1 Unit 8: Part 2 - Mechanical handling NEBOSH Health & Safety Certificate

2 What you need to know The hazards, precautions and procedures necessary to ensure safety in the use and maintenance of: –Fork-lift trucks –Manually operated load moving equipment (sack trolleys, pallet trucks, etc); –Lifts, hoists, conveyors; –and cranes. Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 requirements and statutory examination of lifting equipment

3 Mechanical handling and lifting equipment Conveyor hazards: –In-running nip between drive-rollers and belt [quarry accidents during cleaning at bottom roller]; –Entanglement; With transmission machinery [chain & sprocket drives]; Conveyor belt/slats. Elevator hazards: –Because loads lifted to height [eg. Materials hoist on construction site] the loads can fall onto people below if [a] unsecured or [b] people are allowed under elevator while it is working.

4 Mechanical handling

5 Slat and roller conveyors

6 Fork-lift trucks Accidents: –Overturning, due to high speed turns, ramp turns, driving with raised load, uneven road surface [most fatals]; see Reg 26 & 27, PUWER 98 and vehicle restraints, ROPS. –Overloading, unstable loads; –Collisions with Overhead obstructions Racking systems [eg. Wrexham warehouse]; Pedestrians, other vehicles. Main causes: –Lack of driver training - see HSE’s ‘Rider operated lift trucks - operator training’ COP 26 and PUWER Regs 8&9 –Lack of maintenance [for safety purposes] - PUWER 98, Reg 5

7 Fork-lift trucks - overloading

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9 Fork-lift trucks - overturning

10 Fork-lift trucks [2] Other hazards: –Fire and explosion; Battery re-charging, or; Flammable atmosphere [eg. Paint factory]; –Exhaust gas/fumes in confined spaces; –Hydraulic failure on lifting forks; –Unauthorised use as a working platform [see example].

11 Lifts, hoists Definition: ‘..incorporates a platform or cage and is restricted in its movement by guides.’Handbook Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 –features: sound mechanical construction - strength & stability [Reg 4] interlocked doors or gates - Reg 5 passenger lifts also need; –automatic braking system to prevent overruns; –min. 2 suspension ropes [each can carry max. working load]; –safety device to support lift if ropes fail.

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