Safe use of cranes

Site lifting plan

In accordance with BS7121








1. Introduction

2. Management of lifting operations

3. Selection and duties of personnel

4. Procedures and precautions

5. Slinging and handling of loads

6. Lifting equipment

7. Risk Assessment

8. Lifting Assessment

9. Schedule of common lifts

10. Record of lifting appliances and accessories

11. Crane Team appointment and certification














Contents







In order to provide a safe system of work and to ensure compliance with
current legislation this site lifting plan has been developed and is to be
implemented by every member of the crane team involved with this project.

Although not exhaustive the following regulations must be adhered to:

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 98 (LOLER)
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 98 (PUWER)
The management of health and safety regulations 1999

It is vital that all lifting operations are properly planned by a competent
person and that the plan is followed by everyone involved in the operation.

This plan is to be read by all team members involved in lifting operations;
this must be done prior to any lifting being carried out.

It is essential that all team members are fully competent and certified to
carry out their individual roles. (See section 13)

It is essential that all team members are confident that they can fulfil their
duties especially when works may need to be carried out at height.














INTRODUCTION








Safe system of work

Whether the lifting operations are repetitive or if they are a one off, a safe
system of work must be established and followed for the operation to be
both safe and successful.

In order to provide a safe system of work the following items are to be
included in the lift plan / Assessment:

The selection of suitable cranes and work equipment must be carried out.

A crane team is to be employed who are fully trained and competent and
who have had their roles and responsibilities clearly explained to them.

The areas for the cranes access and rigging etc must be properly planned and
properly prepared.

A regime of maintenance, testing and examination of equipment must be
devised.

All certification, reports of thorough examination and other documents
including manufacturers manuals are to be retained and be available.

It is essential that all personnel can communicate clearly in the same
language.









Management of lifting operations









When appointing a crane team it is essential that all the members of that
team are fully aware of the role and duties and that each person has
sufficient knowledge, training and experience to carry out their role.

Records of training and experience are to be verified prior to any new
member joining the crane team and their details are to be retained in the site
file.

The crane team organisation chart is shown below and roles and duties are
continued beneath.











Appointed Person


Crane Supervisor

Crane Co-ordinator

Crane Operator

Slinger/Signaller
Selection and duties of personnel



Appointed Person

The appointed persons duties are to include the following;

Being familiar with the relevant parts of the project Health and Safety
Plan where lifting operations are to be carried out on a site where
CDM regulations apply.
Assess the lifting operations to provide such planning, selection of
cranes, lifting accessories and equipment, instruction and supervision
as is necessary for the task to be undertaken safely. (where works are
on a shared site or where logistics may be restrictive co-ordination
with others will be required)
Ensure that adequate inspection / examination and maintenance of the
equipment have been carried out prior to its use.
Establish an effective procedure for reporting defects and incidents
and taking necessary corrective action.
Takes responsibility for the organisation and control of the lifting
operation.
Ensure the crane supervisor is fully briefed in the contents of the lift
plan / method statement etc.

The appointed person is able to delegate his duties to another person but the
responsibilities still remain the appointed persons.


Crane Supervisor

The crane supervisor role is to direct and supervise the lifting operation and
ensure that these are carried out in accordance with the relevant method
statement / lift plan.

The crane supervisor should be competent and suitably trained and must be
experienced to carry out all relevant duties.

The crane supervisor has authority to stop the lifting operation if he
considers it dangerous to proceed.

This role can be carried out by the appointed person or may be delegated to someone with appropriate
expertise in lifting operations.






Crane Co-ordinator

The crane co-ordinators role is to plan and direct the sequence of operations
of the cranes to ensure they do not collide with other cranes, loads and other
equipment and buildings.

This role can be carried out by a competent person with knowledge and experience in lifting operations.





Crane Operator

The crane operator is responsible for the correct operation of the crane in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions and within the safe system
of work.

The crane operator is to respond to a single slinger / signaller at any given
time and these must be identifiable to the operator.

Should any person near a lifting operation give the recognised stop signal
the operator must cease lifting operations immediately and confirm what
actions are required from the slinger / signaller.

The crane operator must report any defects to the appointed person
immediately. (The driver may report defects etc direct to the fitters etc but
the appointed person must still be made aware of this action)















Slinger / Signaller

The slinger / signaller is responsible for the attaching and detaching of loads
to and from the crane load lifting attachment and ensuring that the correct
accessories are used for that operation in accordance with the planning of the
operation.

