1.A6.5 SAFE USE OF LIFTING APPLIANCES

The electrical power supply, cables and conductor system should be of correct size and type for the appliance and should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and to the requirements of national regulations and the supplier’s instructions by an appropriately qualified person.

The power supply must be taken via fuses or other protective devices rated in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions and must include a means of isolating from the power source.

For travelling appliances with a cable supply, ensure the cable is long enough to allow the appliance to travel to its furthest point without the cable coming under tension. It is good practice to leave the earth wire longer than the others so that if an accidental force on the cable pulls the wires from their terminals, the earth wire will be the last to be disconnected.

With an enclosed conductor supply, ensure that the collectors align correctly with the conductors. If spring loaded collectors are fitted, they should be compressed by the conductors to approximately half of their full movement.

Before connection of the power supply, insulation resistance, polarity and earth continuity tests should be carried out, care being taken not to damage any low voltage circuits or electronic devices.

After connection of the power supply, check that all motions work as the controls indicate e.g. when the ‘down’ button is depressed the appliance lowers and vice versa. This is especially important in the case of plug in connections as the phasing at the socket is not guaranteed. If the direction of motion is incorrect, disconnect the mains supply and either reverse two phases at the appliance entry terminals or change over two phases at the fuse box. Under no circumstances should any other changes be made. Some appliances may be fitted with phase protection equipment which prevents operation if the phases are incorrectly connected.

The air feed line should be of the correct size and provide the required pressure and delivery rate for the appliance as specified by the manufacturer. It should be installed in accordance with the supplier’s instructions by an appropriately qualified person.

The air should be dry and, depending on the source, this may require the incorporation of a filter to remove moisture. Many pneumatic lifting appliances also require the air to be lubricated.

For travelling appliances ensure that the supply hose is long enough to allow the appliance to travel to its furthest point without undue stress on the hose and connections.

Lifting appliances must not be used to raise, lower or suspend a load greater than the marked SWL.

With the exception of appliances designed to pull as well as lift, always ensure that the load is directly under the lifting appliance so that the line of pull is vertical.

Do not use the lifting medium e.g. the load chain or wire rope to form a sling, i.e. it must not be wrapped around the load and back hooked, snickled or choke hitched.

The bottom hook should be attached to the load such that no part of the load is in contact with the point of the hook. The sling should be located in the seat of the hook and the safety catch closed.

The bottom hook should not be crowded with terminal fittings of slings. If more than one sling is to be placed on the hook, a shackle, ring or link should be used to connect them.

Care should be taken to ensure that the lifting appliance is not subjected to shock loading. When using lifting appliances with dual speed, commence the lift in slow speed before progressing to full speed.

The majority of manually operated lifting appliances, and especially the lower capacity models, are designed for operation by one person only. If it is found that more than one person is required, it is probable that either the load exceeds the SWL of the appliance and/or it is in need of maintenance. Whichever may be the case, an unduly high operating effort requires investigation before the lift proceeds. For larger capacity appliances, the manufacturer will advise on the number of persons normally required to lift the maximum capacity. This guidance is not intended to preclude the use of more than one person to operate the appliance, which may in certain circumstances be found advantageous, but is to indicate the degree of operating effort normally required.

The majority of power operated lifting appliances are fitted with some form of overload device designed to protect the lifting appliance. This may be mechanical, electrical or thermo-electrical. Should the lifting appliance fail to lift the load, it is probable that the load exceeds the SWL and should be checked before resetting the controls.

With electrically powered appliances, never change motion direction without first allowing the motor to stop running. Quick reversal of direction causes shock loading and heavy current surges. This will result in burnt contacts and imposes unnecessary strain on transmission shafts and gears.

Avoid unnecessary rapid and frequent incremental movements as this causes burning and pitting of contacts. Excessive rapid and frequent incremental movements could result in burning out of the motor.

Loads should not be left suspended from lifting appliances for any length of time unless absolutely essential. In such cases, or where it is as a result of a breakdown the operative should ensure that the danger area is cordoned off to prevent personnel from being at risk in the event of a falling load.

As a general rule, at no time should the operative permit either himself or other personnel to be beneath or on a suspended load.

With a lifting appliance having a push travel motion, move a suspended load by pushing rather than pulling wherever possible. To move an unladen appliance, pull on the bottom hook. Never attempt to move a power operated appliance by pulling on the pendant control or a supply cable or hose. Care must also be taken to ensure the load is not allowed to swing as this may endanger the operative and result in increased loadings on the lifting appliance and its supporting structure.

In the case of lifting appliances with power travel, care must be taken to prevent the load swinging unduly. If the travel motion is dual speed, always start in the slow speed before proceeding to full speed.

Avoid running any travelling appliance into the end stops as this will cause the load to swing unsafely and will result in shock loading of the lifting appliance and its supporting track or structure. End stops are a final safety device only.

Avoid excessive or intentional use of motion limit devices, they are a safety feature intended to protect the lifting appliance. Where the operation requires regular approach to the highest and lowest possible hook positions, a positional or working limit should be fitted for this purpose.

No person other than a Competent Person or someone under the supervision of a Competent Person should attempt to dismantle the lifting appliance or replace load bearing components.

Never remove guards or protective covers such as weather proof covers or heat shields without the authority of a Competent Person.

Ensure the travel path is clear and free from obstructions before operating the lifting appliance. This is especially important in the case of unladen hooks or remote control units. The operative must always have a clear vision of the travelling hook path to ensure accidental hook engagement or collisions do not occur.

Ensure the operative and other personnel are fully protected from hazardous materials which may form part of the load.

Before continuing with a lifting operation, the load should be raised just clear and the lift halted to ensure the integrity of the lifting appliance and method of slinging which must sustain the load in any position. Only if the load is stable and balanced should the lift proceed. (See section 1.A3 APPENDIX 3 - LOAD SECURITY - BALANCE AND STABILITY)

Do not use a lifting machine to lift people unless it has been specifically assessed and is found fit for the intended purpose.