nebosh igc2 part 3

8/11/2019 Nebosh IGC2 Part 3

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CHSS Ltd 2006 Page 1 of 38wpc/SJ/ae/IGC2 Element 3 Manual and Mechanical Handling Sales Ref: sc/639/v3

Element 3

Manual and MechanicalHandling Hazards and

Control


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Contents

Page No

Introduction 5Manual Handling Injuries 5

Anatomy of the Back 6

Control Strategy 7

Assessment of Manual Handling Risk 8

Level of Detail 11

Who Should Assess 11

Consulting Employees 12

Recording Assessments 12

Factors to Risk Assess 13

Risk Reduction 14

Information for Workers 16

Training 16

Duties of Employees 17

Review 18

Mechanical Handling 19

Introduction 19

Conveyors 20

Types of Conveyors 20

Cranes 23

Types of Crane 23

Mobile Cranes 24

Tower Cranes 25

Gantry Cranes 26

Overhead Gantry Cranes 27

Precautions 28

Hoists 31

Types of Hoist 31

Lifting Accessories 33

Types of Lifting Accessory 33

Lifting Equipment 34

Lifting Operations 35

References 36


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Introduction

Manual handling injuries cause individual suffering and are costly to organisations in

terms of disruption and lost output. More than a quarter of the reported workplaceaccidents each year are associated with manual handling. The vast majority of suchhandling accidents result in over 3-day injuries, most commonly a sprain or strain,often of the back. Many musculo-skeletal problems, such as muscle strains are theresult of the cumulative effects of manual handling.

Manual handling is the:

Transporting or supporting of loads by hand or bodily force.

This includes lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing and carrying of:

inanimate objects, e.g. bags, parcels, boxes; and

live objects, e.g. people, animals.

Manual Handling Injuries

Manual handling injuries can be classified as follows:

External injuries: cuts, bruises, abrasions and crush injuries to fingers,

hands, forearms, ankles and feet.

Internal injuries: muscle and ligament strains and tears, hernias, knee, ankleand shoulder injuries.

Cumulative back injuries: slipped disc (prolapsed inter vertebral disc).

Additional injuries relate to the contents of the load carried, e.g. corrosive chemicals,and are discussed in other Elements.


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Figure 1: Manual Handling Injuries (reported to UK Enforcing Authority, 1998)

Figure 1 shows that back injuries cause the most significant loss of working time soparticular attention should be paid to preventing back injuries.

Anatomy of the Back

The human spine is a flexible column comprising24 bones called vertebrae. These bones aredivided into three areas: cervical, thoracic, andlumbar.

This structure of bones provides support andstructure to the human body.

Between each pair of vertebrae is a tough fleshypad of tissue called an intervertebral disc. Thediscs have a fibrous outer layer and a fluidcentre. The discs act as shock absorbers,

keeping the vertebrae apart and allowing thespine to be flexible.

If the discs are continually compressed with theweight of loads, especially whilst bending ortwisting, a prolapse can occur. The fluid centrebulges through the fibrous outer and becomesmisshapen or damaged. This distortion willcause the disc to press against the nerves, whichgives rise to back pain.

Back

47%

Other

16%

Hand

6%

Upper Limb

11%

Lower Limb

5%

Finger

15%

Figure 2: Anatomy of the Spine


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Figure 3: Intervertebral Discs

Disc

Vertebra

A prolapsecan

occur here

Activities likely to put people at risk include:

work involving handling excessive loads;

prolonged lifting or supporting of loads in fixed positions;

repetitive handling whilst bending, stooping or reaching, particularly forlengthy periods of time; and

twisting the trunk or neck during the task.

Control Strategy

There is now international acceptance of both the scale of the manual handlingproblem and methods of prevention. Manual handling training alone has not beensuccessful in reducing the risk.

Guidance - a clear hierarchy of measures is established:

avoid hazardous manual handling where there is a risk of occupational injury,so far as is reasonably practicable, i.e. by eliminating the need to lift loads byautomation or mechanisation, e.g. placing products on pallets which can thenbe lifted with fork-lift trucks;

assessthe risk of any hazardous manual handling tasks that cannot beavoided, so far as is reasonably practicable;

reduce the risk of injury, so far as is reasonably practicable, byimplementing control measures by designing the task to meet the needs ofthe worker, e.g. eliminating the need to twist or stoop or reach, breaking theload into smaller, weights, etc.; and

reviewthe assessment.


