Use and maintenance of lifting equipment guidance

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE

2017

PAGE 1

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE FOR OPERATORS AND SLINGER/BANSMEN CONTENTS PAGE 1.0 Introduction

01

2.0

Planning the lift

01

3.0 Planning deliveries

02

4.0

02

Eye bolts

4.1 Selection 02 Safe and Correct Use

02

5.0 Hoist Rings

03

6.0 Shackles

03

4.2

6.1 Selection 03 6.2 Side Loadings

03

6.3 Examples

04

7.0

Hooks

04

7.1

Attaching / detaching and Securing loads

04

7.2 Congested hooks 05 7.3 Latch Hooks 05

05

Chain Slings – using the uniform method of rating

07

8.0

Selecting the right slings

8.1

8.2 Choke Hitch 07

8.3

Chain Slings – Trigonometric

08

8.4 Methods of Slinging

08

8.5 Methods of use

09

8.6

09

9.0

Colour Coding of Lifting accessories

10

9.1 Examination

10

Safe use of Slings

10.0 Sling storage

10

11.0 Misuse of slings

11

12.0 Lifting Accessories – Typical faults

11

13.0 Inspection and Maintenance

12

13.1 Slings

12

13.2 Chain Slings

12

13.3

Textile Slings

12

13.4

Single Trip Slings

13 PAGE 2

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

PAGE 14.0 Securing Loads for Transport

14

15.0 Securing of loads 14 16.0 Lifting by Telescopic Handler

14

17.0 Lifting with Excavator 16 18.0 Lifting with Chain Slings – incorrect Slinging Techniques

16

19.0 Loose Material on Loads

17

20.0 Stillage’s

17

21.0 Muck/Concrete/ Tipping Skips

18

22.0 Palletised Materials 18 23.0 Lifting points 19 24.0 Wood Bundles 20 25.0 Various Construction Materials and tools

20

26.0 Structural Steel 21 27.0 Recommended Hand Signals

21

28.0 Communications - Two Way Radio

22

PAGE 3

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

1.0 Introduction The following guide was developed to eliminate, minimise and mitigate fatal risks and hazards, keeping the public safe from harm and maintaining the Esh belief of Everyone Safely Home.

This guide covers lifting, slinging and signalling operations on Esh Construction projects, Depots and other places under company control at that time.

The information good practice and legislation requirements contained should be shared and adopted throughout to improve efficiency and safety on site.

This guide should help form the standard slinging and signalling arrangements in your schedule of common lifts within the lift plan.

All chains, ropes or items of lifting equipment used in raising, lowering or as a means of suspension will be of adequate strength, sound condition, correctly marked, fit for purpose and capable of securing the load. The principle is to achieve a safe and successful lift.

2.0

Planning the Lift

Planning the lifting operation is essential to ensure that the lift is carried out safely and efficiently but all operatives and supervisors must ensure that lifts are carried out in accordance with the site-specific lift plan. The following points must always be considered and addressed in the lift plan.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Access to the lifting points on the load Where the load is to be picked up from What areas is the load to pass over Proximity to the public Competence in the correct use of the lifting equipment Any obstruction or potential clashes with tall plant, equipment or structures Where the load is to be placed Establishment of exclusion zones Selection of the correct lifting accessories (materials and SWL) How the load is to be slung and secured How the slings are to be removed and access to remove them How the plant operator will be directed The weight and centre of gravity of the load Clear consistent communication between all parties The weather Trial lift must be undertaken for every lift to check balance, stability and for loose materials • Slinger / Banksman must be readily identifiable from a distance

PAGE 1

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

3.0 Planning Deliveries All deliveries must be unloaded safely: - Ensure you made the appropriate plans - Is there a competent person (Banksman) present to guide the vehicles

and supervise the vehicle set up/unloading operation on site?

- Where access to the rear of the vehicle is unavoidable, is suitable fall

protection procedure in place?

- Are the deliveries scheduled to appropriate times? ‘Just in time

deliveries’ - Is there sufficient space to load/unload safely? Can plant carrying out

the lift manoeuvre into place safely.