The slinger / signaller is responsible for the safe movement of the crane and
clear direction must be given whether visual or hand signals.

Where more than one slinger / signaller is required, clear instruction must be
given when passing responsibility over to the next slinger / signaller.

The slinger / signaller is to store lifting accessories in a suitable place when
not being used and prior to re-using an accessory he must visually inspect it
before use.

The slinger / signaller must notify the appointed person of any damaged
equipment immediately.





















Procedures and Precautions


Crane Operation

Whenever a crane is to be moved (even if not lifting) it is to be driven by a
competent operator nominated by the appointed person.

The crane must only be operated under a safe system of work and within the
manufacturers instructions.

When the days operations are completed and the crane is parked the
operator must put the crane in out of service position and set the block at
minimum radius (mobile cranes), 25% radius (Luffing cranes), maximum
radius (Saddle jib cranes).(see manufacturers specifications)

The cabin must be secured at the end of the shift and where there is a risk of
intruders or protesters a lockable trap door will be required for tower cranes.

Regular inspections of the crane are to be carried out and this must be
recorded weekly in the site office.

Inspection and Maintenance

Where there is a requirement for a person to climb the mast of a crane whilst
the crane is still operational the driver must be made aware of someone
climbing before they commence.

Any tools or equipment needed to be used must be secure and free from risk
of falling and if tools are to be lifted up using the crane they must be done so
using equipment designed for that task.

A regime of monitoring and examination is to be established by the
appointed person this must include a schedule of servicing for cranes and
generators etc.

In order to maintain production it may be necessary to carry out maintenance
outside normal working hours.




Other cranes / plant / buildings

Where there are other cranes on the same site and there is a risk of collision,
a crash radio system is to be established and be used. This will be
determined by the lifting assessment.
Any other plant (Other cranes, Concrete Booms, Piling Rigs etc) that may be
working within the radius of a crane, their operator must be made aware of
such risks and a system must be put in place to control their movements (this
may be via the crash radio or a permit to work system)

Where existing buildings are situated within the cranes radius specific
control measures must be put in place (these will be determined in the risk
assessments)




Signalling

Where available the recognised hand signals will be adopted and a copy of
those is attached.

Where hand signals are not suitable radio contact is to be established and
implemented, when using radio contact the slinger / signaller is to give clear,
concise directions and if unclear the driver is to stop all lifting operations (If
communication is lost during a lift the driver is also to stop)

Any interference on the radio system is to be notified to the appointed
person as soon as possible.

The slinger / signallers are to be identifiable to the operators and this will be
achieved by the operatives wearing orange high visibility vests.







Slinging and handling loads

It is essential that the weight of the load to be lifted is known to a reasonable
accuracy and this can be determined a number of ways

1. Check for SWL markings
2. Phone the manufacturer
3. Run over a weigh bridge
4. Calculate
If weights are to be calculated the following figures should be used;
Material KG/M
3

Brick 2100
Concrete 2400
Earth 1600
Iron and Steel 7700
Lead 11200
Water 1000
Wood 800

Additional allowances must be made if materials are wet or have been
soaked this can vary substantially.

Lifting loads

Once the slinger has secured a load it must be raised 150mm and the load is
to be re-checked for stability.

Once the slinger / signaler is assured of the stability of the load he will give
direction to the crane operator to proceed with the lift.

Where possible the direction of travel will be the shortest direction and will
be away from where operative are working beneath. If this is not possible
the slinger signaler is to warn operatives of loads above. On multi-crane
sites, this is to be addressed to all site workers during their site induction.

Loads must never be dragged as the cranes are only designed to lift in a
vertical plane and there a possibility of damage to the crane.






Lifting Equipment

Only slings and other lifting accessories for which a valid report of thorough
examination has been issued within the previous 6 months are to be used.

Lifting accessories should be clearly marked with the rated capacity and
have an identification number for record purposes.

Lifting equipment must be visually inspected before use with any defects
being reported immediately.

When lifting equipment is not being used it should be stored in secure dry
conditions, preferably by hanging on a rack where they cannot get tangled or
contaminated.

























