Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
2008
DLB - DIV LOS BRONCES
Versin: 1.0
IS - SIG ISO-OHSAS PNP.DLBISRAC.0009
RAC - 02 Adm. del Riesgo y de los Pgina 1 de 86
Cambios
LIFTING OPERATIONS
La impresin o copia de este documento constituye una Copia No Controlada. El usuario debe verificar su vigencia
en Documentum.
LIFTING OPERATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. SCOPE....................................................................................
2. OBJECTIVE...............................................................................
3. APPLICATION...........................................................................
4. DEFINITIONS...........................................................................
5. REASON FOR INCLUSION........................................................10
6. REQUIREMENTS.....................................................................10
7.1 PLANT AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS.................................10
1 ELECTRICAL ISOLATION 11
2 OPERABILITY AND FALL PROTECTION 12
3 PHYSICAL LOCKING SYSTEM 13
4 OVERLOAD PROTECTION 14
5 TEMPERATURE CONTROL 15
6 NO INTERUPTION OF OPERATOR 15
7 SUFFICIENT CONTROLS TO PREVENT CRUSHING 16
8 POSITIVE LOCKING SAFETY CATCH 18
9 SWL TO BE CLEARLY MARKED 18
10 LOAD MONITORING AND INDICATION 20
11 COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS 22
12 IDENTIFICATION OF CRANE AND LIFTING EQUIPMENT 23
13 MAXIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IDENTIFIED BY COMPETENT
PERSON 25
14 COLOUR CODING FOR MAINTENANCE 27
15 LIFTING ONLY FROM DESIGNATED LIFTING POINT 28
16 ALL LIFTING EQUIPMENT TO BE MAINTAINED 30
7.2 SYSTEM AND PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS............................31
17 ACCEPTANCE PROCESS FOR ALL LIFTING EQUIPMENT 31
18 LOAD CHARTS AVAILABLE 35
19 ENSURE OPERATORS CAN UNDERSTAND LOAD CHARTS 38
20 PROCEDURE TO ADDRESS USE OF CRANES 38
21 OPERATORS TO HAVE TIME FOR FAMILIARIZATION 45
22 RISK ASSESSMENT 45
23 SIDE LOADING TO BE PREVENTED 51
24 OUTRIGGERS TO BE USED 51
25 CONTROLS TO PREVENT FALLING OBJECTS 52
26 PERSONNEL TO BE LIFTED IN WORK BASKETS ONLY 53
27 NO WORK IN DROP ZONE OF SUSPENDED LOADS 54
28 MODIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL 55
29 PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SYSTEM 56
30 INSPECTION AND TESTING 58
31 PERIODIC INSPECTIONS 59
32 REGISTER TO BE KEPT 60
7.3 PEOPLE REQUIREMENTS.........................................................60
33 SUITABLY QUALIFIED PEOPLE 60
34 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO BE DEFINED 62
35 COMPETENCY BASED TRAINING PROGRAMME 64
36 INSPECTIONS BY COMPETENT INSPECTOR 65
37 COMMUNICATION IN COMMON LANGUAGE AND CORRECT SIGNALS 65
1. SCOPE
This guideline refers to the Group-wide implementation of the Anglo Fatal Risk Standard
Lifting Operations and should be read in conjunction with the respective Standard.
The guidelines contained in this document are considered as "highly recommended" and
deviations are to be documented and justified. Full adherence to these guidelines will not be
a factor in determining compliance with the Standards, since alternative methods can be
available if justified on a risk basis.
In case of conflict with requirements of any other Anglo document or guideline, the following
hierarchy will apply:
2. OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this Guideline is to provide guidance and clarity to assist in implementing the
requirements of the Anglo Fatal Risk Standard Lifting Operations, which is intended to
eliminate or minimise the risk of fatalities and injuries arising from the performance of lifting
operations.
This guideline has been developed to provide more detail and clarification for the
implementation of the requirements of the Standard. This should enable sites to be more
aligned with each other on what the boundaries are with regards to meeting the
requirements.
This guideline is by no means exhaustive and will be updated periodically and supported by
good practice sharing. It is not intended as a template for achieving compliance.
3. APPLICATION
This Standard applies wherever lifting operations are undertaken. It includes lifts
involving Anglo American owned, hired or contracted cranes and lifting machines
such as mobile, crawler, tower, derrick, portal and pedestal-type equipment (e.g.
cherry pickers), vehicle loading cranes, electric overhead travelling cranes, hoisting
blocks/tackle and monorail cranes. The Standard also applies to lifting equipment
including slings, chains, wire ropes, shackles, pad-eyes, containers, baskets, tuggers,
winches, man-riding winches, jacks, work-belts, harnesses and transfer baskets for
equipment and personnel.
This Standard applies to all Anglo American Group managed businesses and
operations, including contractors and visitors when involved in controlled activities.
The AFRS Lifting Operations Standard details the requirements for Anglo owned, hired or
contracted cranes and other mechanical lifting equipment to operate on Anglo owned or
managed sites. It includes the planning, resourcing (equipment), training, competency,
operation, monitoring and auditing requirements and responsibilities. Reference is made to
Appendices providing additional information as needed. The standard requires that a system
of work for the use of cranes and lifting equipment is established and maintained.
Included are cranes such as mobile, crawler, tower, derrick, portal and pedestal-type, vehicle
loading cranes, electric overhead traveling cranes, and monorail cranes or crawl beams. The
Standard also applies to lifting equipment including slings, chains, wire ropes, shackles, pad-
eyes, containers, baskets, tuggers, winches, man-riding winches, chain blocks, and
workbaskets. Slinging of long or heavy material or equipment below conveyances in vertical
mine shafts, and installation or removal of conveyances, are also included as a lifting
operations, requiring the use of winches and performed by a Rigger.
Installation and removal of conveyances in mine shafts is required from time to time. This
shall be treated as a lifting operation. The requirements of AFRS No 8 Lifting Operations
shall apply.
These operations occur adjacent to open mine shafts, so the requirements of AFRS No 7
Working at Heights shall also be applied.
This guideline does not cover manual lifting operations. Injuries do occur when lifting using
the wrong posture, or lifting heavy items, but this is excluded from the scope of AFRS No 8.
Application Exclusions
This guideline does not cover manual lifting operations. Injuries do occur when lifting using
the wrong posture, or lifting heavy items, but this is excluded from the scope of AFRS No 8,
so the guideline makes no reference to manual lifting.
4. DEFINITIONS
Pertinent section in the standard: This Standard applies to all Anglo American Group
managed businesses and operations, including contractors and visitors when
involved in controlled activities.
Controlled Activities/ sites are those where the Group Company has the authority to
determine how to manage the operation.
Monitored Activities are those where Anglo American can exercise some influence but
cannot set Policies and/or comprehensive Control Standards and/or directly supervise and
enforce their application (i.e. contractor and supplier transporting their goods and/or
personnel to or from controlled sites).
Uncontrolled Activities are those where Anglo American does not set or influence Policies
or Control Standards and does not supervise safety performance. These include services
provided by public Companies, activities performed at supplier or manufacturer shops, etc.
Where there is uncertainty over whether the activity is controlled, monitored or uncontrolled,
the matter should be referred to the Safety function for determination.
Note: There are various different terms used for equipment, competencies, and activities in
different countries in which Anglo operates. The definitions below give the term used in
these guidelines, and where relevant, alternative terms that may be used.
Anti two-block cut out means a cut out to prevent damage or injuries due to two solid
blocks or components being pulled or pushed together. The most commonly applied anti
two-block cut out stops the hoist drum on a crane if the hook block is pulled up too close to
the sheave block. Additional anti two-block cut outs may be applied to cut hydraulic power
on a mobile crane if the boom is retracted too close to stops, or if the boom is elevated or
lowered too close to its stops.
1 Note: in South Africa this would generally be described as an interlocked limit switch or an
interlocked trip switch.