4.0 Eye Bolts

4.1 Selection

The main consideration when selecting eye bolts are:

The weight of the load being lifted

The number of the eye bolts sharing the load

Whether an inclined lifting load will be effected

Centre of gravity of the load

Securing eye bolt

Warning

Dynamo eye bolts are only suitable for an axial(Vertical) lift and any angular pull will bend the screw shank and lead to a failure.

4.2 Safe and correct Use

Eye bolts should always be loaded in the same plane as the eye and never against the plane of the eye PAGE 2

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

When lifting with a pair of eye bolts ALWAYS use a 2-leg sling. NEVER use a sling in a basket format, as this can drastically overload the eyebolts.

5.0

Hoist Rings

The two advantages of hoist rings are that: They will swivel to the correct orientation is no requirement packing with the shim washers.

They pivot to suit the sling angle between 0° and 90° and do NOT require to be derated.

Check that the thread on the load is compatible with the thread on the bolt.

6.0 Shackles 6.1 Selection Shackles should be selected to suit the load being lifted allowing for any increased loadings due to sling angles. The dimensions of the shackle will often be governed by the hole diameter and the thickness of the material of the lifting eye. The selection between bow type and D type will depend on the number of components being connected.

6.2

Side Loadings

PAGE 3

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

6.3

Examples

On assembly shackle pin, should always be screwed tight, DO NOT screw back to allow for easier removal.

Avoid congesting hooks with more than one sling. When attaching two or more wire rope slings to the hook block, these must always be attached via a master ring. If it is not possible to use a master ring, a hook block with mechanical lock must be used.

7.0 Hooks 7.1 Attaching/Detaching and Securing loads You should ensure that any lifting accessories used for securing the load are compatible with the load, taking into account any attachment points on the load, the environmental conditions in which the accessories will be used and their configuration of use. Lifting accessories should be selected as a function of the load to be handled, gripping points, attachment tackle and the atmospheric conditions having regard to the mode and configuration of slinging.

PAGE 4

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

7.2

Congested Hooks

Only one lifting sling is permitted within the hook block. The use of a large bow shackle will assist. This will avoid the risk of the second slings being accidentally displaced from the hook.

7.3

Latch Hooks

Double latch hooks must be deployed when using continuous webbing sling to prevent the sling slipping out. A conventional safety catch is acceptable in other circumstances.

8.0

Selecting the right sling

When selecting the safe working load of slings a number of factors will reduce the sling’s capabilities and therefore they need to be de-rated.

Working load limits according to the standard (Uniform Load) method of rating.

If chain slings are to be used in more demanding conditions (e.eg high temperature, asymmetrical load distribution, edge load, impact/shock loads) the maximum load capacity values must be reduced by the load factors.

Where slings and other lifting equipment are used more than 8 hours per day over a 40 hour week, consider reducing frequency of thorough examination from 6 monthly to 3 monthly.

Load Cells – where unable to calculate an accurate weight of the load or when tandem lifting, strongly consider the sue of a load cell to monitor the load being applied to each machine during the lift.

Note: when slings are used in choke hitch the working limit should be reduced by 20% Note: how the lifting angles increase tension in multi leg slings and also the lateral forces in the shackles, lifting eyes and load itself.

PAGE 5

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

Check that the lifting points and the load are designed for an angled lift.

Note: Avoid where possible, using single leg slings in a multiple application. When using single leg slings in pairs, the greater the angle, the increased load on the slings.

THE CHAIN TAG IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE CHAIN SLING ASSEMBLY. In many respects, it’s the brain, it holds all the key information about the sling.

-

Identification of the manufacturer (name, symbol or other recognised mark) Identification of material or grade i.e. 10 Nominal chain size and number of legs Working Load Limit (WLL) Serial number of the sling The CE mark.

The shape of the tag directly reflects the grad of the chain sling it is attached to.

