Element 4 Manual and mechanical handling hazards and control Part 2

Mechanical Handling

Mechanical Handling is probably the most widespread activity on a construction site, and the amount of equipment used to facilitate this is very large. Item include pallet and sack trucks, Forklifts (rough terrain, tele-hoist, standard etc.) , hoists , lifts and cranes (mobile, tower, overhead, gantry) .

The single most cause of accidents using mechanical handling equipment is poorly trained or in experienced operators, it is essential that the correct personnel are selected for the job, this is the responsibility of the management. Equipment must be check and maintained in accordance with manufacturers information. Risk assessment must be carried out on all mechanical handling tasks.

Maintenance records should be kept for all equipment, whether it is the property of the company of hired, the hirer must ensure that the equipment has been maintained and is in a safe condition at the time of hire, it then becomes the responsibility of the hirer to perform checks to ensure the equipment does not become damaged worn or generally unsafe to use, any defects should be recorded and the equipment labelled as not safe for use until the defect has been rectified.

The most common injuries associated with mechanical handling are crushing, broken limbs, cots, falls, drawing in etc. These mainly are caused by firstly operator error and secondly by poorly maintained equipment, guards must be checked on a regular basis for damage especially on hoists, conveyors or any part the equipment which may give rise to risk of injury.

The use of powered mechanical handling equipment presents more hazards and again the importance of experienced and trained operatives is essential in there safe use.

Forklift drivers should always be vigilant when driving around the site, just because they may be on a roadway doesn't mean pedestrians may not be there, they should be very aware of the load stability and never travel with a raised load. The ground they travel over must be suitable as to the type of forklift being used.

Lifts and hoists provide specific hazards as they can be used to transport both people and materials, Lift doors must close correctly and all associated safety systems must be operational, Hoists used for carrying equipment on construction site are commonly fixed either to the structure or scaffolding this must not overload either.

Overload of equipment is another major cause of accidents and care must be taken when assessing equipment and load capabilities.

Cranes and lifting equipment

Lifting operations on sites must be planned before they go ahead, the crane should sufficient for the load it has to lift the equipment should be check and ensure no SWLs are exceeded, all shackles strop, chains and sling should be certificated and this should be inspected before they lift takes place, Properly trained banksmen who are familiar with the correct hand signalling techniques should be employed along with riggers.

Mobile cranes should ensure that the ground condition is adequate for the machine; drivers should ensure outriggers are fully extended and all safety equipment i.e. load indicators warning systems are operating they should aware of the slew radius and and obstructions from the jib or the counterweight as slewing takes pale they should leave sufficient room for pedestrians to pass by i.e. 600mm.

Towers cranes must also be aware of the load restrictions, weather conditions, 0

and potential obstructions as they cross over the site these can come in all possible shape. Different level in the structure power lines and mobile crane are all hazards that operators should be aware of.

Rules for safe Operations of a Crane

ALWAYS

• Ensure operators/ slingers are properly trained
  
• Select the correct equipment for the task
  
• Ensure the device is stable on suitable ground and the lift id not outside the lifting radius
  
• Use correct slinging methods
  
• Protect slings from sharp edges
  
• Ensure the sling is securely attached to the hook
  
• Ensure the load is lifted to the correct height
  
• Use standard hand signals (Safety Signs and Signal Regs( SSSR)1996
  

NEVER

• Exceed safe working load
  
• Lift with sling angles greater than 120°
  
• Lift load over people
  
• Drag loads or allow shock loading
  

Lifting operations should be planned and supervised factors that should be considered when formulating a plan include:

• The load that is being lifted - weight, shape, centres of gravity, surface condition, lifting points.
  
• The equipment and accessories being used for the operation and suitability - certification validity.
  
• The proposed route that the load will take including the destination and checks for obstructions.
  
• The team required to carry out the lift - competencies and numbers required.
  
• Production of a safe system of work, risk assessments, permits to work.
  
• The environment in which the lift will take place - ground conditions, weather, local population.
  
• Securing areas below the lift - information, restrictions, demarcation and barriers.
  
• A suitable trial to determine the reaction of the lifting equipment prior to full lift.
  
• Completion of the operation and any dismantling required
  

There are various appointments with specified responsibilities in order to ensure the safety of lifting operations on site, these are as follows.

• Competent person - Appointed to plan the operation.
  
• Load handler - Attaches and detaches the load.
  
• Authorised person - Ensures the load safely attached.
  
• Operator - Appointed to operate the equipment.
  
• Responsible person (banksman) - Appointed to communicate the position of the load
  
• Assistants - Appointed to relay communications