2
3 Anti two-block devices
4
Anti two-block
devices
Competent person means a person who has the right training and experience to be
regarded as competent under relevant legislation and/or internal regulations.
6
7 Crane means any powered device intended for raising and lowering a load and
moving it horizontally. Mobile cranes, EOT cranes, fork lifts
8 Note: specific equipment included under the general term cranes includes mobile cranes,
EOT cranes, fork lifts, monorail hoists, etc.
9
10 Crane chart rated capacity means the lifting capacity of the crane at a given boom
length, boom angle, radius, outrigger configuration and boom configuration and orientation
(over rear / over front / over side) as defined in accordance with AS 1418 Pt5 and AS2550
and in accordance with the crane manufacturers recommendations.
11
12 Drop zone means the area below a lift into which the lifted item may fall if something
breaks or goes wrong with the lift.
13
14 Dunnage means soft material (usually timber) placed on the ground or on the
structure to temporarily support a load. Dunnage may be used to ensure the load is kept
above the ground to prevent corrosion or moisture damage, or it may be used to cushion
impact during lifting or placing of the load.
15
16 EOT crane means an electric overhead traveling crane.
Note: Portal cranes have a similar action to EOT cranes, but rather than running on elevated
rails they have legs at each side and run on rails at ground level. Portal cranes may also be
referred to as goliath cranes or gantry cranes. Semi-portal cranes (or semi-gantry cranes or
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 7 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
semi-goliath cranes) may also be encountered, and are also included within the intent of this
requirement. A semi-portal crane has one side supported on an elevated rail, as for an
ordinary EOT crane, and the other side supported on a leg with the rail at ground level.
External rated capacity lighting refers to clearly visible green, amber and red lights
mounted externally to the crane: green to indicate safe operating range, amber when
approaching maximum rated capacity and red when maximum rated capacity has been
exceeded.
17 Lifting crew are persons working directly with a crane, or other lifting, operation.
Lifting equipment refers to any device which is used or designed to be used directly or
indirectly to lift a load or connect a load to a crane or shaft conveyance, and which does not
form part of a load (e.g. wire rope slings, chain slings, man-made fibre slings, hooks and
fittings, swivels, shackles, eye bolts, rigging screws, wedge sockets, plate clamps and lifting
beams).
Lifting operations refer to any operation using a crane and lifting equipment that involves
the raising and lowering of a load, including the suspension of a load.
18 Lifting plan means a study which reviews a proposed lift with the specific intent of
providing assurance that the lift can be executed in a safe manner. This will always include
at least: a risk assessment; identification of loads and lifting equipment capacities; ground
condition; and identification of the personnel to be involved
19 Note: this may also be referred to as a rigging study or a significant lifting study.
24 Mobile Crane means a crane mounted on a mobile chassis specifically designed for
that crane.
25 Note: this is sometimes more fully referred to as a mobile truck mounted crane.
26 Pad-eye means a steel plate or bracket with a hole intended for attachment of lifting
tackle to an item to be lifted. It may be bolted or welded to the item to be lifted.
27 Note: this is also referred to as a lifting lug.
28 Register means a record of all important documentation related to each item of lifting
equipment used on the site.
29 Note: this is also referred to as a logbook.
32 Risk analysis is a formal, rational process of giving consideration to all the risks
potentially associated with a particular job or project, and determining what actions are
necessary in order to reduce any risks assessed as being too high.
33 Note: a similar process, frequently done in Australia is a job safety analysis (JSA).
34 Slinging means the process of lowering or raising long material or heavy equipment
in a vertical mineshaft either below a mine shaft conveyance or attached directly to the lower
end of the hoist rope.
35 Spotter means a person appointed to ensure that cranes working in the vicinity of
overhead electric power lines are not in danger of electrical contact
36 Note: may also be referred to as a signaller.
37 SWL means the Safe Working Load for a crane or other lifting equipment
38 Note: three equivalent terms used in some countries are WLL working load limit or MRC
maximum rated capacity or MML maximum mass load.
39 Tag line means a line attached to a load during lifting for the purpose of steadying the
load against swinging or rotating
40 Note: this may also be referred to as a guide line.
41 Tugger means a mechanical lever device, usually attached to a steel wire rope,
which can be used to exert a high pulling load on the rope
42 Note: this may also be referred to as a tirfor.
43 VLC means a crane that is mounted on a vehicle and is used to load and unload and
do other tasks within the operating parameters of that crane. A Vehicle Loading Crane must
not be confused with a Mobile Truck Mounted Crane which refers to Mobile Cranes.
44 Note: this may also be referred to as a vehicle mounted crane.
45 Wind Vane Mode means the method of parking a crane to ensure it will have
minimum resistance to weather conditions prevalent during the period the crane is parked
and unattended. This refers predominantly to tower cranes and port cranes that are able to
slew. When parked, these cranes should not be locked in a fixed parking position, so that
under high wind conditions they can swing into the position that minimizes the total wind load
on the crane.
47 Note: this may also be referred to as a work box, a man cage, a boatswains chair or a
personal transfer basket.
A significant proportion of our fatal and significant incidents have occurred in the
course of lifting and crane operations. Identified causes and contributing factors
include:
6. REQUIREMENTS
This section is structured using exactly the same numbering sequence as the Anglo Fatal
Risk Standard document. Each requirement is repeated in bold font, followed by a statement
of intent. This is followed by discussion and clarification of that particular requirement with
reference to other related requirements, Appendices, Communities of Practice, and other
relevant documents. Appendices are used to reduce the size of this document, and allow
more efficient continuous improvement.
Detail has been added to some, but not all requirements, as some sections were deemed self
explanatory. Links to associated reference material has been given throughout this document.
The main source of reference material and examples of leading practice can be found on the
Anglo Fatal Risk Standard Quickplace.
ELECTRICAL ISOLATION
All electrical cranes shall have power supply isolation points capable of being
positively locked out and isolated.
Intent: All energy sources for all cranes and other powered lifting equipment (e.g. air hoists)
must have positive isolation capability to prevent inadvertent operation of the crane or lifting
systems or components (inclusive of mobile cranes and vehicle mounted cranes). The intent
is also to comply to Standard 2: Surface Mobile Equipment and Standard 6: Isolation
(where applicable). Other energy sources such as braking of hoist drums and wheels, air
winches, etc. must be considered.
Note: Although this requirement is aimed primarily at electrical cranes, some mobile cranes
have multiple isolation points to enable the isolation of any potential energy such as the
power unit, hydraulics, freefall mechanism levers and compressed air.
Common Hazard: Although there are many examples of lockable isolation points for
electrical cranes, the intent is that power is removed and access is controlled.
Where the removal of power does not guarantee the total immobilisation of the crane,
alternative measures must be implemented to ensure the safety of the person/s that intend to
work on the unit. Movement of the whole crane or components of the crane may result from
gravity, wind, or other causes.
Leading Practice:
Ensure that all access to monorail cranes, electric overhead traveling cranes or any
other type of cranes accessible by a ladder system, is locked out and controlled.
Ensure that all access to walkways along overhead crane rail gantries is locked out
and controlled, unless the walkway is separated from the path of the cranes by
adequate guardrails (see Anglo Fatal Risk Standard No 7, Working at Heights for
information on adequate guardrails).
Fit air drain valve to cranes and air powered lifting equipment to allow potential
compressed air to be isolated.
Lower hooks to the ground prior to working on the winch brake system to eliminate
the potential energy risk.
1
OPERABILITY AND FALL PROTECTION
Cranes shall have their operability assessed against site conditions and workforce
(e.g. language for the controls) and have fall protection systems provided for people
in charge of their operation, maintenance and inspection.
Note:
Common Hazard: When safe access is not fixed and persons are required to make use of
other means of temporary access, the risk is that at night or away from the workshop,
persons will take a shortcut due to unavailability of these temporary means resulting in injury
or fatality exposure.
