1.A7.6 INFORMATION REQUIRED TO PLAN A LIFTING OPERATION

There are four important matters to consider when planning a lifting operation:

  1. the load;

  2. the task to be performed;

  3. the lifting equipment; and

  4. the site.

These cannot be considered in isolation but are interlinked and must be considered as a whole, as they all affect the choice of lifting equipment and the procedures to be adopted if the operation is to be performed efficiently and safely.

1.A7.6.1 The Load

The initial stage of planning any lifting operation will be to establish the details of the load. In particular the following questions should be considered:

  1. What constitutes the load?

  2. Is the load in one piece or is it likely to fall apart? Are there any parts of the load that need to be removed or secured before the lift is commenced?

  3. Does the load have built in lift points? If not, does it lend itself to being slung in choke or basket hitch? Are there other features that can be utilized, e.g. tapped holes, to connect the lifting accessory to or is it necessary to attach the lifting accessory by other means?

  4. Can the load be lifted using standard equipment or is special lifting equipment necessary?

  5. Is the load strong enough to support itself from the lifting/slinging points or will it need support to be lifted? If it has multi-lift points, is the load capable of withstanding the crushing effect of a multileg sling or is it necessary to use a spreader to ensure a vertical loading condition? If it is to be lifted using a grab with a scissor or gripping action is it liable to crush?

  6. Does the load present any special problems which may affect the choice of lifting accessory or the procedures to be adopted, e.g. is it very hot, very cold, corrosive, is it delicate, does it have surfaces which might be damaged by the lifting accessory or are there sharp edges which might damage the lifting accessory?

  7. What is the weight of the load? (If the weight is in doubt, it must be calculated. It is essential that this is not under estimated - ensure an over estimation is made)

  8. Where is the centre of gravity (C of G)?

  9. Is the load fixed down or free to be lifted?

  10. If it is fixed down, will the load be stable when the fixings are removed/released or will it need supporting?

  11. If the load is free, will it need additional force initially to overcome adhesion, e.g. due to seals or accumulated oil/grease deposits?

  12. Where endless slings are to be joined together then you should not either tie them or use a loop to loop knot. It is good practice when using more than one sling in a single line, to join them with a ‘dee’ shackle or other suitable connector before placing them onto the hook.

1.A7.6.2 The Task to be Performed

It is essential that the full requirements of the lift are established and understood. In particular the following questions need to be considered:

  1. How high is the load to be lifted? (Loads should not be raised to a greater height than is essential to complete the intended operation)

  2. If the load is only to be raised and suspended, what arrangements are to be made to ensure the safety and security of the load? (Loads should not be suspended for longer periods than is essential. Suspended loads should not be left unattended and should be guarded to prevent persons approaching or walking under the load.)

  3. Is the load to be moved once raised? If so in what direction(s) and over what distance?

  4. Are there persons in the area over which the load is to be moved? (Measures will be necessary to evacuate the immediate area or take other steps to ensure their safety, e.g. use equipment with an enhanced factor of safety)

  5. Does the load have to be turned over or orientated?

1.A7.6.3 The Lifting Equipment

A prime function in planning a lifting operation will be to establish the equipment that will be necessary to sling, lift and move the load. In particular the following questions should be considered:

  1. Is there a suitable lifting machine that can be positioned above the centre of gravity of the load? (To be suitable it must, in particular, be of sufficient capacity and has an operational speed that does not make it difficult to control and position the load and it must permit any sideways movement required)

  2. If there is no suitable lifting machine in place, is there a suitable lift point from which a lifting machine can be attached? (To be suitable it must, in particular, be of sufficient strength bearing in mind any other loads imposed on it, be vertically above the centre of gravity of the load and permit such sideways movement as is required)

  3. If there is neither a suitable lifting machine nor lifting point, is there access for a portable structure or mobile lifting machine that can be positioned over the centre of gravity of the load?

  4. What lifting accessories are available to sling the load and connect to the lifting machine?

  5. Is it necessary to have any special lifting equipment, e.g. spreader beam, manufactured to sling the load?

  6. Is it necessary to use lifting equipment that has been de-rated or which otherwise has an enhanced factor of safety?

1.A7.6.4 The Site

Any restrictions imposed by the site will influence the choice of lifting equipment and the procedure that will be adopted. In particular the following questions should be considered:

  1. Is there sufficient access and working area for the operative, or will the operative need to be remote during the actual lift?

  2. Is there a clear and safe path to the landing site or are there obstructions to be negotiated?

  3. Are persons likely to be exposed to risk during the movement of the load, e.g. by entry through doorways?

  4. Are there any special environmental problems, e.g. very hot, very cold, wet, the presence of fumes, acids, solvents or other chemicals?

  5. If outdoors, is the site liable to be affected by inclement weather, e.g. snow, frost, high winds?

  6. Will it be necessary to manoeuvre the load during movement or before landing, e.g. by turning or orientating, to negotiate obstacles, gangways, etc?

  7. Is the landing site level and strong enough to take the load? (In particular care must be taken to avoid excessive floor loadings, soft ground and hidden weak spots such as ducts and drains.

  8. Has the landing site been prepared, or will it be necessary to provide packing, supports, cradles, tools, etc?