8.8.1 Erection of the Equipment

The erection procedure for the trolley should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and take account of the erection and commissioning procedure for the appliance which it is to support. The detail of this procedure will vary depending on the type of trolley used, but in particular attention should be paid to the following:

  1. Prior to commencing installation of trolleys that have been in storage, a check should be made to ensure that no damage has occurred whilst in storage.

  2. It is essential to ensure that the structure on which the trolley is to be erected is adequate for the load it is intended to carry. This load includes the self-weight of the trolley and the weight of the lifting appliance it is to support together with any attachments (i.e. slings, shackles, etc.) plus an allowance on the total to take account of the effect of dynamic loading (10% in the case of manually operated appliances and 25% in the case of powered appliances). If the supporting structure forms part of, or is attached to part of, the building structure, care must be taken to ensure it is suitable for the intended lifting application. An architect or structural engineer should be consulted, and his written approval kept on file with the records for the lifting equipment. (See 1.A4 APPENDIX 4 - STRUCTURES)

  3. Ensure that the trolley is of a suitable type and capacity for the particular operation.

  4. Ensure that the trolley is of the right size for the runway beam to which it is to be fitted.

  5. If the trolley is adjustable width ensure that it is set for the correct beam width, aligned centrally with the beam flange and that the side clearances are in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. These are usually of the order of 3mm to 4mm total clearance.

  6. If the trolley is dismantled in order to fit it to the runway, ensure that it is reassembled correctly.

  7. If the runway end stops are removed in order to fit the trolley, ensure that they are refitted securely and correctly.

  8. Ensure that the runway end stops are of a size and in a position to prevent the trolley from passing them. The end stops should not engage onto the wheel flanges.

  9. If an anti-tilt device is fitted, ensure that it is correctly adjusted and that there is no obstruction to its operation on the underside of the runway flange.

  10. Ensure that all fixing bolts and nuts are tight.

  11. If the trolley is to be used with an electrically operated lifting appliance, then the trolley and runway must NOT be used as the earth return. A separate earth conductor should be used. Any electrically operated lifting appliance should be installed in accordance the applicable electrical safety regulations.