Leading Practice:
Cranes shall not be used without a physical locking system that disables and isolates
their free-fall capability.
Intent: Cranes equipped with freefall devices require the ability for these devices to be
positively isolated to stop inadvertent free fall of the hook blocks. This isolation shall be in
place unless a particular task may require the use of free fall, in which case a risk
assessment is required and appropriate site authorisation obtained prior to removal of the
locking mechanism to enable the device to operate as intended.
Common Hazard: On some cranes these levers are in an exposed position where
accidental activation is possible.
OVERLOAD PROTECTION
Electric overhead traveling and portal cranes should have overload protection.
Intent: Overload protection is intended to prevent a crane from lifting a load more than the
SWL thus placing a mechanical, electrical or other risk to equipment, load and personnel.
The overload protection should stop the lifting of the load yet allow the safe removal of the
load. Whilst this requirement refers specifically to electrical overhead cranes and portal
cranes, any other types of cranes and lifting devices where practical, should not be excluded.
In the case of manual winches such as chain blocks, a portable load cell may be required to
confirm the load being applied.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The reason for this inclusion is to stem the effects of fatigue in both hot and cold climates. Be
aware of placement of air conditioning units to allow for safe access.
This requirement is also to ensure a positive cabin pressure with filtered air to prevent
ingress of atmospheric contaminants. Air conditioning and heating allows the cabin to remain
closed which will also have positive effect on reducing operator exposure to unacceptable
noise levels.
Note: Be aware of potential fogging issues, particular in underground situations, which may
affect operator visibility.
Common Hazard: The exposure time of the operator to heat or cold is an important factor in
the risk assessment to determine the need for air conditioners or heaters. Even non extreme
environmental factors could have a huge effect on the judgment of the operator when
executing lifting operations. Positioning of the air conditioning units must be carefully planned
to ensure that a working at heights risk is not present when servicing this unit.
NO INTERUPTION OF OPERATOR
All crane cabins shall have signs to warn against interruption of the operator.
Intent: To prevent distractions and loss of concentration of the crane or lifting equipment
Operator.
This requirement shall also be applied whilst slinging operations in mine shafts are being
undertaken. The Winder Driver shall not be interrupted.
Note: Ensure that the signage is sized and placed correctly as to enable persons from all
possible approach angles to see.
Leading Practice:
Where cranes are controlled via a pennant or radio transmitter, it is Leading Practice to
have positive identification of the operator by wearing a high visibility jacket containing
the words Do not interfere with me while I am busy with a lift This method will also
aid easy identification of the person operating the crane in particularly busy areas.
When complex lifts, or slinging operations in mine shafts, are being performed, a Person
In Charge (PIC) should be appointed who should be clearly identifiable via a special
jacket or insignia. The PIC should be a competent Rigger.
Vehicle loading cranes shall have sufficient engineering controls to prevent the
operator from being crushed during lifting operations.
Intent: To prevent the operator from being crushed between the jib and the operator station.
Where these units are equipped with multiple controls, interlocks should be considered to
ensure that the unit is operated from the safe side at all times if operated manually.
Positioning of personnel involved in a lifting operation is a key issue for all crane operations.
Common Hazard: Do not rely on operators and their experience or on procedures to work
safely with these types of cranes. Fatalities world wide involved highly experienced operators
with access to good procedures.
Leading Practice:
All crane hooks shall be fitted with a positive locking safety catch.
Intent: The safety catch or safety clip is designed and positioned in such a way as to
prevent the unintentional dislodgement of the suspended load from the hook. These units are
exposed to severe punishment in the normal line of duty due to the hooks being bumped and
dragged in normal operations thus sustaining heavy wear and tear. Maintenance of these
units should be scheduled to ensure that they are always in good working order.
Note: Should the sling attached to the hook be exposed to a rolling or twisting action, it is
possible for detachment (roll out) to occur and particular attention should be given to this
danger when lifting using this type of attachment.
Leading Practice: A large shackle should be used to connect the sling to the hook. This
shackle should be of adequate diameter to physically stop the safety catch from opening and
causing roll out.
The safe working load (SWL) shall be clearly identified and marked on all cranes and
relevant lifting equipment and shall not be exceeded.
Intent: To ensure all personnel involved in lifting operations are aware of the Safe Working
Load of a particular lifting device. This is to prevent equipment being overloaded and for use
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 18 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
in planning of lifting tasks. The mass of all components suspended from a hook, when added
together, must not exceed the SWL. This includes shackles, slings, lifting beams, and the
item being lifted. The mass of all components must be known prior to commencing any lift.
Note: The only time when the SWL is exceeded on purpose, is when statutory load testing is
undertaken by an appropriately qualified person/s undertaking such testing.
Note: It is important to note that SWL is known by different terms in different countries, and
may be noted differently on equipment supplied from different countries. The terms WLL
(working load limit) and MRC (maximum rated capacity) are equivalent terms to SWL. The
most common term used in various countries is listed below:
Common Hazard: SWL not known. This is particularly often the case on monorail hoist
beams which have been repainted, and on tripods and A frames made up by mine
personnel. Safe working load of equipment and tackle being used must be known and used
in the calculation for a safe lift. These limits may never be exceeded
The SWL of all hoisting equipment and rigging hardware are based on almost ideal
conditions seldom achieved in the field. It is therefore important to recognise the factors such
as wear, improper sling angle, point loading and centre of gravity that can affect the rated
safe working loads of equipment and hardware.
Mobile crane with SWL clearly marked EOT crane with MRC and serial no.
4000 kg SWL rope block Crawl beam with SWL 5000 kg clearly marked
Intent: To enable all persons involved in or affected by a lifting operation to ascertain that a
crane does not operate outside of its safe working capacity.
The table below gives the requirements as shall (i.e. compulsory), should (i.e. to be applied
wherever practicable see section Requirements above) or not applicable.
Leading Practice is to also have an audible alarm that activates to alert the crane Operator
and Crew when the crane chart rated capacity is exceeded. The audible alarm is activated
when the cranes moment indicator over-ride switch is activated or disabled but will not be
activated when the crane is put in rigging mode to pack the crane up and place the boom in
its cradle.
Note: There is evidence that continuous exposure at close range to flashing or rotating lights
can create unsafe working conditions.
LED digital type lights are favoured for this type of application because they have proven to
be more robust than bulb type lights. This could reduce potential crane downtime.
All cranes and lifting equipment shall comply with the requirements of the relevant
approved design standard. The minimum acceptable design standard shall be the
relevant ISO Standard. In countries where the requirements of the relevant national
standard exceed the requirements of the ISO Standard, the national standard shall
apply.
Intent: To ensure that all equipment used in lifting operations is fit for purpose. Due to the
many standards of design and differences in interpretation, it is very important that a
recognised relevant and approved design standard is followed. Where these standards are
not present, the relevant ISO standard shall apply.
Leading Practice:
1. Ensure that procurement of lifting tackle is very clearly specified and preferred
Suppliers and products established via a technical specification.
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 22 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
2. Ensure that manufacturing of lifting tackle is done under proper quality control. The
more stringent of AA STD 100 shall apply.
All cranes and lifting equipment shall be identifiable with a unique identity code and
its rated capacity should be visibly displayed.
Intent: For all equipment involved in lifting operations to be issued with an identify number
and documented on a register to facilitate the inspection program and monitoring
compliance. To ensure that users know the safe strength of all equipment, and that it is
structurally sound and fit for purpose.
Note: In the past, colour coding has been used on some sites in South Africa and various
other countries to designate the SWL of slings and other lifting tackle. This practice must
no longer be used, and all personnel must be trained accordingly. The actual SWL shall
be clearly marked, either by being painted on or hard-stamped on a tag.
Cranes
Cranes should be clearly marked with their identity number and their SWL.
