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:
 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 Equipment
Jacks
 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
 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
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
 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