Lifting equipment and lifting accessories are work equipment and as such, our policy and guidance on work equipment applies.
There are however, additional considerations, which must be taken into account when carrying out lifting operations.
This is a general guidance only, for further information on specific items of lifting equipment and lifting accessories, please consult the manufacturer or contact Salus Consulting.
DEFINITION
The definition of "lifting equipment" and "lifting accessories" includes:
Passenger lifts (lifting equipment used for lifting persons should be marked as such).
Goods lifts (Marked "Goods Only").
Window cleaning cradles and equipment and abseiling equipment used for window cleaning.
Cranes, pulley blocks, lifting winches, lifting beams and runway trolleys.
Vehicle tail lifts.
Fork lift trucks.
Lifting platforms, scissor lifts etc. This list is not exhaustive.MAIN HAZARDS
The main hazards associated with the use of this equipment are:
Falling objects.
Collapse or overturning of lifting equipment.
Failure of accessories for lifting.
Being struck by lifting equipment or loads.
Falling from or within lifting equipment.
Poor or no training.
Poor load planning or supervision.
Improper use or abuse.
Overloading.
Lack of maintenance. ASSESSMENT AND CONTROLSControl strategies should involve a risk assessment in order to identify accident black spots on traffic routes. The assessment should consider both internal and external traffic routes, particularly when goods are loaded and unloaded from lorries. When introducing workplace precautions, factors to consider are:
That the designated traffic routes are suitable for the purpose and the volume of traffic.
That the traffic routes, loading and storage areas are correctly designed, have enforced speed limits and good visibility.
That one-way systems, and independent access gates and doors for pedestrians and vehicles are provided where required.
That the safety of the public is considered.
That all external roadways are clearly and appropriately marked indicating the right of way, direction and speed limit.
That induction training for new employees covers the location of pedestrian walkways, the location of areas where pedestrians and vehicles may use the same roadways and the precautions that need to be taken.STRENGTH AND STABILITY
All items of lifting equipment and accessories must be suitable for the required task. In determining suitability, due regard should be given to its strength, stability and the conditions under which it will be used.
IDENTIFICATION AND INVENTORY
All items of lifting equipment and accessories should be identified by a unique mark and entered into a register. This will assist in the inspection and maintenance programme and will ensure that no items are missed. INSTALLATION
It is essential that all lifting equipment be installed in such a way as to reduce the risk of the equipment or load striking persons. Due regard should be given to the affects of load drift, unintentional release or loads free falling. STORAGE
Suitable storage and containment facilities should be provided for lifting accessories, so as to prevent damage, degradation and unauthorised use.
MAINTENANCE, THOROUGH EXAMINATION, INSPECTION AND TESTING OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
In addition to any statutory examinations, lifting equipment and accessories should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines and good working practice.
weaknesses and to assess whether or not those defects or weaknesses will affect safety in use.
Whether or not a load test is appropriate and the nature of the test is a matter of judgment by the competent person.
Thorough examinations should be made:
After installation and/or reconfiguration.
Prior to first use.
Periodically in service.After exceptional circumstances have occurred; which are liable to damage or jeopardize the safety of lifting equipment.
HSE guidance on periodicity of thorough examinations indicate the following:
Lifting equipment for lifting persons or an accessory for lifting, at least every 6 months.
Other lifting equipment, at least every 12 months.The competent person can, in either case, determine the period. Where this is the case an examination scheme should be drawn up.
Having taken into account the type of use and the conditions in which the equipment is being used, the competent person may in addition decide that it is appropriate for the equipment to be inspected at suitable intervals between thorough examination.
REPORTING PROCEDURE
A system should be established that would allow the competent person to report any defects to the employer and to the hirer and enforcing authority, where applicable. The system should also effectively enable Management to action and record appropriate actions.
RECORDS
Records of maintenance, thorough examination, inspection and testing of lifting equipment, accessories and competent person reports should be kept in a secure system. Records should be kept for 2 years in the case of lifting accessories and for lifting equipment throughout the life of the equipment.
MARKING OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT
Each item of equipment and each accessory should be marked with its safe working load or information provided with the equipment on the safe working load, where this varies with configuration.
LIFTING OPERATIONS
All lifting operations must be planned, supervised and carried out in a safe manner. Persons should be provided with suitable training to ensure competence in these operations.
Additional control measures should be identified by the process of risk assessment and put into effect. TRAINING
Training should only be undertaken by instructors who have themselves undergone appropriate training in instructional techniques and skills assessment.
There are a number of recognised accrediting bodies who have been recognised by the Health and Safety Executive as competent to accredit and monitor organisations to train instructors and/or to train, test and certificate
operators. These include the following: Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) Construction Industry Training Board
Lantra National Training Organisation Ltd National Plant Operators Registration Ltd RTITB Ltd
It is generally recognised that there are Three Stages of Training:
Basic Training
Specific Job training
Familiarisation trainingBasic training should cover the basic skills and knowledge required to operate a lift truck safely and efficiently. Specific job training should be relevant to the specific employer's needs and should include:
Knowledge of the operating principles and controls e.g. handling attachments specific to the job, or where controls differ from those the operator has been trained in and routine inspection and servicing of the lift trucks
Use of the lift truck in conditions the operator will meet in the job, e.g. slopes, confined spaces, and instruction on site rules, e.g. speed limits and safe systems of work.
The work to be undertaken, e.g. loading unloading of particular kinds of vehicles.
For basic training and job specific training these can be given either at a suitable venue or on the employer's premises. It should be given off the job, e.g. wholly concerned with training and not concerned with normal operations.
Familiarisation training should be carried out after completion of the first two stages and should be under close supervision by someone with appropriate knowledge. It should cover the application under normal working conditions of the skills already learnt, covering features of the work not already covered, e.g. emergency procedures etc.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information on legal requirements and compliance strategies for work equipment and for lifting operations is available from Salus Consulting.
See also:
Lifting Operations, Equipment and Accessories Policy.