Slings
Slings shall be marked with an identification number and their SWL. This marking should be
on a flat ferrule or permanent attached ring.
utilize unlicensed frequencies, with frequency hopping and encryption to ensure that there is
no interference from other radio signals.
Each site shall ensure that a procedure is in place covering storage and use of the remote
control units.
Leading practice: Remote control units must be clearly marked with the identification
number of the crane they control, and they must be kept in a locked cabinet, for which only
the designated Operator has a key.
Intent: To ensure that personnel involved or affected by lifting operations are not placed at
risk from operating cranes in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, rough seas,
lightening, heavy rains, poor ground conditions, etc.
Note:
The environmental hazards described here are indicative. They should not be regarded as a
comprehensive list. There may be additional environmental conditions specific to a particular
site that must be considered.
1. Wind
Never carry out any hoisting or rigging operations when winds create hazards for workers,
the general public, or property. A swinging load cause additional hazards, increases the size
of the drop zone, and makes accurate placement very difficult.
Assess load size and shape to determine whether high winds may cause problems. In
particular, avoid handling loads that present large wind resistance surfaces. Even though the
weight of the load is within the normal capacity of the equipment, height or gusting winds
may prevent proper control during the lift.
Wind loading can be critical to how the load is rigged, lifted and landed with consequences
for the safety of everyone involved.
Wind noise must be considered when using radio communication. All movement must stop
when communication is lost or not clear.
Centred
crane boom
m Load swinging
well downwind of
centred boom
Load pushed off centre in a wind that is beyond the recommended speed. There is a danger
that accurate placing cannot be done, and the drop zone is significantly larger
Note: Cranes should be fitted with an anemometer for wind speed detection. (Australian
Standard for maximum wind speed during lifting operations is 10 m/s or 36 km/hr).
2. Visibility
When the visibility of crane Operators, Riggers and Crew is impaired by snow, fog, rain, poor
light, dust or any other factor, strict supervision must be enforced and the operations must be
stopped if the risk is increased.
3. Temperature
At sub-freezing temperatures steel components may become brittle. Supervision must
ensure that no part of the hoisting device or tackle is shock loaded or impacted upon, since
catastrophic brittle fracture of the steel may result.
Electronic equipment may malfunction at very low temperature, or very high temperature.
Load indicators, anti two-block cut out devices and communications equipment shall all be
rated for the temperature ranges typically encountered on the particular site.
At high ambient temperature hydraulic oil pressure, motor performance and braking
efficiency may be adversely affected. These all need to be considered in the lifting plan
calculations.
4. Lightning
Cranes, with their tall steel booms or towers are prone to lightning strikes during electrical
storms, which could cause injury or fatalities to personnel and/or damage to the crane.
hazards.
Items of lifting equipment that are subject to wear and frequent replacement (e.g.
slings, shackles, pad-eyes, shipping and handling baskets) or are used to transport
equipment to and from sites shall be colour-coded to confirm compliance with
inspection requirements.
Intent: Colour coding allows quick visual identification to confirm that lifting equipment
covered under this requirement has undergone specific periodic inspections as per the colour
code for the present period.
Leading Practice is to include the year of inspection on the colour coding tag to ensure that
the potential is eliminated where equipment might have not been inspected for twelve
months.
Pad-eye colour coded as per current Typical colour coding information board and tags
lifting equipment standard per site
Colour coding on fibre slings shall not be used due to
Detrimental chemical effect of paint on fibre strength
Notes:
(i) South African Sites
Many sites in South Africa (and some other countries) have in the past
used colour coding to identify the SWL of slings and other lifting tackle.
With the introduction of this Standard, this practice must be discontinued.
It is very important that as a matter of urgency, sites in South Africa (and
elsewhere) where colour coding has in the past been used for identifying
the SWL of slings and other lifting tackle, must plan and implement a programme to ensure:
(a)
Re-training of personnel in accordance with this new practice.
(b)
Removing the old colour coding, and replacing it with the new maintenance
schedule colour coding. To avoid confusion, and ensure a safe transition, it may be
worthwhile to consider complete removal of all colour coding for a period of a few
years, and rely solely on serial numbers and the logbook for compliance with the
necessary maintenance schedule.
This programme requires careful risk assessment and implementation to ensure a safe,
simple, trouble-free transition to the new system.
(ii) The colour coding system does not authorize unlicensed users to use the equipment,
nor does it negate the requirement for an inspection prior to use. It merely confirms
that the device is registered and was fit for purpose at the last periodic inspection.
Lifting by the use of a block and tackle, for example, shall only be done from
designated lifting points or be authorized by a competent person.
Intent: When lifting heavy loads it is imperative that lifting equipment is properly anchored, to
sufficiently strong structural supports. The intent of this requirement is to ensure that no
injuries or fatalities occur as a result of the failure or collapse of structural supports to which
lifting tackle is attached.
Leading Practice:
(i) All designated lifting points should be marked with the SWL. Alternatively, the SWL of
designated lifting points should be clearly shown on drawings.
(ii) Designated lifting points should be provided directly above equipment that may need
to be removed for maintenance, or directly above the lifting position.
(iii) Designated lifting points should be maintained in good condition.
Common Errors:
(i) Lifting tackle is attached to inadequate structural members. Light roof trusses,
bracing members, light posts, walkway grating and guardrails are not adequate
attachment points for lifting tackle.
Grating damaged
by slings
(ii) Lifting tackle is attached to lifting points that are not above the lifting point. This leads
to the load swinging sideways as soon as it is lifted off its supports. This can result in
injury to personnel, or damage to equipment.
(iii) A frames are made up on site, without proper design or approval by registered
Professional Engineers. The most common error is that A frames do not have
adequate bracing, allowing them to sway sideways resulting in collapse.
A frame made up on site. A frame has leaned
against the wall, but if it had leaned the other way it
would have fallen over.
A frame properly
No SWLdesigned. A frame
noted because supports
lifting
load safely. added by site. Lifting from angle
bracing has damaged bracing.
hangers
(iv) SWL is not indicated at the lifting point. This may occur because the lifting point has
not been properly designed for a particular SWL. It may occur because repainting of
the steelwork has obliterated it. It may occur because there is only one item that may
need to be lifted, so that it does not seem necessary to note it.
(v) Lifting lugs are welded to structural steelwork on site, without design or approval by
registered Professional Engineer. This is commonly done when no provision has
been made for lifting of equipment such as pipes, electrical motors, pumps, liner
plates, and when the constraints of the location prevent the use of mobile cranes or
forklifts.
(vi) Lifting beams have no end stops, allowing hoists or trolleys to fall off the end during
lifting operations.
DO:
(i) Check that the load to be lifted is within the SWL of the designated lifting
point to be used. If no SWL is shown, find out what the SWL is before proceeding.
(ii) Inspect the designated lifting point for signs of deterioration, such as
corrosion, cracks, wear, or damage.
(iii) Ensure that the lifting tackle cannot slip off the designated lifting point.
DONT:
(iv) Weld, or attach lifting equipment to any structural steelwork just because it
happens to be convenient.
(v) Use any designated lifting point if it has deteriorated or been damaged.
TO BE DONE:
(vi) All locations at which lifting is required, but cannot be done with cranes,
must be identified.
(vii) Where no designated lifting points exist at identified locations, a
competent person must be appointed to specify the work required to install designated
lifting points. The designated lifting points must then be installed.
Intent: To ensure that all lifting equipment, including cranes and other lifting devices, as well
lifting tackle including shackles, slings, etc, remains in good condition, so that it is at all times
adequate to carry the loads it is certified to carry.
Periodically
Inspections shall be carried out by a competent person.
Inspections shall be carried out at intervals as specified by legislation, or by the
equipment Manufacturer. These inspections are usually required at intervals of 3
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 30 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
Annually
Inspections shall be carried out by a testing and inspection authority.
