Lifting Operations &

Lifting Appliances

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

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

Cranes

Types:

Tower Crane

Mobile Crane

Derrick Cranes

Gantry Cranes

Overhead Cranes

Cranes

Safety Devices:

SWL/Radius Indicator

Automatic Safe Load Indicator

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

Platform Hoists

There are 2 main types:

Cantilever type

Enclosed structure type

Lifting Appliances

Jacks

Screw Jacks

Ratchet Jacks

Hydraulic

Winches

Lifting Accessories

Ropes

Block & Tackle

Chains

Eyebolts

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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