1. Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment

2. 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

3. 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

4. Cranes  Types: l Tower Crane l Mobile Crane l Derrick Cranes l Gantry Cranes l Overhead Cranes

5. Cranes  Safety Devices: l SWL/Radius Indicator l Automatic Safe Load Indicator

6. 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

7. Platform Hoists  There are 2 main types: l Cantilever type l Enclosed structure type

8. Lifting Equipment  Jacks l Screw Jacks l Ratchet Jacks l Hydraulic  Winches

9. Lifting Tackle  Ropes  Block & Tackle  Chains  Eyebolts

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Lifting Operations  Site Conditions l Access/egress routes l Inclines/gradients l Location of adjacent buildings l Location of overhead lines l Ground firm enough to support crane and outriggers l No voids exist e.g. manholes, drains etc.

16. Lifting Operations  Planning the lift l Correct crane l Space for access, egress and movement l Suitable ground conditions l Crane is level l Underground services are protected l No overhead or side obstructions l Overhead power lines are isolated

17. Lifting Operations  Planning the lift l Area around lift is demarcated l Load is within SWL of crane l Location of lifting points ensure load is level l Lifting points are strong enough to take the load l There are no persons under the load AT ANY TIME

18. Lifting Operations  Planning the lift l Crane driver is given clear instruction by banksman, either by hand signals or radio l All involved understand their role and are competent to undertake it l All checks on crane and operator documentation are made l Safety helmets are required to be worn by all staff are in vicinity l Competent supervision

19. Lifting Operations  Inspection l Cranes must have an examination & test loading every 4 years l A thorough examination is required every 14 months and an inspection and a test of the safe load indicator should be undertaken each week l Inspections must be recorded