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Assessment of Manual Handling Risk

Where it is not reasonably practicable to avoid hazardous manual handling

operations at work, a detailed risk assessment should be undertaken.

An ergonomic approach is taken. Consider a range of relevant factors including thefollowing:

Load;

Individual capability;

Task; and

Environment.

(LITE)

An individuals state of health, fitness and strength can significantly affect a personsability to safely carry out certain manual handling tasks.

Physical capacity also varies with age, typically increasing until the early 20s andgradually declining from the mid 40s. Pre-employment medical screening willhighlight any existing ill-health.

A detailed assessment of every manual handling operation could be lengthy, time

consuming, and in many cases a wasted effort, e.g. lifting a glass of cold waterinvolves no risk. Therefore a risk assessment guideline filter can be used to screenout lifting operations with insignificant risk.

The guideline figures take into account:

the weight to be lifted between foot to head level;

whether the individual is male or female;

whether the arms have to be extended to hold the load;

how many lifting operations there are per hour;

whether the individual is seated;

how far the load is to be carried;

whether twisting is involved; and

whether the loadis to be pushed or pulled.


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Figure 4: Guideline Figures Which Trigger Manual Handling Assessment

The guideline filters are not weight limits. They may be exceeded where a moredetailed assessment shows it is safe to do so. However, normally the guidelinefigures should not be exceeded by more than a factor of 2.

The guidelines are based on no more than 30 operations an hour with carryingdistance of 10 metres.

Each box in the diagram contains a guideline weight limit for lifting and lowering inthat zone. The diagram enables the assessor to take into account the vertical andhorizontal position of the hands as they move the load, the height and the reach ofthe individual undertaking the task.

Twisting and Stooping

The combination of lifting and twisting, or lifting and stooping, are particularlystressful on the back. Therefore, where a manual handling task involves twisting and

stooping, the guideline figures for lifting and lowering should be reduced as shown inTable 1.


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If person handling the loadtwists / stoops through

Guideline figures given in Figure4 should be reduced by

45o 10%

60o

15%

Twisting

90o

20%

45o

25%

60o

35%

Stooping

90

o

50%

Table 1: Correction Factors for Stooping and Twisting

Pushing and Pulling

Guideline figures for pushing and pulling, whether the load is slid, rolled or supportedon wheels are as follows:

Pushing / pulling motion Equivalent

weight

Force

Starting or stopping a load 20 kg About 200 Newtons*

Keeping the load in motion 10 kg About 100 Newtons

The above figures assume pulling or pushing over a distance of no more than 20m

* Newton is a unit of force

Table 2: Guidelines for Pushing / Pulling

The pushing and pulling forces can be measured using a spring balance weighingscale. This can be attached to the load (usually with a hook) and pulled.


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Figure 5: Spring Balance

Level of Detail

It will be necessary to consider what tasks are undertaken to identify those which arehigh risk, exceeding the guidelines filters and therefore need to be assessed first.

It is neither practicable nor necessary to conduct an individual assessment of everysingle movement or operation.

Many tasks will be similar and frequently repeated. In these cases a generic riskassessment is likely to be acceptable. In the case of delivery operations for example,the guidance recommends listing the various types of tasks, loads and workingenvironment concerned, and then to propose a review of a selection of them.

The assessment should identify the problems likely to arise during the kind ofoperations that can be foreseen and the measures necessary to deal with them.

On a day-to-day basis supervisors may have to make further specific judgementswhen dealing with manual handling tasks. For example, in a warehouse dealing withsacks of sand, a decision may have to be made about how to lift broken sacks to

prevent spillage and injury.

Who Should Assess?

The assessment should ideally be carried out by someone within the organisationwho has a thorough practical understanding of the manual handling taking place. Incomplex or high risk cases, a team approach, possibly including a safetyprofessional, an industrial engineer, a supervisor and an occupational health nurse isrecommended.


