There’s a lot of planning that happens behind the scenes for every single lift on a commercial construction site. The pieces of lifting equipment being used should match the load it is being used to lift, the conditions on-site and the workers using it. This isn’t about buying the heaviest or the cheapest piece of equipment. It’s about selecting the right equipment for the job and maintaining it in a safe, working condition.
The first thing to consider for any lift is what’s being lifted. This is often described as understanding the gross load. There are also several other factors to take into account. Is the load being lifted one piece or is it made up of several smaller pieces? What is the shape of the load? Is the load evenly distributed? These are all factors that must be considered to plan an effective lift.
When considering the safe working load of equipment, make sure there is a sensible margin between the load and the rated safe working load of the equipment being used. The safe working load of equipment must never be treated as a target.
Understand the Major Categories
There are not many different product types in the commercial lifting equipment market. Webbing and chain slings, shackles and eyebolts are used in the attachment of loads. Lever hoists, hand chain hoists and hand pallet trucks are used for lifting and moving loads. For larger loads, repetitive lifts and lifts in tight locations, powered hoists are used. For stabilisation, the use of beam clamps and spreader beams is recommended.
Find Out About the Working Load Limit (WLL)
If you want to review the equipment range of a supplier, a good starting point is to find a supplier that lists the safe working loads of their products. Also, the supplier should provide test certificates of their products.
Consider the Working Environment
Depending on the environment where the lifting work is done, the equipment used may change. Exposure to the elements may cause equipment to rust. Compact equipment may be used in a plant room. Edges may be sharp and can cut webbing slings. Different chemicals and environmental conditions may cause lifting equipment to break down. Materials have a limitation, and that should be taken into account.
Think about the Users
Equipment is only as safe as the people who use it. Lift plans and exclusion zones are used to control the risks involved in a lift. Written lift plans are produced by a person who is competent in producing such plans.
Equipment covered by LOLER must be strong and stable enough for purpose and clearly marked with its safe working load. Equipment used to lift people requires more frequent examinations. Lifting accessories such as slings must be examined at intervals not exceeding six months.
Inspections and Record Keeping
Get into the habit of doing a quick examination before every use, or pre-use check. Look for broken links, kinks, cuts and stretched links. Check for damaged stitching and hooks and consider if markings are legible. Use a log book to document slings and lifting equipment along with exam dates and certificates. Keep a log book with the identification numbers of equipment and ensure nothing goes past its exam date.
Proper storage of lifting equipment is important. Direct sunlight or contact with the ground can accelerate deterioration of lifting equipment. Keep equipment clean and dry. Keep damaged and unserviceable equipment separated from serviceable equipment.
Buying versus Hiring
Owning equipment can be cost effective if lifts are frequent and routine, or if lifts are heavy and specialist suppliers have to be used. Using a specialist hire company relieves the user from having to store and examine the equipment. Owning a basic core set of equipment is good practice. When lifting equipment is hired, or purchased, users should ensure equipment is provided with appropriate certification.
Planning for the Whole Project
Consider lifting requirements as early as possible to allow time to organise access with the main contractor. Planning a little in advance to consider deliveries and unloading can prevent delays, damage to materials and injuries to people.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the load and the environment is essential when making equipment choices. Purchase lifting equipment from suppliers who will provide appropriate certification and organise a regime of checks and examinations to keep equipment in good working order. Follow these practices and projects will run safely and efficiently.