Load testing of cranes is generally required annually.
Load test certificates shall be kept with the crane records.
Special
Inspections shall be carried out by a competent person.
Structural components of cranes are generally required to be comprehensively
inspected at intervals of about 5 to 10 years, or after 5 000 to 10 000 hours of
operation.
Following any accident, overloading event, or other suspected damage lifting
equipment shall be inspected, and tested if necessary.
More detailed information about the inspection requirements for the various items of lifting
equipment is provided in Appendix 2.
DO:
(i) Daily inspect all lifting equipment.
(ii) Check that all equipment used has been properly inspected and tested.
(iii) Discard damaged equipment until it has been properly repaired and certified by a
competent person to be fit for use.
DONT:
(iv) Use damaged equipment.
TO BE DONE:
(v) Make an inventory of all lifting equipment, and ensure that the inspection and
testing requirements are clearly indicated in the inventory.
(vi) Ensure that all relevant lifting equipment has a logbook, and that all inspection
and testing requirements are entered in the logbook.
Intent: This is to ensure that all new or modified lifting equipment is fit for purpose, meets the
appropriate design standards and that any modifications are approved by the original
equipment manufacturer or equivalent, as well as all the requirements of the lifting operations
Standard.
1
2 Mobile Rough Terrain Cranes (Mobile Slew Cranes)
Manufacturers crane and lifting equipment operating instructions and load charts
shall be available to the crane and lifting equipment operator. These should be in the
language of the country in which the lifting equipment is being used.
Intent: This is to ensure that crane and lifting equipment Operators have access to legible
operations manuals and load charts that the Operator can understand, to facilitate safe
operation and use of lifting equipment.
Note: Always only use the load charts provided for the specific crane or other lifting
equipment being used.
Where crane and lifting equipment operators are not conversant with the language of
the country, provisions shall be made to ensure that the operators can understand the
operating manuals and load charts.
Intent: This is to ensure that crane and lifting equipment Operators can understand load
charts and manuals to facilitate safe operation and use of lifting equipment.
Reason: Some of the Anglo American Group operations are located in countries where the
main language is other than English. In other countries where the Anglo American Group
has operations, although English may be considered to be the main language of business, it
is not the home language of all the people (see the chart giving the language breakdown of
South Africa). This is relevant for permanent Operators as well as contractor Operators.
(a) that the load and reach do not exceed the capacity of the lifting equipment
(b) lifting operations when the arcs of operation of two or more cranes can
overlap*
(c) stationary multiple crane lifting operations*
(d) that pickup and carry operations using multiple mobile cranes is prevented
(e) the danger to lifting operations when adverse weather conditions are present
or imminent (e.g. electrical storm, high winds and sea state)
(f) the safety of personnel when cranes and lifting equipment are operating in
the proximity of live electrical conductors*
(g) lifting operations when lifting near or over unprotected plant, equipment or
services, including live process or hydrocarbon processes*
(h) the effective hand-over, from one operator to another, of cranes with complex
boom, jib or tower configurations
(i) availability and use of check-lists for pre- and post-operational inspections
* Detailed lifting plans are required for these procedures and shall be approved by
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 38 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
Note: Detailed lifting plans are required for points above marked * and shall be
approved by a competent supervisor. Safety meetings shall be held prior to such lifts to
ensure all personnel understand how it is to be executed.
(a) The procedure shall address that the load and reach do not exceed the capacity
of the lifting equipment
The mass of items to be lifted shall be known and the maximum radius of the lift shall be
known. These can be established by calculation or measurement, as appropriate.
(b) The procedure shall address lifting operations when the arcs of operation of
two or more cranes can overlap*
Intent: To ensure that procedures are in place and followed where the potential exist of
conflicting arcs of different cranes. Measurements must be done and controls put in
place to ensure that the cranes can safely work within overlapping work space.
Note: This is also applicable to areas where two or more cranes (typically EOT cranes)
have potential to conflicting with other types of cranes such as service cranes.
(c) The procedure shall address stationary multiple crane lifting operations*
Intent: To ensure that a lifting plan is developed that takes into account all the risks
when two or more cranes are involved in a common lift.
(d) The procedure shall address that pickup and carry operations using multiple
mobile cranes is prevented
Intent: To ensure that the lifting plan does not, at any time allow loads to be carried by
more than one crane. Where attempts are made to carry loads using two or more
cranes, the distribution of loads becomes uncertain and uncontrollable due to
unevenness of the ground, movement of the cranes without outriggers, etc. This
makes any carrying of loads with multiple cranes a dangerous operation, which must
thus not be contemplated.
If loads need to be moved, but cannot be safely moved by a single crane, they shall be
loaded onto a trailer or low-bed transporter to be moved.
(Note: Carry here means that the cranes are moving in order to move the load to a new
location. This does not prevent Lifting and luffing or slewing to move the load while the
cranes are stationary).
(e) The procedure shall address the danger to lifting operations when adverse
weather conditions are present or imminent (e.g. electrical storm, high winds and sea
state)
Intent: To ensure that the lifting plan includes all facets of weather interference and the
negative effect and risks on lifting operations at that time. The plan should specifically
define the course of action to be taken in the event of adverse or extreme weather.
Typically the greatest risk will be to supply boat to oilrig transfers due to rough seas
causing uncontrolled movement of the supply boat. The course of action may be to
abort the delivery and return to shore, it may be to wait for improved sea conditions, or
there may be other options.
There are also risks to all crane lifting operations associated with rain, dust or wind.
The course of action may be to lower the load to the ground, it may be to return the
load to its transporter, or some other action.
(f) The procedure shall address the safety of personnel when cranes and lifting
equipment are operating in the proximity of live electrical conductors*
Intent: To ensure that personnel and equipment are not harmed by electrocution or
electrical current, when working in the vicinity of live electrical conductors or overhead
power lines.
Example 1
The following extract from a guideline compiled by the Construction Safety Association
of Ontario, is a good example of best practice to deal with the risk associated with
working in close proximity to live electrical conductors.
Electrical Contract. One of the most frequent killers of riggers is electrocution caused
by the contact of a hoisting device, load line, or load with power lines. When working
with or around cranes that are within a booms length of any powerline, ensure that a
competent spotter is stationed at all times within view of the Operator to warn when any
part of the machine or its load approaches the minimum distances specified in the
Regulations for Construction Projects.
Be especially careful when working near overhead lines that have long spans. These
lines tens to swing laterally in the wind and can cause unexpected contact. For a
summary of requirements, see the illustrations below.
Example 2
The West Australia OSH Guidelines define the Danger Zone around overhead power
lines as:
A recommended process for ensuring safety is summarized in the diagram on the next
page.
Working in the Contact Supply authority Determine Can the work process Safe working
vicinity of to establish voltage and the result in employees, plant procedures to
overhead insulation of overhead danger or materials entering the be
power lines power lines zone danger zone? No established
Yes
unfamiliar with the site are working in the proximity to overhead power lines. For
example, when deliveries are made, Drivers may not be aware of the positions of
overhead power lines. When cranes are moved from one location on a site, to
another location, the Operators may not be aware of overhead power lines to be
passed.
(g) The procedure shall address lifting operations when lifting near or over
unprotected plant, equipment or services, including live process or hydrocarbon
processes*
Intent: To ensure that the lifting plan considers the content of the process and any
protective measures to deal with the type of hazard. For example, toxic gas might
need 44inimizes44e breathing apparatus at hand when the task is in progress. Plant
handling harmful substances may need an Operator on standby to shut off the flow in
case of an accident.
(h) The procedure shall address the effective hand-over, from one operator to
another, of cranes with complex boom, jib or tower configurations
Intent: To ensure that the lifting plan considers the implications of a new shift Operator
taking over a crane which is rigged or loaded in a complex or unusual way. It is
imperative that the new Operator is fully aware of the current state of all components of
the crane, and any specific information that might have a bearing on the safety of the
lift. This is particularly important when visibility is impaired for some reason, such as in
poor lighting conditions or when adjacent buildings obstruct the Operators view.