10 pointed star Oval

8 Pointed Star 5 Pointed Star Rectangle

Grade 10 Grade 10 Grade 8 Grade 50 Stainless Steel Lashing

KNOW YOUR TAG DO NOT USE • No Tag

• Wrong tag? DO NOT USE – check sling Certificate • The WWL (Working Load Limit) is the maximum weight that the sling can safely lift in a given configuration as specified by the Manufacturer • The SWL (Safe Working Load) is the maximum weight that the sling can safely lift in different configurations as recommended by the manufacturer • Read and understand the chain sling load charts • Read and understand the safe use instructions supplied • Incorrect code/No colour code - DO NOT USE If in doubt, stop and seek advice

PAGE 6

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

Rule of thumb – working angles of chain slings must never exceed 90° as best practice.

Note: When slings are used on choke hitch the WLL should be reduced by 20% 8.1

Chain slings – using the uniform Method of Rating

Chain slings rated Working Load Limit (WLL) either 0° - 90° or 90° - 120°

Note: Safety factor 4:1. Above limits refer to normal use and equally loaded sling legs.

Rule of thumb – working angle of chain slings must never exceed 90° as best practice.

8.2

Choke Hitch

Do not ‘Batter Down’ slings to increase the grip, allow the angle to form naturally, maximum permitted angle is 120°

PAGE 7

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

8.3 Chain Slings – Trigonometric Chain slings rated Working Load limit (WLL) either 30° or 60° or 90° or 120°

Rule of Thumb – Working angles of chain slings must never exceed 90° as best practice.

Note: When slings are used in choke hitch the Working Load Limit (WLL) should be reduced by 20% You will note that a 4-leg chain is not allowed to lift more weight that a 3 leg chain.

8.4

Methods of Slinging

Safe Working Load (SWL) factors also apply according to the type of sling and how it is used.

Examples for various types of single -legged slings are shown here. The same principles also apply to multi-legged slings

PAGE 8

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

8.5

Methods of Use

The safe working load of the sling will change depending upon how the sling has been attached. The table below gives guidance on the SWL for each method.

N/A = Not Applicable – DO NOT USE 8.6

Safe Use of Sling

Sling Hooks When sling, hooks must always face outwards from the master ring

Choke Hitch Do not ‘Batter Down’ slings to increase the grip, allow the angle to form naturally. Maximum permitted angle is 120°.

NOTE: must not be used when lifting steel beams.

Webbing Slings Wide webbing slings cannot be used at a sideways angle where the sling would not be equally loaded across its width. This will usually apply where the sides of the load are flat. When lifting round pipes this would not occur.

Hand/Tag Lines In certain circumstances, hand/tag lines should be attached to the load to prevent the load swinging or spinning and to help in landing it in the right place.

Always stand clear of the load Never stand under a load

PAGE 9

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

9.0 Colour Coding of Lifting Accessories 9.1 Examination All lifting accessories must be examined by a Competent Person no greater than 6 months. These examinations will be carried out during May and November each year, each examination is signified by colour coding (paint or cable tie) on each lifting accessory.

LIFTING ACCESSORIES COLOUR CODING EXAMINATION DATES Red

November 2016

November 2018

November 2020

Red

May 2017

May 2019

May 2021

Red

November 2017

November 2019

November 2021

Red

May 2018

May 2020

May 2022

Whilst the inspection and colour coding period apply to all Esh Group lifting accessories, it must be noted that any hired equipment, the person hiring the equipment is responsible for ensuring that it has received its 6-monthly inspection. Similarly, if subcontractors are using lifting equipment site managers must ensure the statutory inspections are carried out and the appropriate certificates are provided as proof of inspection.

Rule of thumb – working angle of chain slings must never exceed 90% as best practice Note; when slings are used in choke hiotch the Working Load Limit (WLL) should be reduced by 20% 10.0 Sling Storage

PAGE 10

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

11.

Misuse of Slings

Do not allow any items of lifting equipment to be used for towing or pulling

• Leaving chain or wire rope slings on the ground in wet and muddy conditions will speed up the corrosion process.

• Burning or welding near to slings will cause damage to the sling. Support the load by other means before hot works commences • Leaving slings on the ground could result in them being damaged by plant running over them. If slings are not in use, store them correctly.

• Chemicals in concrete or fuels can damage textile slings. Use protective shrouding or clean them thoroughly after use.

• Dragging slings along the ground can damage them. Use mechanical plant to transport them to where they are needed.

• Using a hammer or your foot to tighten the choke hitch may damage the sling.

