Lifting Work
What you should do
- Planning of lifting works
All lifting work must be planned, taking into account all foreseeable risks, so that it is carried out safely.
A person appointed to plan lifting work must have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge and experience regarding the lifting work to be carried out.
Planning should pay attention to:
- (a) the risks identified during the risk assessment;
- (b) the resources required;
- (c) procedures; and
- (d) responsibilities
so that lifting work is done safely.
“Careful Planning: The planning of lifting works is varied, and is done differently depending on the experience and knowledge of the crane team. The positive effects of careful planning of lifting works can be seen in terms of effectiveness, productivity and safety on site”
Sertyesilisik et al., 2010, An investigation of lifting operations on UK construction sites.
- Provision of a safe work system
The planning should result in a written safe work system or method statement.
The method statement must be understood by everyone involved.
Important elements include:
- (a) work planning and HIRARC – including site preparation, crane installation and overhaul
- (b) the selection, provision and use of suitable cranes and work equipment, including arrangements for safe signalling and warning.
- (c) provision of competent and sufficient number of workers (supervisors, operators, ropers and signalmen)
- (d) supervision of work by an authorized lifting supervisor as required
- (e) the types of loads to be lifted including the methods and components of fastening
- (f) thorough examination, reports and related documents
- (g) maintenance and inspection of cranes and their equipment
- (h) prevention of unauthorized movement and use of cranes
- (i) the maximum load to be lifted
- (j) load chart: boom angle, load radius and lifting capacity; and
- (k) measures to ensure the safety of workers and other persons not involved in lifting work
- Supervision of lifting works
An adequate level of supervision should be provided for lifting work, commensurate with the level of risk and the workers involved during the lifting work.
The Lifting Supervisor must direct and supervise lifting work to ensure it is carried out in accordance with the method statement.
The Lifting Supervisor must be competent and appropriately trained and have sufficient experience to carry out all duties and have the authority to stop work if it is dangerous.
- Crane Inspection
The entire crane must be inspected by DOSH officers every 15 months.
The Responsible Person (ROP) must inspect the crane at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. This inspection is more detailed and focused.
Inspection and test records must always be available for review by DOSH officers.
Related issues
- SPECIAL ORDER OF THE INSPECTOR-CHIEF
- GUIDELINES
- COMPETENT FIRM REGISTRATION
- LIST OF CENTERS AND TEACHERS
- Crane Operator Course Teaching Center
- Crane Operator Instructor
- TEACHING CENTER REGISTRATION
- Crane operator training center
- HAZARD INSPECTION GUIDE
- POSTER
