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Improper lifting techniques, lifting a load that is too heavy, or lifting in the wrong position, can result in injuries. Contractor shall train its personnel on proper lifting techniques and ensure that they follow the guidelines below to lift safely:

• Make sure the area is clear of tripping hazards. • Face the load you’re about to lift.

• Bend your knees.

• Keep the load close to your body. • Keep your back straight.

• Use your legs, not your back, to lift the load.

• Do not twist your body while carrying a heavy load. • Do not try lifting a load that is too heavy - ask for help.

• When lifting a load with another person(s), communicate with the other person(s) before lowering your end of the load.

5.17.2 USE OF FORKLIFT

Only trained and qualified personnel shall operate forklifts. Evidence of certification shall be provided to QP by the Contractor for each Contractor employee who might operate a forklift. All forklifts shall be strictly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Forklifts shall only be used to lift loads within their certified capacity.

• Loads shall be correctly placed and secured on the forks to avoid tipping forwards or sideways.

• Wherever possible, forklifts shall be driven with the forks in the lowered position and with the mast slightly tilted back, with care taken to avoid scraping the fork heels on the ground/deck.

• Movement with loads in excessively raised positions shall be avoided to minimise the danger of toppling, especially on uneven surfaces and while cornering.

• Unauthorized personnel shall not ride on forklifts. Each forklift will be required to have a “NO RIDERS” sign in a visible area of the forklift.

• The forklift shall have an alarm signaling when vehicle is backing up.

• When a forklift is left unattended, the forks shall be fully lowered, controls put in “off” or “neutral” position, the power shut-off, and the brakes set. Wheels shall be chocked if the forklift is parked on an incline.

• The forklift operator shall ensure that the forklift’s wheels are properly chocked before unloading.

• Seat belts shall be worn when operating a forklift equipped with a rollover protection device.

• Stacking and unstacking on inclines shall never be attempted.

• Rapid acceleration, hard braking and sharp cornering which increase the risk of load tipping shall be avoided.

• Operators shall exercise caution and drive slowly on slopes, uneven and damaged surfaces.

• Forklift and forklift operator shall be in compliance with the QP Lifting Regulations.

5.17.3 MATERIAL STORAGE

Stacking and un-stacking of materials can lead to serious incidents. Contractor shall ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent incidents.

A. STACKING

When stacking or planning materials stacking, the following factors shall be considered:

• The permissible floor/deck loading and the design load-handling capability of storage racking and binning.

• The site layout with adequate walkways and aisles. • Materials routing in and out.

• Method of stacking to be used.

• Available or required materials handling facilities and equipment. • Area lighting with avoidance of shadow areas.

• Pallet design and load bearing capacity.

• Factors to be used to determine the size of stacks shall include volume and area available, and size, bulk, weight, type, rigidity and fragility of materials to be stacked. • Loaded pallets shall not normally be stacked more than three high.

• Stability of stacks shall be determined by: o A safe ratio of height to base area.

o Sound interlocking of the materials, either naturally or artificially.

o How much of the aggregate weight is borne by the components in the lowest tier of the rack.

o Good placement of every component in a stack, with no overhangs.

• Heavy items of equipment stored in custom-built crates or containers shall not be stacked one on top of the other (only the bases of these containers are designed to bear the load of the contents).

• Stacks shall be positioned at least 0.5m from walls/bulkheads and shall not allow footing for persons to gain access to unguarded machinery.

• Racking shall be inspected periodically to determine its condition and confirm its continuing capability to support the loads for which it was constructed.

• Only purpose-built pallets in good condition and without loose or broken boards and blocks shall be used for transporting loads. Damaged pallets shall be taken out of service and returned for repair or disposal.

• Loads shall be secured on pallets with tension strapping, plastic shrink-wrap, cargo netting or, alternatively, using a box pallet.

B. UNSTACKING

The majority of incidents involving the collapse of stacked materials occur when a stack is being taken down. During this activity, the following shall apply:

• If the person in charge had no part in the erection of the stack, he is to familiarize himself before work begins.

• The stack is to be taken down tier by tier without "taking bites" out of it.

• Tubular or other fencing around the stack is to be reduced in height as the stack is reduced.

• The area around the stack is to be kept clear of tripping hazards.