properly planned,
organised, supervised and carried out safely
Equipment must be thoroughly examined after
installation and prior to service. Equipment for
lifting people must be examined and tested every 6
months; other equipment every 12 months
Any defects must be reported to employer, with
particulars as specified in Schedule 1 to the Regs.
If defects are found, equipment must not be used
until they are remedied
Records must be kept

4. Cranes
Types:
Tower Crane

Mobile Crane

Derrick Cranes

Gantry Cranes

Overhead Cranes


5. Cranes
Safety Devices:
SWL/Radius Indicator

Automatic Safe Load Indicator


6. Factors to Consider when
Selecting a Crane
Weight & dimension of loads
Height of lifts and distances/areas of
movement of loads
Number and frequency of lifts
Duration of operations
Site ground conditions
Space available for crane access, erection,
operation & dismantling

7. Platform Hoists
There are 2 main types:
Cantilever type

Enclosed structure type


8. Lifting Appliances
Jacks
Screw Jacks

Ratchet Jacks

Hydraulic

Winches

9. Lifting Accessories
Ropes
Block & Tackle
Chains
Eyebolts

10. Safe Use of Ropes & Wires
Must be in good condition before use I.e.
not frayed or corroded
Ropes & wires must be protected from
sharp edges of load by use of packing
No knots or hitches in slings or lifting
ropes
Never drag ropes or wires over the ground
When using more than one sling, ensure
they are of the same material

11. Safe Use of Chains
Never use chains with links locked or
stretched
Never hammer distorted links into position
Never use corroded or worn chains
Do not drag a chain from under a load
Do not drop chains from height
Do not use a chain over sharp corners
without padding
Chain life is increased by lubrication

12. Safe Use of Lifting Accessories
Never use hooks if there is any distortion or
cracks
Rings and shackles must be checked to see
they are not distorted or cracked

13. Storage of Ropes, Wires, Chains
& Lifting Accessories
Trained and competent stores
Stores must be dry, well ventilated and free
from corrosion
Ropes must be stored away from sunlight
and heaters
Stored material should have a systematic
layout

14. Storage of Ropes, Wires, Chains
& Lifting Accessories
Store should have area where simple
maintenance can be carried out
Store should be secure
An are where paperwork can be carried out
should be provided

15. Lifting Operations
Site Conditions
Access/egress routes

Inclines/gradients

Location of adjacent buildings

Location of overhead lines

Ground firm enough to support crane and

outriggers
No voids exist e.g. manholes, drains etc.


16. Lifting Operations
Planning the lift
Correct crane

Space for access, egress and movement

Suitable ground conditions

Crane is level

Underground services are protected

No overhead or side obstructions

Overhead power lines are isolated


17. Lifting Operations
Planning the lift
Area around lift is demarcated

Load is within SWL of crane

Location of lifting points ensure load is level

Lifting points are strong enough to take the

load
There are no persons under the load AT ANY

TIME

18. Lifting Operations
Planning the lift
Crane driver is given clear instruction by

slinger/signaler, either by hand signals or radio
All involved understand their role and are

competent to undertake it
All checks on crane and operator

documentation are made
Safety helmets are required to be worn by all

staff are in vicinity
Competent supervision


19. Lifting Operations
Inspection
Cranes must have an examination & test

loading every 4 years
A thorough examination is required every 12

months and an inspection and a test of the safe
load indicator should be undertaken each week
Inspections must be recorded
