Lifting Works
What you need to do
1. Planning lifting works
All lifting works should be planned, taking into account all foreseeable risks, so they are carried out safely.
The person appointed to plan the lifting work should have adequate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifting work being undertaken.
(a) The plan should address:
(b) the risks identified by a risk assessment;
(c) the resources required;
(d) procedures; and
(e) the responsibilities
so that any lifting work is carried out safely.
The plan should ensure that the lifting equipment stays safe for the range of lifting works for which the equipment might be used.
“Thorough Planning: The planning of lifting operations is varied, and is conducted differently depending on the crane team’s experiences and knowledge. The effects of thorough planning of lifting operations were seen to have positive effects on the efficiency, productivity and safety of the site” Sertyesilisik et al., 2010, An investigation of lifting operations on UK construction sites.
2. Preparing safe systems of work
The plan should result in a written safe system of work or a method statement.
The method statement should be understood by everyone involved.
Key elements include:
(a) planning and HIRARC – including site preparation, crane erection and dismantling;
(b) selection, provision and use of a suitable crane and work equipment, including safe slinging and signalling arrangements;
(c) provision of competent and sufficient number of workers (supervisor, operator, rigger and signalman);
(d) supervision of works by lifting supervisor having the necessary authority;
(e) types of lifted load, including rigging technique and component;
(f) thorough examinations, reports and other documents;
(g) maintenance and inspection of crane and its equipment;
(h) preventing unauthorised movement or use of the crane
(i) maximum lifted load;
(j) load chart: boom angle, load radius and lifting capacity; and
(k) measures to secure safety of persons not involved in the lifting.
3. Supervising lifting works
The right level of supervision must be in place for lifting operations, reflecting the degree of risk and personnel involved in the particular lifting operation.
The crane supervisor should direct and supervise the lifting operation to make sure it is carried out in accordance with the method statement.
The crane supervisor should be competent and suitably trained and should have sufficient experience to carry out all relevant duties and authority to stop the lifting operation if it is judged dangerous to proceed.
4. Inspecting crane
Overall crane must be inspected by DOSH officers every 15-months intervals.
The competent person (OYB) should inspect the crane at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. This is a detailed and specialised inspection.
Records of inspections and tests must be readily available to DOSH officers.
Related content
- Chief Inspector Special Order to the Construction Project Manager on Safe Management and Use of Tower Crane
- Use of hoisting equipment in Guidelines for Public Safety and Health at Construction Sites
- Registration of competent person (OYB)
- Erector, maintenance and dismantling of hoisting machine structure
- Operator crane training centre
- Lesson learnt from accidents
- Lifting works hazards inspection guidance
- Poster on Safe Lifting Works
