11.11 SAFE USE OF RUNWAYS

The SWL of a runway is the maximum allowable load and must not be exceeded. The weight of the lifting appliance(s) should be allowed for in the rating of the runway, but it should be noted that the weight of any slings and other lifting equipment used form a part of the load and thereby reduce the effective lifting capacity.

Before lifting, ensure that the lifting appliance is positioned vertically above the load. Failure to do this places undue stress on the trolley wheels and the lifting appliance chain or rope guides, thus promoting wear or in extreme cases failure, in addition to causing excessive torsional stress in the runway track. A further danger is that the load may swing when raised causing possible shock load to the runway and lifting appliance and being a possible source of danger to the operative.

Never attempt to use the lifting appliance hook or travel motion to drag loads along the ground. The marked SWLs apply to freely suspended loads only.

Apply the rules for the safe use of all lifting equipment employed in the lift as detailed in the relevant sections of this code. In particular, check to ensure that all lifting attachments are correctly and firmly in place, take the weight of the load gently and then complete the lift. Lower loads gently taking care to ensure an unrestricted landing area.

Before moving the trolley, ensure there are no obstructions in the load's path. This is particularly important when lowering from runways in multi-storey applications and it is necessary for the operative to move into a position that enables him to have a clear view of the load path. It is important in applications where more than one operative is required, e.g. loading and unloading vehicles, that all assisting with the lift are aware of the correct signals for lifting, lowering and emergency stop. Equally, it is important that anyone assisting clearly understands the correct slinging procedures to be adopted.

When using hand push travel trolleys, it is preferable to move the load by pushing and not by pulling it. Care must be taken to avoid the risk of swinging loads. In some applications, e.g. lowering loads over apertures, the use of an extended arm fitted to the trolley is recommended.

When lowering loads through apertures or over the edge of buildings etc., edge protection should be placed across the opening once the load has been moved clear of the building. This enables the operative to safely stand close to the opening in order to look down the load path and to communicate with the assistance below. A load should never be lowered to another level without someone being in attendance at the lower level to handle the load and give instruction to the operative.

Care must be taken to avoid the load swinging. Swinging loads may strike supporting structures, or when operating in multi-storey applications, the building, not only causing damage to them or the load but also affecting the safe slinging of the load. Excessive swinging can result in increased loads being imposed on the lifting appliance, runway or cantilever. Danger also exists to personnel who may be struck or pinned by swinging loads.

Avoid shock loading the runway or lifting appliance. This is particularly important where loads are being moved clear of buildings, etc., or where raised loads are being added to, e.g. using a container to clear debris from an upper floor of a building, etc.

In some cases, a runway may be fitted with more than one lifting appliance. Where this is the case, follow the recommendations given in 1.8.2 Competency and Control of Interim Inspections (6) of this code. In particular care must be taken to avoid collision. Further, the permitted loading in any one span of the runway track or the appliance lifting centres may be restricted and care must be taken to ensure that this is not exceeded by the approach of other appliances.

It is generally accepted that the use of powered equipment places higher dynamic loading on a structure than manual equipment. Allowance for this is made in the design of runways. A runway fitted with hand operated lifting appliances should never be converted to power operated appliances without the express approval of a Competent Person.

Multiple runway systems often employ switches or turntables to allow the appliance and load to be transferred from one track to another. Such systems are usually fitted with gate type end stops, which may be automatic or manually operated and care must be taken to ensure that they are in the correct position before continuing with the operation. All such systems must be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions as well as the recommendations given in this section of the code.

In some applications, e.g. for raising and lowering loads over the sides of buildings, the runway system may include a retractable section of track or the complete runway may be of a retractable design. Reference should be made to the manufacturer’s operating instructions and these should be strictly followed.

In the case of curved runway tracks or those that include bends, care must be taken when replacing trolleys onto the track. The trolley may be such that it only negotiates the bends when mounted on the track in a certain direction. The trolley manufacturer’s instructions should therefore be sought and followed.

Never attach additional steelwork to or suspend pipes, cables or similar items from runways. On no account should the runway or its supporting members be modified without the express approval of a Competent Person.