Allow the choke hitch to find its natural angle of bite.

• Always hook the chain legs to the master link or remove them from the plant when the slings are not being used. Allowing them to swing loose could damage the plant or allow the slings to become trapped.

12.0 Lifting accessories – Typical faults

PAGE 11

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

13.0 Inspection and Maintenance 13.1 Slings • Regularly inspect slings, in the event of defects, quarantine and arrange to return the items to the Bowburn yard for remedial actions.

• Slings should be cleaned using clean water only, no detergents or other chemicals.

• Check for illegible markings, If markings cannot be made out DO NOT use.

• Damage or cuts to the surface, edges or outer cover.

• Damaged stitching, hard spots or exposed inner core.

• Burns or chemical damage (softening of the fibres).

• Records of inspections must be recorded on OH&SF003-Daily plant and Equipment Check.

• Extended exposure to sunlight can also damage the sling.

13.2 Chain Slings • Regularly inspect chains and in the event of defects, quarantine and arrange to return the items to the Bowburn yard for remedial actions.

• Do not allow them to lie on the ground, or become damaged or rusty.

• Storage should be dry, clean, free from contaminates and items should be lightly oiled to prevent corrosion.

• Check all markings/ tags are legible.

• Check for distortion of fittings (hooks) • Areas of wear • Stretched, bent or twisted links • Damaged or worn safety catches.

• Cuts, gauges or nicks in any areas • Corrosion/ Rust • Heat discolouration or welding splatter • Do not attempt lifting operations unless you understand the safe use, slinging procedure and permitted configurations required.

13.3 Textile Slings • Fabric slings come in two types, flat web and round.

• Flat slings are made of woven polyester and can be Simplex, Duplex or Quadplex.

This depends upon the number of layers they contain.

• Round slings have an abrasion resistant outer cover with the load bearing fibres protected within.

• The lifting capacity of a sling is given by a colour code and the tag stitched into the sling.

• The tag must include: • The safe working load for given configurations • A unique identification number • The colour codes for Webbing slings in the UK are as follows •

Always inspect a sling before use, DO NOT use if damage is noted.

Report damage to your supervisor and remove sling from service.

•

Do not leave slings on the ground where they can be tracked over by plant.

PAGE 12

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

• A fabric sling must not be used on materials with sharp edges unless the edges are protected with suitable packing.

• Do not trap a sling beneath the load when placing the load onto the ground or lorry bed. Use timber sections so the sling can be easily removed.

• Do not use a sling if it has been heavily contaminated by oils or chemicals.

• Do not use a sling if it has become wet and has frozen.

• Do not use a sling if it has been subjected to extreme heat (Burning or Welding) • Do not tie slings together with a knot or twist.

13.4 Single Trip Slings To reduce the risk of working at height on the back

of delivery Vehicles/trailers, single trip slings can be used to pre-sling loads prior to shipment.

or suitable fall

Do not climb onto the trailer to attach slings other lifting devices to materials without prevention controls in place.

The slings supplied are flat woven webbing

slings, made out of man-made fibres for general purpose use only.

Single trip slings will state the scope of use on the safe working load tag.

The slings are thoroughly examined in the same way as other slings and lifting accessories and have certificates of thorough examination.

Check that the slings are still correctly attached to the load prior to attaching them to the plant carrying out the lift and that they carry the correct rating for the lift to be carried out.

Check that the slings have not been damaged during transit and look out for cuts, tears and signs of heavy abrasion.

Check that slings are not trapped between loads prior to lifting.

Report any defects to your supervisor.

Ensure that the slings are not trapped and damaged when placing the load on the ground. If the sling remains attached to the load after lifting from the trailer, the slings must be checked again before the item is lifted to its final

location. The sling must be discarded after this final lift.

Once any sling has been removed from a load it must be destroyed. The sling should be cut up to prevent further use. Dispose of the sling in the correct site skip. Do not just discard them on site, or allow them to accumulate.

PAGE 13

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

14.0 Securing Loads for Transport The responsibility for securing and releasing of the load to the vehicle lies with the vehicle operator.

The Slinger/ Banksman must check the load prior to lifting to ensure no loose materials or equipment has been left on the load.