(i) The procedure shall address availability and use of check-lists for pre- and
post-operational inspections
Intent: To ensure that inspection points and procedures are not left out and to ensure
that deficiencies are logged for maintenance and shift handover purposes. To ensure
that any risks associated with lifting operations are identified, assessed and controls put
in place to ensure that safe working conditions are maintained.
Cranes shall not be used for lifting operations until crane operators have been given
sufficient time to 45inimizes45e themselves with relevant aspects of the crane.
Intent: Crane operators should not only have the required formal qualification, but they must
also be assessed to be competent by a site authorized assessor to operate the particular
crane being used.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Risks associated with all lifting, crane maintenance, assembly activities and
environmental conditions shall be assessed as part of the planning process.
Barricading, warning signs or other means of ensuring personnel protection shall be
in place during lifting operations and for those cranes left unattended in wind vane
mode.
Intent: The intent of a risk assessment considering personnel protection, prior to lifting taking
place, is to ensure all elements and risks are taken into consideration to ensure a safe zone
is established and no inadvertent access into the danger zone takes place.
Notes:
Wind vane mode allows certain types of cranes to slew down wind thus offering least
resistance to the wind force when unattended. When cranes are left in this mode, it is
possible to get 360 degree rotation on some cranes and therefore a risk assessment
should be performed taking the different parking standards into consideration to
ensure that the area is free from obstructions.
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 45 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
Some EOT cranes move on outside gantries and are therefore exposed to the
elements. These cranes should have storm lock facilities to prevent uncontrolled
movement by wind pressure. Part of the risk assessment procedure should consider
how the storm lock is applied. There have been cases where workers have been
exposed to additional risks (such as lightning) in order to apply the storm lock.
The following procedures shall be implemented for the different types of lifts.
Standard site procedures for safe lifts may be used. Where there are no standard site
procedures, a risk assessment shall be conducted, and a procedure developed.
The Supervisor may provide guidance or additional expertise to the Lifting Crew and
the task can then be reassessed using the Routine Lift Checklist. If any answers are
still no, the lift should be treated as a Critical lift.
The lifting plan shall be reviewed and approved by an independent competent person
with experience in lifting prior to the lift taking place.
Note: when performing critical lifts on a routine basis as part of a regular production
process (i.e. transporting molten metal ladles in a smelter), the lifting plan should be
prepared at the commissioning phase and then updated whenever substantive
changes are made. Substantive changes include changes such as introduction of
modified ladles, extension of the smelter building, the addition of a new crane, any
modification of the smelter building that impacts the ladle crane bay, etc. The lifting
plan should be reviewed every three years, even if no substantive changes have been
made to the lifting procedure.
A guide to likely lifting hazards and possible controls can be found in Appendix A: A Guide
to Lifting Hazards and Controls. This guide may be used for risk analyses and the
preparation of lifting plans.
All parties (i.e. site Supervisor or Rigger, Contractor, Rigging Specialist, Project Manager and
the Design Engineer where appropriate) involved in a lift shall be represented in the risk
assessment and in preparation of the lifting procedure or the lifting plan as required. All
parties shall approve and sign-off the risk assessment and the lifting procedure or lifting plan.
The lift complexity types can be determined using the information in the table below.
MINE AREA
PROJECT
ROUTINE LIFT CHECKLIST Yes No N/A
THE LOAD
Do you know the weight? Have you included all the items to be lifted i.e. all items on or below the
boom head?
If you are using lifting lugs have they been properly designed? Are the lugs aligned with the slings
so they are not bent?
If you are not using lifting lugs is the load attachment simple and clear?
Is the load free of loose unsecured items and is it ready to lift, e.g. restraints removed?
Will the lifting hook be directly over the centre of gravity of the load at pick up and placement?
THE LIFTING EQUIPMENT
Have the SWL of the slings, shackles, etc been checked for the load to be applied?
Have the sling angles and rigging method been considered in checking the capacity?
Has all equipment been checked for correct capacity and up to date inspection and test certificates?
Has the lifting equipment been inspected for defects and damage?
Are the slings protected from any sharp edges?
Is the lift within the specific limits of the relevant crane load charts for the configuration and radius?
Have the pre and post start operational checks been completed?
Are all the crane safety devices functioning correctly?
If the crane is more than 10 tonne capacity, is the external rated capacity lighting functioning
correctly?
Have the ground conditions or structure been determined to be adequate?
Is the crane set up with outriggers fully deployed and supported on the correct crane mats?
Is there adequate ancillary equipment, e.g. boom lifts, scissor lifts, fork lifts?
THE LIFT
Have you determined the lift complexity type?
Is there a routine procedure, or have you done a risk assessment or prepared a lifting plan as
appropriate?
Does the lifting procedure include bringing equipment and loads to site, setting up equipment, lifting,
moving and placing the load, and removal of equipment from site?
Are you using the procedure or lifting plan?
Is there adequate guidance in the defined behaviours and rules for your site for this lift?
Is the area of the lift free of operating plant, piping, live electrical lines and underground services? If
not, have the risks associated with these been properly considered?
Has the radius been checked with a tape measure or surveyed using Engineering plans, etc?
Has the area of the lifting operation been protected using barricades, tape and/ or spotters?
If people are working at height, has a risk assessment been done and correct PPE sourced?
Are environmental conditions safe for the lift e.g., not too windy, storms approaching?
If there any chance of the load impacting the boom, or the crane body or boom impacting obstacles
has a rigging study been done?
THE CREW
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 49 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
Does the Rigger have the appropriate statutory certification and certification by the site as being
competent for a lift of this nature?
If the load is heavier or more complex than the Rigger normally handles does the Rigger have the
Supervisors permission to lift?
Do the Operators of ancillary equipment have appropriate statutory certification? Have the
Operators been assessed by the site as being competent to operate the equipment as per the site
standards?
Has the Controller of the lift been identified and is he/she wearing an appropriately coloured
reflective vest?
Has the Crane Operator the appropriate statutory certification and been assessed by the site as
being competent to operate this crane/ lifting equipment for this type of lift?
Have all members of the Lifting Crew been assessed as being medically fit for their tasks?
Note: The approval of a Supervisor is required before proceeding with the lift if any question is answered No.
Intent: To ensure that cranes are not used outside of their specifications for safe operation
as designated by the OEM. This also includes horizontal pushing or pulling of loads with the
boom. On EOT cranes and hoists load should only be applied in the vertical plane and no
dragging of the load is permitted.
Note:
This must be reinforced as part of the crane operators and dogger/rigger induction to
all sites
This also needs to be included as part of the pass out package for crane operators
The consequences of side loading crane booms also need to be explained e.g.
o Tipping the crane over
o Bending of the crane boom
o Breaking or the damaging of head sheaves
o Damaging of hoist ropes
o Load swinging out of control
OUTRIGGERS TO BE USED
With the exception of pick and carry operations, no lifting shall be carried out without
outriggers being deployed and locked.
Intent: To ensure that outriggers are fully deployed in such a way as to prevent the crane
from overbalancing. This requirement is applicable only to those cranes to which outriggers
are fitted.
Note: A good practice is to use packers under the outriggers, the dimensions of which should
be determined by the stability of the ground.
Typical outrigger packing Possible outcomes when ground is too soft or outriggers are not
used
Common Hazards:
(a) Pick and carry operations should only be permitted where it is not practical to transfer
the load to a more suitable means of transport. In most cases pick and carry
operations are only required for a few meters to enable the crane to reach an area
where alternative transport can be safely made available. Pick and carry operations
using two or more cranes are not ever allowed.