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Areas of knowledge required are:

legal requirements;

the nature of the handling operation;

a basic understanding of human capabilities;

identification of high risk activities; and

practical steps to reduce risk.

Consulting Employees

Employees, health and safety representatives, and safety committees should beencouraged to play a positive part in the assessment process. Consulting theemployees and using their own experience of the type of work performed will oftenprovide a valuable source of concerns, comments and suggestions.

Recording Assessments

The significant findings of the assessment shouldbe recorded (unless the manual handling

operations are straightforward, low risk, shortduration or could easily be repeated andexplained at any time). The record should bekept for as long as it remains relevant.

The following template will help assessors to focus on these areas.


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Factors to Risk Assess

Questions to consider Level of risk Possible remedialaction:

Yes Low Med High

Load- is it:

Heavy?

Bulky / unwieldy?

Difficult to grasp?

Unstable / unpredictable?

Intrinsically harmful (e.g. sharp /hot?)

Individual Capability- does the job: Require unusual capability?

Hazard those with a healthproblem?

Hazard those who are pregnant?

Require special information /training?

Task does it involve:

Holding loads away from trunk?

Twisting?

Stooping?

Reaching upwards?

Large vertical movement?

Long carrying distances?

Strenuous pushing or pulling?

Unpredictable movement of loads?

Repetitive handling?

Insufficient rest or recovery?

A work rate imposed by a process?

Environment- are there:

Constraints on posture? Poor floors?

Variations in levels?

Hot / cold / humid conditions?

Strong air movements?

Poor lighting conditions?

Other factors:

Is movement or posture hinderedby clothing? or

Personal protective equipment?

Table 3: Simple Manual Handling Risk Assessment


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Risk Reduction

If it is not possible to eliminate manual handling

tasks which involve a risk of injury, the riskassessment should result in recommendations toreduce the risk of injury.

Mechanical Assistance

Wherever possible manual handling should bereplaced or reduced by the use of mechanicalhandling aids.

Load

To reduce the risk of the load:

reduce the weight (this will increase the frequency of handling, but will reducethe stress placed on the body by each lift);

provide handles, etc. where the size, surface texture, or nature of a loadmakes it difficult to grasp;

ensure loads in packages cannot move unexpectedly whilst being handled;

avoid sharp corners, jagged edges, rough surfaces, hot or extremely coldsurfaces; and

provide information on the load, e.g. centre of gravity and weight.

Individual

The following should be considered:

selection of employees for the task;

self pacing; and

PPE, e.g. gloves to protect against hot, cold or sharp surfaces.

Task

Where mechanical assistance cannot be provided there may bescope for changes to the layout of the task to reduce the risk ofinjury, e.g. by improving the flow of materials or products. Anergonomic approach to reduce the risk of the task includes:

avoid lifting heavy loads while seated;

Figure 6: Vacuum Lift


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safe system of work;

job rotation;

team handling;

lift the load from waist height;

store lighter or less frequently used items above or below waist height;

change the layout to avoid bending, twisting, reaching and travel distances;

ensure workbenches are of uniform height;

avoid static postures; and

provide voluntary rest breaks to change the activity.

Figure 7: Task Layout Change to Avoid Over Bending

Environment

To reduce the risk from environmental factors:

provide adequate space and headroom;

maintain good housekeeping standards to keep routes clear of spillages orobstacles, etc.;

provide adequate lighting;

provide and use level routes or use gentle slopes, etc.;

do not handle externally in poor, high wind, conditions; and

Before After


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ensure a comfortable working environment, e.g. heating, ventilation, lighting,etc., to reduce the risks of muscle sprains and strains.

Information for Employees

Where tasks involve a risk of injury, employees should be provided with generalinformation about the risks, precautions, safe systems of work and preciseinformation on the:

weight of each load; and

heaviest side of any load whose centre of gravity is not positioned centrally.

Training

Training alone is not effective to control risk. However, training programmes shouldinclude the following:

how to recognise potentially hazardous loads;

how to deal with unfamiliar loads;

the proper use of handling aids;

the proper use of personal protective equipment, e.g. gloves, safety footwear,etc.;

features of the working environment that contribute to safe manual handling;

the importance of good housekeeping, e.g. keeping paths clear;

the factors affecting individual capacity; and

good handling techniques, e.g. kinetic handling.

Kinetic Handling

Kinetic handling is a good technique for lifting and moving loads.Although good manual handling technique is no substitute for otherrisk-reduction steps it forms a valuable addition to other risk reductionmethods.

To be successful, good handling technique requires training andpractice. The content of training in good handling technique should betailored to particular tasks or situations.

Kinetic Handling Technique


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1. assess the load;

2. ensure that the travel route is clearand well lit;

3. get as close to the loadas possible;

4. get a secure grip(wear gloves ifnecessary);

5. position feetapart, one foot flat to the floor at the side ofthe load, the other foot behind, with heel raised;

6. keep the back straight - maintain the natural spinal curveby lifting the head;

7. bend the knees -liftusing the thigh muscles;

8. keep the load close to the body heaviest side to the trunk,avoid jerking, make a smooth movement;

9. move the feet - avoid twistingat thewaist; and

10. put down, then adjust slide todesired position.

Duties of Employees

Employees should:

follow safe systems of work provided;

use mechanical aids provided properly; and

follow manual handling training provided.


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Review

Manual handling assessments should be made in the following circumstances:

an accident or chronic ill-health, e.g. back strain, occurs;

where there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid;

where there has been a significant change in the manual handling task towhich it relates; and

periodically.

Any changes required by the review should be implemented.


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Mechanical Handling

IntroductionLifting equipment is used extensively in organisations, from supermarkets to quarries.Fatalities and damage to buildings, etc. occur when lifting equipment fails due toincorrect erection, damage, lack of maintenance and poor planning. Liftingequipment includes:

1. conveyors;

2. cranes; and

3. hoists.


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Conveyors

Types of Conveyor

Conveyors are found in many workplaces from supermarket checkouts, airports andpostal rooms to car assembly plants, quarries and construction sites.

There are three basic types of conveyor extensively used in organisations: belt,screw and roller.

Figure 8: Types of Conveyors

Belt conveyor Roller Conveyor Screw Conveyor

Belt Conveyor Roller Conveyor Screw Conveyor


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Hazards and Precautions

Conveyors are used to transport a wide range of materials and therefore hazards are

associated with the machinery itself, non-machinery hazards and positional hazards.

Hazards Precautions

Mechanical hazards

Trapping in drivemechanisms.

Fixed guards at motor driven rollers and tail pulley, avoidingloose clothing.

Figure 9: Tail Pulley Guard

Traps, nips or drawingin between movingand fixed parts.

Pop out rollers, trip devices, nip guards particularly of thechains, drive chains and transfer points.

Figure 10: Pop Out Roller

Figure 11: Transfer Point Guard

Figure 12: Nip Guards Between Rollers

Max.clearance5mm(bothsides)


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Hazards Precautions

Sharp edges friction

burns, cuts, abrasions

Edge belt protection, restricted access, elimination of sharp

edges

Positional hazards

Items jamming inconveyors.

Adequate design to allow for flow of material, guarding toprevent jams.

Crushing and impactfrom falling objects.

Edge guards, barriers around the conveyor to preventaccess.

Personnel riding orcrossing conveyors.

Bridges over the conveyor, complete enclosure if possible.

Impact againstoverhead systems.

Bump caps, restricted access, warning signs / tape,cushioning or padding.

Non-mechanical hazards

Noise from conveyormechanisms.

Enclosing the conveyor mechanisms, hearing protection.

Manual handling ofmaterials ontoconveyors.

Mechanical aids, ensuring conveyor is at waist height.

Electrical hazards

from power supply.

Earth bonding, earth leakage breakers, inspection and

maintenance of the electrical system.

General precautions applying to all the above are:

Maintenance: strict maintenance procedures should be in place to isolate and lockoff conveyors when any sort of maintenance is carried out.

Emergency stop devices: should be fitted at either end and at intervals along thelength of long conveyors.

Table 4: Conveyor Hazards and Precautions


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Cranes

Types of Crane

Cranes are used widely to move heavy equipment and materials within and outsideworkplaces and construction sites. There are four main types of crane in regular use:

1. mobile cranes;

2. tower cranes;

3. gantry cranes; and

4. overhead cranes.

Hazards

Cranes may fail for a number of reasons, e.g. collapse, overturn, breakage of liftingwire:

unsuitable support or inadequate base for crane;

lack of maintenance; and

overloading.

Hazards associated with the operation of cranes include:

contact, e.g. overhead electricity cables, other buildings, etc.;

incorrect positioning of crane, e.g. on soft ground, too far away from load;

improper methods of use of crane, e.g. use in high winds;

incorrect signals by the signaller (banksman);

personnel working at or near the track of an overhead travelling crane;

limitations of height or reach on site;

ground bearing capacities, position of basements, underground services,weather conditions, etc.;

use and storage of fuel storage facilities; and

contact with persons below the lifting area.

In addition, the design of different types of crane may create specific hazards.


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1. Mobile Cranes

Mobile cranes are fitted with wheels for road use or crawler tracks, e.g. large

construction sites. They are very mobile and suitable for small lifts. They are usefularound construction sites and for occasional use. Mobile road (or rubber wheeled)cranes are the most common type of crane used.

Figure 13: Example Mobile Cranes

These cranes normally have outriggers fitted. They extend from the chassis of thecrane and are used to support the weight of both the crane and the load. Theoutriggers can increase the capacity of the crane, but they also increase its size. Theoutriggers should be on firm foundations such as solid timber packing, steel plates orspecially cast concrete pads.

Hazards

The main causes of failure associated with this type of crane are:

overturning, e.g. working on uneven and sloping ground, working without theoutriggers deployed, soft ground leading to outriggers sinking;

overloading, e.g. driving with a suspended load, going down a slope with theload raised and exceeding the load radius;

striking objects and people, e.g. hitting overhead including power lines,

impact with buildings and other structures; and

fall of load.

Telescopic Jib Lattice Jib


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Figure 16: Example Tower Crane

Figure 14: Overturned Mobile Cranes

Figure 15: Mobile Crane Load Radii

Level ground:correctload radius

Uphill position:decreasein the load radius

Downhill position:increase in the load radius

2. Tower Cranes

Tower cranes consist of a tall, slenderlattice mast with a jib unit at the top.They are used for long durationwork, e.g. construction sites, where

large areas of access are required tobe covered. They are normally fixedto one location but can be mountedon rails.

Hazards

Hazards associated with the use oftower cranes include:

overturning,e.g.due to incorrect construction, swinging or unstable loads,

operating outside the safe working radius;


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overloading, e.g. collapse or bending of jib due to overloading or wear; highwind conditions;

striking objects and people, e.g. impaired operator vision of the load; and

fall of persons and load.

3. Gantry Cranes

Gantry cranes consist of a framework of two vertical supports connected with ahorizontal beam or lattice along which a trolley moves. To allow a gantry crane tomove backwards and forwards the bases of the uprights have wheels fitted which runon railway tracks. The crane can cover the full length of the gantry rails and the

width between. They provide great flexibility within the area. Some are fitted withrubber wheels which can steer and drive the gantry. These are used extensively forhandling freight containers.

Figure 17: Example Gantry Cranes

Hazards

Hazards associated with gantry cranes include:

overturning;

overloading;

striking objects andpeople,e.g. contact with crane wheels overhead,movement of loads in the vicinity of other workers; and

fall of persons and load.


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Figure 18: Overturned Gantry Crane

4. Overhead Gantry Cranes

Overhead cranes are used within buildings. Horizontal rails are attached to thestructural steel framework of the building or on columns outside at a high level. Theyare common in engineering works and plants where repeated lifting is required and

access for conventional cranes is difficult (e.g. in power stations, to lift out turbinesfor maintenance). Over head gantry cranes take power from fixed electrical busbarsalong the horizontal support rails.

Figure 19: Example Overhead Gantry Crane


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Hazards

Hazards associated with these types of crane include:

overloading;

striking objects and people, e.g. restricted vision of load and travel,movement of loads in the vicinity of other workers

electric shockto maintenance staff from exposed electrified rails (busbars);

unauthorised useby untrained personnel;

lack of maintenance; and

fall of load / persons

Precautions

Precautions for all four types of crane include:

Suitability of the Crane

Consideration will need to be given to the following factors when deciding which

crane is most suitable for the planned lift:

weight of the load and the safe working load (SWL) of the crane;

the distance the load is away from the crane;

any wind loading that may occur;

size, shape and stability of the load;

distance to be moved;

stability or strength of the surface upon which it isgoing to be erected;

condition of a crane, e.g. wear;

condition of ground, e.g. on a slope, obstacles inpath, etc.; and

whether it is a one-off or repeated lift.


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Procedure for Safe Lifting

Prior to carrying out a lift it is necessary to assess the risks including materials,

equipment, environment and people, and develop and implement a safe lifting plan:

use competent operators and ensure adequate training to; plan the lift, drive,signal (banksman) and sling;

ensure good communication, visibility, and the use of standard hand signalsor radii;

inform personnel about lift and keep area clear of other persons;

all personnel working with or near lifting equipment should wear safetyhelmets;

ensure the correct lifting accessories is used with the safe working load;

ensure the lifting accessories are free from defect;

ensure the weather conditions do not pose a risk, e.g. high winds, ice;

secure the load, inspect slings for damage;

ensure path is free of obstacles;

ensure the load is lifted vertically;

perform each part of the operation (lifting / slewing / moving and lowering) ata rate that maintains proper control;

during the lift ensure the load is: secure, balanced and controlled. Attach taglines where necessary;

avoid overhead power lines; and

ensure a safe position for landing, release the tension and then release thelifting tackle.

Other Considerations for Safe Lifting:

pre-use inspections;

all lifting equipment should undergo thorough examination and test at regularintervals;

servicing, maintenance, testing, thorough examinations, etc. should bearranged as required before the crane is used on site;

ensure that overhead travelling cranes do not approach within 6m of personsworking at or near the wheel track;

seek permission to conduct lifts over adjacent properties;


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use purpose-made, tested stands to inspect the base of heavy loads;

if any lift, hoist, crane or excavator collapses or overturns on site or any loadbearing part fails, it should be thoroughly investigated and, if local legislationrequires, reported to the Enforcing Authorities as a dangerous occurrence;and

cranes should be marked with their safe working load (SWL).


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Hoists

Types of Hoist

Hoists vary from simple chain hoists used to lift equipment, to vertical constructionhoists, with cages capable of carrying people and equipment, to hoists designed tolift people, e.g. in hospital.

Figure 20: Example Hoists

Hazards

General hazards include:

failure of the lifting chains / ropes;

being struck by moving parts of the hoist; and

being hit by materials falling from the platform / cage.

Hazards specific to vertical goods hoists include:

falling down the hoist way from a landing level, e.g. ascaffold platform or from a hoist cage;

falling down the hoist way with the cage due to failure ofthe lifting rope / chains or operator error; and

being struck by landing levels or parts of the enclosurewhile trying to ride on a goods only hoist.

Goods HoistChain Hoist


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Precautions

General precautions include:

controls that can be operated from only one position, e.g. ground level;

train workers to use the hoist;

clear visibility of landings or clear signals from other workers during loading orunloading operations;

secure the wheels of wheelbarrows with chocks (blocks placed in front ofwheels) to prevent them moving during the lift;

not overfilling wheelbarrows, etc. with materials;

not carrying loose materials such as bricks on an open platform hoist;

not allowing passengers to ride on a goods hoist;

clearly indicating the safe working load and not exceeding it; and

ensuring the hoist is inspected and thoroughly examined.

Precautions specific to vertical goods hoists with cages include:

secure the perimeter fence at ground level with gates; and

secure the enclosures with gates at other landing / scaffold platform levels.


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Lifting AccessoriesTypes of Lifting Accessory

Work equipment for attaching loads to machinery for lifting are often called liftingaccessories or tackle. It includes any equipment used to connect a load to liftingequipment such as:

lifting beams;

pulley blocks;

chain slings;

wire rope slings;

textile slings;

hooks;

rings;

shackles; and

eye bolts.