The security and stability of every load must be checked before it is lifted. A trial lift of about 200mm above the ground will be sufficient to check balance.

Before unloading commences the slinger/Banksman must check that the load cannot move before the straps or other securing mechanisms are released.

No lift must be commenced until the Slinger/Banksman is satisfied that it is safe to continue.

15.0 Securing of Loads Where necessary extra straps should be used to secure loads to prevent movement during a lift.

The security and stability of every load must be checked thoroughly before the lift begins. Use the 200mm stability check and check for loose materials.

Remember to check beneath the load, without going under the load, for damage, loose materials or obstructions.

Lifting must only begin when the Slinger/Banksman is satisfied it is safe to do so.

16.0 Lifting by Telescopic Handlers The activities shown below are fairly common, but are they correct?

PAGE 14

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

TELEHANDLER OPERATOR INDUCTION

All operations must be covered by a specific risk assessment.

The consequences of failure to adequately control forklift operations can be severe.

Consider: • Loads, stability and weight • Lifting points, if loads are to be suspended • there must be a lifting eye or suitable attachment available Ground conditions for travelling and point of lift.

• Gradients around the site • Position of loading bays.

PAGE 15

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

17.0 Lifting with Excavator • Lifting with the bucket attached is prohibited.

• Ensure the weight of the quick hitch is deducted from the SWL of the excavator.

• Remember the lifting eye on the quick hitch may have different lifting capacity to the excavator.

• Ensure an exclusion zone is set up around the path of the load • Quick hitch devices permanently attached to machines should be included on the 12-monthly thorough examination.

• Quick hitches not permanently fitted to a machine shall be separately inspected every 6 months.

• Always employ a swivel connector to allow free turning of load.

• Check stop valves and a Safe Load Indicator must be fitted and a copy of the lifting chart must be available in the cab.

• The Competency Card of the operator shall include the lifting operations module.

Quick hitch crowded too far back – risk of damaging the shackle.

18.0 Lifting with Chain slings – Incorrect Slinging Techniques

Poor Slinging Practice This hitch reduced the sling capacity by half and loaded 1 link of the chain Horizontally.

Poor slinging Practice Single clamp should be employed, rather than wrapping the chain around the load. Steel on steel major risk of slippage.

PAGE 16

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

19.0 Loose Materials on loads

Loads must be managed correctly.

All parts must be secured prior to lifting.

No loose items should be left on loads when they are lifted. If components cannot be secured they must be placed in a stillage or other suitable container and lifted separately.

20.0 Stillage’s 4 Leg chain sling 1 leg around each corner post to ensure equal lift at each corner.

Beware of rusted metal base, can cause slippage.

Rule of thumb: working angle of chains must never exceed 90° as best practice.

Note: When slings are used in “choke hitch” working load limit should be reduced by 20%.

PAGE 17

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

21.0 Muck/Concrete/Tip Skips All concrete skips to be fitted with a drop chain or wire rope with a shackle.

Ensure that any rope attached to operate the release handle of the skip is one piece, in good condition and knot free.

Use the correct lifting accessories as detailed in the lift plan.

The contents of any skip being lifted should be covered or the skip netted.

Ensure that the skip is suitable to be lifted, the lifting points are in good order and the base of the skip is not corroded.

Do not use keyhole plates/lifting lugs for lifting.

Lifting lugs fitted after manufacture must be tested and certified or steel box sections under skip support and spreader beams must be employed.

22.0 Palletised Material

Drop chain sling to be employed

Crane forks with cage or net.

Ensure that net or cage is in good order and secured to the fork attachment.

Net or cage only to assist securing the load.

Select suitable size of net in relation to the smallest item.

Operator and slinger familiarisation required

PAGE 18

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

22.0 Lifting Points Not all lifting points are designed for lifting the whole load. Check the labelling or the operator’s manual for information about the specific item if it is not identified.

Check that the lifting point is deformed, damaged, cracked or has signs of significant wear.

Some lifting points are only designed for vertical lifts (0° sling angle). Check the lift plan and manufacturer’s instructions for the particular load to be lifted.