Chain sling capabilities

There is a misconception regarding the capability of chain slings and below
is a simple guide taken from the Kuplex brochure.








Using the chains at different angles and hitching the chains results in a
reduction of the working ability of the chain sling and examples are shown
below








Risk Assessment


Hazard Risks Control Measures
Plant and Machinery Injury to personnel

All plant and machinery
to be inspected and
serviced regularly as
per PUWER and
LOLER Regulations

A maintenance and
service schedule is to be
established and
implemented.

Failure of lifting
equipment
Damage to
buildings/equipment
and injury/death to
personnel

All lifting equipment is
to certificated and
inspected regularly as
per LOLER Regulations

A copy of certification
is to be retained on site
for record keeping and
reference.

Slinger / Signaller to
carry out visual
inspection prior to use

Falling Materials

Damage to
buildings/equipment
and injury/death to
personnel

All lifts are to be
carried out by
competent trained
slinger/signallers

All lifts are to be
carried out as directed
in the lifting
assessments and
schedule of common


lifts
Free falling loads

Damage to
buildings/equipment
and injury/death to
personnel

Daily inspections and
checks are to be made
by the crane operator to
ensure that the crane is
safe and operable

Heavy loads

Failure of lifting
equipment and
machinery

Visual assessments are
to be made by
competent personnel to
ensure the correct
lifting equipment is
used for the lift and that
the crane is able to lift
the weight of the load at
the required radius

All lifts are to be
carried out as directed
in the lifting
assessments and
schedule of common
lifts

High Winds

Instability and loss of
control of lifting
operation

Wind speeds within the
site area are to be
monitored and all lifting
operations are to be in
strict conditions of the
Beafort wind speed
allowances as laid down
for the restrictions of
safe use of cranes in
high wind and wind
conditions.

Unscheduled / Non
competent lifts

Damage to
buildings/equipment
and injury/death to
personnel
No unauthorised
persons are to carry out
any lifting operations,
all operatives are to


show proof of their
competency prior to
employment.

A lifting assessment is
to be carried out prior to
any unique or special
lifts being carried out.

Close proximity of
cranes/building/public
amenities
Entanglement leading to
loss of integrity of load

A safe system of work
is to be instigated
ensuring the risk of
collision is eradicated.

This may be a crash
radio system or a
zoning system fitted to
the crane.

Sleeping or dead cranes.

Collision of cranes

As above


ASSESSED BY..DATE..













IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF LIFTING OPERATIONS


* Change as per site requirements Issue No.:
Date:
Operation * Items to be
Lifted
Max
Weight
Crane Used Lifted From Lifted To Equipment
Used
Comments
Site Set-Up offices Welfare
facilities
2.5t Mobile Crane
(Hired in)
Delivery Vehicles
"On Site"
Final position
as per site
layout plan
4 leg 10t chains
4 no. 3t shackles
Survey required of site ground
conditions prior to crane set-up.
Crane Co-ordinator and
Slinger/Signaller to be in
attendance. Chains & shackles to
be hired with crane.
Piling



Bundles of
Reinforcement

Reinforcement
cages
2t


1.5t
All Cranes Delivery Vehicles


Site position



Final position
4 leg 6.7t chains


4- Leg 6t chains
Choke wrapped using 2 legs


Lifting points to be clearly defined
in method statement .
Retaining
Walls
Bundles of
reinforcement

R.M.D
Shutters


Concrete by Skip
2t


2.5t



3t / 6.5t
Mobile / tower


Mobile / Tower



Mobile / Tower
Delivery Vehicles


Preparation area



Areas between
Areas between
Final position



Wall Shutters
2 leg 6t chains


R.M.D lifting
devices and 2
leg 6t chains

8t Drop Chain
Choke wrapped using 2 legs


Approval required for R M D
system via Temp Work procedure
C Frame.

Ensure there are no loops or knots
in operating line. Keep tag lines as
short as practicable.
Main Frame
Steelwork
Columns,
beams, bracing
Not yet
known
To be advised Delivery vehicles Final position To be confirmed
prior to
commencement
All offloading to be carried out
within site boundaries.


IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF LIFTING OPERATIONS


Operation * Items to be
Lifted
Max
Weight
Crane Used Lifted From Lifted To Equipment
Used
Comments
Plant and
machinery
Compressors
water bowsers
3.0 t All Cranes Site location Final position 4 leg 6.7t chains Plant and machinery to be lifted by
their designated lifting points only.
Slinger Signaller to be in
attendance.
Tower
Crane Base
Tower Crane
Base
5t Mobile / Tower
Crane / Crawler
Delivery vehicle Final position 4 leg 6.7t chains Lifting points to be clearly defined
in the method statement and
approved by Principal Contractor
Bundles of
Timber
Shoring 2.5t All cranes Delivery vehicle Final position 4 leg 6.7t chains Slinger signaller to be in
attendance.
Columns Reinforced
cages
Shuttering
Concrete Skip
1.5t

1t
1t 6.5t
All Cranes Site Locations Final Position 4 leg 6.7t Chains
4 leg 6.7t chains

8t drop chain
Slinger Signaller to be in
attendance

* as itemised in works programme Issue No.:
Date:


IDENTIFICATION AND INITIAL ASSESSMENT OF LIFTING OPERATIONS


Operation * Items to be
Lifted
Max
Weight
Crane Used Lifted From Lifted To Equipment
Used
Comments
Walls Reinforced
cages
Shuttering
Concrete Skip
1.5t

1t
1t - 6.5t
All cranes Site locations Final position 4 leg 6.7t chains Slinger signaller to be in
attendance.
Striking
walls and
columns
Shuttering 1t All cranes Site locations Final position 4 leg 6.7 t chains Slinger signaller to be in
attendance.
Ground
Works
Boat skip 4 t All Cranes Site locations Final position 2 legs providing
they are of
sufficient
capacity or 8t
drop chain.



* as itemised in works programme Issue No.:
Date:


SCHEDULE OF COMMON LIFTS



Load Method
Concrete or muck skip.

Skip chain 8t
Ensure that any rope fixed to skip is of
singular construction and is free of all
knots and loops.
Boat Skip /Rollover skip Skip chain 8t
Bundles of tubes, bars or other similar materials,
e.g.. scaffold tubes, bars, small diameter pipes,
lengths of timber, etc. whether banded or not.

4 leg 6.7t chains, load to be double
wrapped using 2 legs of the chains
Reinforcement Bar Wrapped 4 leg chain slings. Ensure
that bars to be lifted are of equal
length
Flying Table Platforms Four leg chains passed through pre
prepared holes on top of platform and
wrapped around upper platform alums
or steel supports. Use C frame where
possible.

Palletised materials.

Crane forks with cage or net. Fork Lift
Truck.

Web Slings will be used for palletised
material
Stillages 4 leg chain slings wrapped around
corner posts as per Guide to Safe
Slinging and Signalling
Beware rusted base. Fork Lift Truck.
Lorry type rubbish skips. Must be tested and certified if lifting
lugs are used or
with steel box sections under skip and
spreaders
Beware of rusted floors/overloaded
skips.
Wood Bundles Wrapped with 4 leg chain slings.
Ensure wood to be lifted is of equal
length and bites are in place.
Column shutters Chain to be attached to lifting eyes
and ensure that the lifting operation is
conducted within safe wind speeds as
per L.O.L.E.R REGS.




SCHEDULE OF COMMON LIFTS

Load Method
Small plant ie compressors, bowsers etc Chains to be attached to certified
lifting eyes only 8t drop chain.
Prefab Re Bar Cages Chains to be attached to double tied
removable thickened re bar special
care must be taken to ensure integrity
of the load.







Issue No.: 1
Date:


Record of lifting appliances and accessories

Lifting Appliances (e.g.
Cranes)

Description ID No. Supplier: Test Cert.
Expiry Date:
12 Monthly
Thorough
Examination
Expiry Date:
Used for lifting persons?
Y/N.
(If so, 6 Monthly
Thorough Examn?)
Weekly
Inspections
carried out by:






Lifting Accessories (e.g. lifting gear)

Description ID No. Owner S.W.L (t) Test Certificate
Y/N
6 Monthly Thorough Examination Y/N?
Expiry Date







Issue No.:01
Date:



Crane team appointment and certification
Position Name Date Appointed

Appointed Person*
(Lifting Operations)



Deputy appointed
Person



Crane Co-ordinator



Crane Operators*



Signallers/Slingers*






* Must hold appropriate CPCS Cards
Issue
No.:
01
Date: