Lifting Operations &
Lifting Equipment
LOLER 98
Lifting Equipment must be of adequate strength &
stability, as must the load itself
Lifting equipment 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
LOLER 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:
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Tower Crane
Mobile Crane
Derrick Cranes
Gantry Cranes
Overhead Cranes
Cranes
Safety Devices:
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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:
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Cantilever type
Enclosed structure type
Lifting Equipment
Jacks
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Screw Jacks
Ratchet Jacks
Hydraulic
Winches
Lifting Tackle
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 Tackle
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 Tackle
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 Tackle
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
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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
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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
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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
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Crane driver is given clear instruction by
banksman, 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
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Cranes must have an examination & test
loading every 4 years
A thorough examination is required every 14
months and an inspection and a test of the safe
load indicator should be undertaken each week
Inspections must be recorded