If you are unsure if an attachment point is used for lifting, don’t use it. Stop the operation and consult with your supervisor.

A double wrapped choke hitch or slings must be used when lifting steel bundles.

The load must be lifted level. Carry out a trial lift to check the slings are positioned correctly and the centre of gravity is directly A double wrapped choke hitch or slings must be used when lifting steel bundles.

The load must be lifted level. Carry out a trial lift to check the slings are positioned correctly and the centre of gravity is directly beneath the hook.

Do not lift using the tie wires.

Take care when lifting that the load is not fouling on an adjacent load.

Always place the load on timber skids to help release the slings from under the load.

When landing reinforcement always consider who is going to move the steel bundle next and how are they going to get access.

Use the correct gloves identified in the risk assessment. Steel can have sharp ‘burs’ When lifting, and placing cages always attach the slings to the position identified on the load and in the lift plan.

Ideally keep the sling angle between 45° and 60°. A greater angle could damage the load and result in it falling.

Always use tag lines to control the movement of the load.

Confirm lifting eyes are certified and tagged, otherwise under sling.

Drop chain sling to be employed for single attachment.

Care to be taken when lifting ‘live loads’ such as liquid containers and plant with fuel tanks. The load can be unstable and the centre of gravity can shift when moved.

PAGE 19

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

Note: Always check lifting capacity of lifting points on bowsers and tanks. Include the weight of any fuel or other content in the weight calculations.

24.0 Wood Bundles Wrapped with 2 leg chain slings or fibre slings.

Note the pallet on which the timbers have been placed.

Ensure all sections are of equal length and the slings encompass them all equally. Avoid battering down and exceeding the sling angle directly above the load (120°) Rule of thumb: working angle of chain slings must never exceed 90° as best practice.

Note: when slings are used in choke hitch the Working load limit should be reduced by 20%.

This load will collapse as it is lifted into a round load.

Ensure all materials are secured, in case load strikes structure or other obstruction.

Load should be wrapped or banded before lifting.

Maximum 120° rule applies

25.0 Various Construction Materials and Tools Avoid lifting over persons at all times Generally associated with ground works and unloading vehicles. Often the manhole rings are loaded on the vehicle with pipe grabs thus providing difficult to unload using manhole pin lifters when faced with unloading.

PAGE 20

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

26.0 Structural steel Preference – Single point secure/positive attachment.

Last resort when double wrapped, secondary fail system required to prevent load being dropped.

Smaller sections including tubular or bracing then suitable rated fibre strop to be employed.

Column lifted through pre-drilled sized shackle bolts.

Only box sections and flat bracing where either shackle or bolt on clamp restricted then last resort fibre strops choked.

Note: Choke hitch reduce lifting capacity of slings by 20% Always use a tag line to control the load. Avoid knots etc. in tag lines which could snag.

27.0 Recommended Hand Signals Only a qualified and designated Slinger / banksman should give signals to machine operators. The machine operator must only follow the instructions of the designated Slinger/banksman for that particular machine. Only the emergency stop signal may be given by anyone on site.

PAGE 21

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017

28.0 Communications – Two Way Radios Two way radios is extremely important to assist with communications between the machine operator and the Slinger/Banksman.

Ensure the batteries in all handsets are fully charged and will last the whole operation.

Keep spare batteries on charge and ready for use.

Keep communications limited to the operation.

Make all instructions brief and clear.

Do not use inappropriate, foul or abusive language.

The following are standard words and uses during communications.

Term

Meaning

Affirmative Yes Negative No Reading you loud and clear

I understand what you say

Over

I have finished talking and I am listening for your reply

Out

I have finished talking and do not expect a reply

Roger

I understand what you just said

Copy

I heard what you said

Wilco

Will comply (after receiving new instructions)

Go Ahead

send your transmission

Say Again

repeat your last message

Break Signals a pause during a long transmission to

open the channel other transmissions, especially emergencies.

Standby

Pause for the next transmission. This usually

entails staying of the air until the operator returns after a short wait.

PAGE 22

USE AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFTING EQUIPMENT GUIDANCE: JANUARY 2017 ESH SAFE Use and Maintenance of lifting Equipment Guidance PAGE 23