Lifting Operations

Cranes are used extensively as a means of lifting a wide variety of loads in places of work. Most of the time lifting operations are carried out successfully , occasionally they can go wrong. When things do go wrong with cranes and lifting operations the outcome can be serious.

Causes of Accidents
Mainly due to gravity:

• Crane overturns or collapse
• Loads fall or swing and strike people or objects causing damage
• People are trapped by the lifting gear
• People are crushed between  the crane and fixed solid objects
• Cranes accidentally strike overhead power lines

It is vital that the safe working load of a crane is not exceeded and that the crane is properly maintained.
Accidents occur with mobile cranes because sometimes they are not erected properly.
Where a number of cranes are operating in a work place they need to be properly spaced out so that they do not  accidentally collide during operations.
In order to avoid accidents people using lifting equipment need to be trained and competent and employ good lifting practices.

Good Lifting Practice

• Plan difficult / unusual lifts
• People involved in lifting operations should be trained
• Know the weight of the load – including the weight of the lifting accessories
• Know the safe operating radius of the crane
• Ensure loads are properly secured
• There should be clear communication between the banks man and the crane driver
• A test lift should be carried out before going ahead with the full lift
• The load be carried out before going ahead with the full lift
• The load should be lifted smoothly and vertically with the hook above the load’s center of gravity
• Ensure there is a clear landing place
• Loads should not be lifted over people or hazardous areas

Cranes should not  sited away from overhead power cables on solid level ground.

• The correct lifting accessory and slinging method should be used
• Always check the condition of slings etc. before using them
• Protect  fibre slings from sharp edges etc. before using them
• Don’t drag or drop chains
• Cranes should not be used in high winds

Lifting Operations
In most countries, the law generally requires:

• The equipment must be of adequate strength and stability
• Specific requirements to prevent  the injury of persons using equipment for lifting persons
• Positioning and installing the equipment  to prevent a person being struck, or a load drifting or falling
• Marking equipment with its safe working load and any characteristics necessary for their safe use
• Every lifting operation with lifting equipment to be properly planned and supervised and carried out  safely.
• Through examination after installations and before being put into service for the first time and for equipment for lifting people at least every six months, for other lifting equipment at least every 12 months.
• Any defect  found by the examination that could be a danger to be reported to the employer and if there is a risk of serious personal injury, to the enforcing authority.
• A written report of the thorough examination should be available.