All pick and carry operations should only be attempted by competent crane operators
and spotters must be used to ensure no risk is created during these operations. All
persons must be aware that the drop zone is enlarged during pick and carry operations
because the load is moving and swinging.
All pick and carry operations should be in line with the manufacturers
recommendations, particularly for tyre pressure and slope of the ground. This is
normally indicated on the machines load chart. These recommendations should be
considered as part of the risk assessment process.
(b) Insufficient care is given to ground conditions. Soft or muddy ground, sub-surface
services such as storm water pipes, or close proximity to excavations may lead to
collapse of the ground supporting the outriggers.
Controls shall be in place to prevent the falling of objects from lifting equipment and
suspended loads.
Intent: To prevent personnel being injured, or equipment being damaged, by objects falling
from the slung load or crane. Examples of objects that may fall are scaffold tubes and tube
clamps falling from carry frames, loose material falling from transfer chutes, or components
such as filters or even gearboxes falling from lifted motors.
The chart below shows the consequences resulting from a range of reported events involving
dropped objects. Although this chart should not be taken as definitive because of the many
variables involved, it does give some idea of the possible consequences when objects of
different weights drop from different heights. This chart thus assists in understanding the risk
of loose items dropping from heights during a lift.
1
Use of lifting cages for small heavy items
The lifting of personnel with cranes shall be carried out only with the use of approved
workbaskets or cages. Cranes used for this purpose shall be approved as suitable for
man-lifting operations. A recovery plan should be in place before personnel are lifted.
Intent: These controls should be in place and used to ensure that the risks associated with
the use of man cages are reduced to low as reasonably practicable. Any additional controls
as required after risk assessment per site should be included.
Work baskets shall comply with local legislation. (If none exists, the Australian
Standard 1418.17 may be used as a good guideline.)
Note: the use of the work basket shall be limited to those situations where it is necessary to
elevate personnel to carry out work where it is not possible to use any other appropriate
method and should only be allowed where no other method is available for safely elevating
personnel.
Common Hazard: In most incidents investigated, recovery plans were not present. Recovery
plans may need to be developed on a task by task basis. Personnel involved in the
formulation and/or carrying out of recovery plans must be competent in the skills required to
safely perform the rescue task.
The elimination of the need to work under or in the drop zone of suspended loads
shall be pursued. Where working under suspended loads is unavoidable, controls
shall be in place to eliminate or 54inimize the risks to personnel.
Intent: That working under suspended loads is the absolute last resort. In the unlikely
circumstance that working under a suspended load is required a comprehensive risk
assessment is required and shall be authorized by the senior site manager. It is vital to
ensure that all the controls that were identified in the risk assessment are implemented.
Common Hazard: In the highly unlikely event where personnel are required to work under a
suspended load they should adopt the work basket rule as follows:
Double the require capacity i.e. if the load is 10 tonnes then the crane would have to
be capable of lifting 20 tonnes at the given radius and lifting equipment must be rated
at 20 tonnes.
Where people may be in danger of being under a load that swings or rotates, the load
should be kept under control by using one or more taglines.
Any modification to cranes and lifting equipment shall be subjected to the original
equipment manufacturers approval and to a rigorous change management process.
Intent: To ensure that any modifications made to lifting equipment do not have a negative
impact on performance specifications. If situations exist where the OEM is no longer in
existence an approved equivalent will assess any modifications.
Note: The relevant site change management procedure must be used in conjunction with the
OEM approval.
This process should be followed irrespective of how small the proposed modification is
considered to be. For example, tack welding a small bracket or plate to the boom of a crane
may very quickly lead to fatigue cracking of the boom, and thus an unsafe situation.
A preventative maintenance system should be in place to ensure that all cranes and
lifting equipment are maintained and in a serviceable condition, with appropriate
records being kept.
Intent: To ensure that all equipment 55inimize in any lifting operation is maintained in a safe
operating condition. Preventative maintenance activities need to be in compliance to local
legislation, the manufacturers specifications, and to any relevant regional standards.
Monitoring of preventative maintenance activities needs to be completed to ensure that they
are being completed as per the schedule.
Note: The rated safe working loads apply only to equipment and hardware in a good
serviceable condition. Any equipment damaged in service should be taken out of service and
repaired or destroyed.
See Appendix 2 for additional information relating to caring for, inspecting and maintenance
of cranes and lifting equipment.
Common Hazards:
Unsafe equipment No one with reasonable cause to believe that equipment is unsafe or
unsuitable, shall use such equipment until the defect/s has been reported to a responsible
person, and appropriate action has been taken. The responsible person shall have such
equipment inspected and either declared safe or removed from use.
Slings After the hoist rope, the sling is the most commonly used piece of rigging equipment.
Observe the following precautions with slings.
Never use damaged slings. Inspect slings prior to use to ensure their safety. Check
wire slings for kinking, wear, abrasion, broken wires, worn or cracked fittings, loose
seizings and splices, crushing, flattening, rust or corrosion. Pay special attention to
the areas around thimbles and other fittings
Avoid sharp bends, pinching and crushing. Use loops and thimbles at all times.
Corner pads that prevent the sling from being sharply bent or cut can be made from
split sections of large diameter pipe, corner saddles, padding or blocking.
Never allow wire rope slings or any wire rope to lie on the ground for extended
periods of time or on damp or wet surfaces, rusty steel or near corrosive substances.
Avoid dragging slings from underneath loads.
Keep wire rope slings away from flame cutting and electric arc welding.
Never make slings up from discarded hoist rope.
Avoid using single leg wire rope slings with hand spliced eyes where possible. The
load can spin, causing the rope to unlay and the splice to pull out. Use slings with
Flemish Spliced Eyes.
Never wrap a wire rope completely around a hook. The sharp radius will damage the
sling.
Avoid bending the eye section of wire rope slings around corners. The bend will
weaken the splice or swaging. There must be no bending near any attached fittings.
Ensure the sling angle is always greater than 45 degrees. When the horizontal
distance between the attachment points (S in figure below) on the load is less than
the length of the shortest sling leg (L in the figure below), then the angle is greater
than 60 degrees and generally safe.
Notes:
(a) When using slings in this configuration, ensure that they cannot pull inwards,
allowing the load to tilt and fall out of the slings.
(b) When using slings in this configuration, always calculate the actual load on the
slings (see item 12 above)
Do not assume that multi-leg slings will safely lift a load equal to the SWL of one leg
multiplied by the number of legs, although the rated SWL of the multi-leg slings will be
based on this assumption. There is no way of knowing that each leg is carrying its
fair share of the load. With slings having more than two legs and connected to a rigid
load, it is possible for some of the legs to take practically the full load while the others
merely play a balancing role. It should always be assumed that any two legs may
carry the entire weight of the lifted load.
All cranes and lifting equipment shall be inspected and tested to ensure all safety
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 57 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
Intent: To ensure that all lifting equipment and cranes are fit, and remain fit, for their intended
use.
Note: Proof testing should be completed by a nationally approved certifying body to ensure
impartiality of results.
PERIODIC INSPECTIONS
A system of periodic inspection shall be in place for all cranes and lifting equipment.
Lifting equipment shall be inspected visually and confirmed fit for purpose prior to
being put into service. Visual inspection of lifting equipment by an approved
competent person shall be performed on a regular basis (e.g. six monthly) unless
regulations in the local area require examination more frequently.
Intent: To ensure that lifting equipment is in safe working condition and preventative
maintenance regimes are in compliance to statutory regulations
Common Hazards: Defects are sometimes difficult to see if very close detailed inspections
are not done. Defective components Examine all hardware, equipment, tackle and slings
before use. Destroy and de-register any defective components. Equipment merely discarded
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 58 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
Cracked EOT crane rail could lead to serious incident if not detected and repaired.
REGISTER TO BE KEPT
A register of all lifting equipment (including slings) should be maintained. This should
include:
Intent: To allow all lifting equipment to be monitored and tracked in terms of inspections,
repairs made, modifications or removal from service.