Hazards

The main hazards associated with lifting accessories are:

overloading / used above the safe working load;

incorrect use, e.g. too wide an angle between legs ofsling or use of wrong eye bolt at an angle;

defects:

- textile slings damaged, cut, abraded or stretched;- chains deformed, cracked or stretched links; and- broken wires or kinks;

insecure attachment of load;

damage to sling, ropes, etc., e.g. caused by lack ofpacking to sharp corners of load;

incorrect slinging method; and

failure to examine and inspect pre-use.


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Precautions

The following precautions apply to lifting accessories:

all lifting accessories should be certificatedbefore use;

all accessories for lifting should be thoroughly examined by a competentperson at specified intervals and visually inspected before use or at intervalslaid down in an examination scheme (during use);

dynamo type eye bolts (those with a narrow waist which are suitable only forvertical forces) should not be used with multiple leg type slings (non-verticalforces);

repairs to lifting tackle should not be carried out on site. A test certificate

should be obtained for any repaired item of lifting tackle;

slings and other lifting accessories should not be used for operations forwhich they were not intended, e.g. towing, and should not be altered oradapted by unsafe methods, i.e. knots, bolts through links, etc.;

sufficient materials for packaging between sling and load should be provided;

training should be provided in safe slinging methods, signals, etc. foroperatives carrying out this work;

the safe working load (SWL) should be clearly marked on the accessory;

overrun devices should be fitted to tracks, rope pulleys, etc.; and

all lifting accessories should be secured and left in a safe condition at the endof each working period.

Lifting Equipment

Employers should ensure that all lifting equipment is:

sufficiently strong, stable and suitable for the proposed use. Similarly, theanchorage, load and anything attached (e.g. timber pallets, lifting points)should be suitable;

thoroughly examined by a competent person:

- after installation and before being put into service for the first time;- after assembly and before being put into service at a new site or in a

new location;

- at least every 12 months (6 months when used for lifting persons, andlifting accessories); or

- in accordance with an examination scheme; and

- each time that exceptional circumstances, which are liable to jeopardisethe safety of the lifting equipment, have occurred;


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inspected by a competent person at suitable intervals between thoroughexaminations;

marked accordingly where it is used for lifting people and is safe for such apurpose, e.g. all necessary precautions have been taken to eliminate orreduce any risk; and

visibly marked, with any appropriate information to be taken into account forits safe use, e.g. safe working loads. Accessories, e.g. slings, clamps, etc.should be similarly marked.

Following a thorough examination or inspection of any lifting equipment, a report issubmitted by the competent person to the employer to take the appropriate action.

Lifting OperationsEmployers should ensure that before any lifting operations are considered, thefollowing precautions are undertaken:

lifting operations are planned, supervised and carriedout in a safe mannerby people who are competent;

lifting equipment is positioned or installed to prevent the risk of injury, e.g.from the equipment or the load falling or striking people;

loads are not carried or suspended over areas occupied by persons. Wherethis is not practicable a safe system of work should be established tominimise the risks to persons who may need to be below the load;

where it is necessary to leave loads suspended, access to the danger zone isprevented, ensuring that the load has been secured properly;

if the operator of lifting equipment cannot observe the full path of the load,either directly or by means of auxiliary devices, the employer should ensurethat a responsible person has appropriate means of communication to guidethe operator.

The person planning the lifting operation should have adequate practical andtheoretical knowledge and experience of planning lifting operations. The plan shouldaddress the risks identified by a risk assessment and identify the resources required,the procedures, and the responsibilities so that the operation is carried out safely.


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ReferencesISO 2003 ISO 12100-1: Safety of machinery, basic

concepts, general principles for design, basicterminology and methodology.

ISO 2003 ISO 12100-2: Safety of machinery, basicconcepts, general principles for design, technicalprincipals.

HSE 1998 L23: Manual Handling (Guidance).

HSE 1998 L113: Safe Use of Work Equipment (ACoP).


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Notes


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Notes

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