Lifting operations, a critical aspect of many industries, carry inherent risks that can lead to severe injuries and substantial financial losses if not managed correctly. The key to mitigating these risks lies in effective resourcing, planning, and organising.
Routine and Complex Lifting Operations
For everyday lifting tasks, such as operating a forklift in a factory, a generic plan may suffice. This plan should be a part of the standard risk assessment process and regularly reviewed to ensure its ongoing validity. However, more intricate operations, like tandem lifts involving multiple cranes, demand detailed written plans crafted by individuals with substantial expertise and specific competencies. This planning process must comprehensively address all foreseeable risks and outline the necessary resources, including skilled personnel.
Risk Management in Planning
The plan for any lifting operation should encompass various factors such as working under suspended loads, visibility, attaching/detaching and securing loads, environmental considerations, location-specific risks, and equipment integrity. A well-crafted plan details each step of the operation and assigns clear responsibilities, ensuring that the level of planning and complexity is proportionate to the associated risks.
Assessing Strength and Stability
Lifting equipment must be robust and reliable, capable of withstanding a combination of forces. The selection of equipment should consider the ‘factor of safety’, especially when lifting people, to guard against all potential failure modes, including fracture, wear, or fatigue.
Mitigating Risks in Equipment Positioning
The placement of lifting equipment significantly impacts the safety of operations. It is essential to avoid situations where people might be struck by the equipment or the load. Steps should be taken to minimise lifting over people and reduce risks like load drift or accidental release. Additionally, ensuring that people cannot fall into shafts or hoist ways is vital, necessitating the use of barriers, gates, or doors at access points.
Proximity Hazards
When positioning equipment, careful consideration must be given to potential hazards such as overhead power lines, nearby structures, trenches, and buried underground services.
Working Under Suspended Loads
It is advisable to avoid suspending loads over occupied areas. If unavoidable, the risks must be minimised through safe work practices and appropriate precautions. Areas under suspended loads for extended periods should be designated as danger zones with restricted access.
Supervising Lifting Operations
The level of supervision should correspond to the risk involved. Routine operations by experienced personnel may not need direct oversight, but certain situations, like handling unusual loads or navigating public spaces, may require additional supervisory support. Regular monitoring of workers’ competencies is crucial to maintain safe operation standards.
Comprehensive Guidance for Lifting Operations
For in-depth advice on planning, organising, and executing lifting operations, resources such as the LOLER Approved Code of Practice provide detailed guidance. This includes:
• Competence of personnel involved in planning
• Suitability and stability of lifting equipment
• Optimal positioning and visibility considerations
• Safe practices for working under suspended loads
• Procedures for attaching/detaching and securing loads
• Location-specific challenges and access considerations
• Environmental factors, including weather and operator protection
• Prevention of equipment overturning
• Proximity to other hazards
• Equipment derating
• Specifics of lifting people
• Measures to prevent overload
• Routine pre-use equipment checks
• Ensuring the ongoing integrity of lifting equipment
Effective management of lifting operations is not just about compliance with legal requirements; it’s about ensuring the safety of personnel and the efficiency of operations. By adhering to these guidelines and investing in thorough planning, competent personnel, and robust equipment, businesses can significantly reduce the risks associated with lifting operations, leading to a safer work environment and improved operational efficiency.
