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

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.