Each site should maintain a register of all lifting equipment owned by them.
When a Contractors equipment is used for lifting operations on a site, the Contractor should
maintain a register of the equipment on site. This register, or a copy of this register, should
be available on site at all times.
Suitably qualified, certified and competent person/s shall be involved in the planning,
supervision and implementation of the lifting operations.
Intent: To ensure that all personnel involved in lifting operations have the required
qualifications, certification, authorisation and competencies required to operate and utilise
lifting equipment in a safe manner. These qualifications will be to the relative national
standard.
Note: The single most important precaution in lifting operations is to determine load weight
before attempting any lift.
COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT
This guideline provides minimum competencies for rigger and crane operators as defined in
the Anglo Fatal Risk Standard for Lifting operations. It is acknowledged that different
countries may use different terms to describe the jobs of the persons defined below.
Note: Riggers need to demonstrate additional competencies to the above for activities such
as:
Lateral shifting of loads which may involve the use of chain blocks, tirfors, sheaves,
winches etc, sometimes in conjunction with cranes.
Knowledge of crane selection and set up and crane chart rated capacity calculation
for multi-crane lifts.
Competence in steel erection.
Competence in directing lifts involving personnel in work baskets.
Competence in demolition rigging.
Specialist rigging applications.
CRANE OPERATOR
In addition to the competencies for the Rigger, the Crane Operator must demonstrate
knowledge of:
In addition the Crane Operator must operate the crane and demonstrate the ability to:
The competent person as referred to in requirement 13 is required with his lifting crew to
under take the planning and implementation of lifting operations and supervise the lifting
operations as required.
Intent: To ensure that all persons involved in lifting operations clearly understand their roles
and responsibilities.
All personnel involved in a lifting operation are empowered to stop a lift when it is
unsafe due to miscalculations of the lifting plan or other reasons that result in unsafe
conditions. A competent person must review the lifting plan following a stoppage and
a meeting with the Lifting Crew must be held before lifting resumes.
The Crane Operator and the Rigger must be jointly responsible for determining the
load weight and placement of the crane so that it is set up within the radius selected.
The maximum radius of the lift shall be measured by tape if the load is 70% or more
of the crane chart rated capacity of the crane.
The Crane Operator is responsible for setting up the crane and programming its
safety features where applicable and operating the crane within its safe working
limits.
The Rigger is responsible for directing a lift and positioning the load.
Only one person must be directing the crane operator at any one time. The directing
Rigger must be known to all in the Lifting Crew and must be the only one to give
signals.
If a person in charge is utilised for a particular lifting operation, they need to be able
to be identified as such.
In situations when more than one person is required to give signals (e.g. when control
passes from a person at ground level to a person on or in a structure) an assessment
of risk must be done detailing where directing of the Crane Operator must be handed
over.
Individual Responsibilities
Safe, suitable equipment is provided to meet the requirements of the task at hand
Operators are capable and aware of their responsibilities
Maintenance, repair, transport, assembly and other personnel are trained and
experienced to handle their specific jobs
Training and upgrading is provided for all personnel
Responsibilities and authorities are clearly designated for each member of the lifting
crew
A thorough equipment maintenance and inspection program is in operation, including
keeping an up to date equipment register and other required documentation
Client and site supervision are capable and aware of their respective responsibilities
Equipment is maintained and inspected in accordance with the manufacturers
requirement and applicable regulations
The Equipment Operator is generally responsible for the safety of the crane operation as
soon as the load is lifted. Operators must know:
The particular model of crane they operate, its characteristics, functions and
limitations
The information in the cranes operating manual
The cranes load chart, including all notes and warnings and how to calculate or
determine the cranes actual net capacity in every possible configuration
Proper inspection and maintenance procedures to be followed in accordance with the
guidelines of the owner and manufacturer
Any site conditions that may effect crane operation, including the presence of
overhead power lines
Basic load rigging procedures
Refuse to operate the equipment if there are any problems that may affect its safe
use. Inform the owner in writing of these problems with the equipment, preferably in
the machines logbook. Only recommence use of the equipment once repairs have
been completed, appropriate inspections and tests have been completed, and a
competent person has certified the equipment safe for use.
Record in the register all inspections, maintenance and work done on the crane in the
field.
Check that the site is properly prepared for crane operation.
Review plans and requirements with site supervision.
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 62 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
Find out the load and rigging weight and where the load is to be placed. Although
operators are NOT responsible for determining load weights, they become
responsible if they do so or if they lift the load without checking the weight with site
supervision.
Determine the number of parts of hoist line required.
Check the load chart to ensure that the crane has enough net capacity for each
planned lift.
Select the best boom, jib and crane configuration to suit load, site and lift conditions.
Assume responsibility for assembling, setting up and rigging the crane properly.
Follow the manufacturers operating instructions in accordance with the load chart.
Consider all factors that may reduce crane capacity and adjust the load weight
accordingly.
Maintain communication with Spotters.
Operate in a smooth, controlled and safe manner.
Shut down and secure the machine properly when leaving it unattended.
The Site Supervisor (Site Foreman, Rigger Foreman, Lead of the Trade involved etc.) has
overall responsibility as Person In Charge (PIC) of the lift and must therefore plan all phases
of the operation. Specifically the PIC must:
Important: The lifting plan must specify all responsibilities. These must not be assumed.
This is particularly important when there are several parties involved. For example, a
construction site may have a steel erection crew on site, which includes a competent Rigger.
For a particular heavy lift, a specialist rigging company may have been appointed, with their
own Rigger. If responsibilities are not clearly defined, it may be unclear which Rigger is in
charge of a particular lift.
Intent: To ensure that all personnel are appropriately qualified and competent to perform
required lifting operation tasks in a safe manner.
A competent inspector shall perform inspections of cranes, lifting machines and lifting
equipment. An approved examiner shall assess the competence of the lifting and
handling equipment inspector.
Intent: To ensure that persons inspecting lifting equipment have the knowledge and skills to
be able to identify items that are not fit for purpose. The examiner should be appropriately
qualified to perform the assessments as per regional standards.
Crane operators and crew shall be able to communicate in a common language and to
use the correct crane signals.
Many countries have different signal standards. Local requirements should be followed and
where these do not exist, the chart below should be used.
Intent: To ensure that crane drivers operating in a solo capacity, such as Vehicle Mounted
Cranes or pendant control cranes, are able to sling loads in a safe manner. Also to ensure
that Crane Operators are able to identify poor slinging practices applied by others in the
Lifting Crew before the load is lifted.
Leading Practice: It is considered leading practice to use a Rigger for every lift. In some
cases more than one person may be required to safely supervise and control a load. This
needs to be considered when performing the risk assessment.
Not a good technique as the slings are not spread
wide enough, no one is controlling the load, the Operator is
in the danger zone and he is not protected from falling from
heights.
Intent: To avoid injury and fatality due to lifting accidents caused by engaging or selecting
Crane Operators who are not fit for the task.
Falls from equipment during accessing and working on equipment due to a lack of
mobility, strength, agility, etc.
Impacts or aggravation to existing health issues from the risks of equipment vibration,
dust, noise etc.
Collisions due to issues such as vision, depth perception, reaction speed,
coordination, hearing, sleep disorders, epilepsy, alcohol or impacting drug
dependency, etc.
Behaviour-based observations shall be performed and any need for additional specific
training shall incorporate the results of these observations.
Intent: The intent is to avoid serious injury/fatality from lifting operations where unsafe
behaviour could result in selection of inappropriate equipment and methods. It is vital that a
no blame no shame concept is incorporated during observations.
Common Hazards: The safe working loads of most rigging and hoisting equipment is
determined from the static loads and appropriate safety factors is applied to account for
dynamic motions of the load and equipment. To ensure that safety is not compromised due to
behaviour, allow for other dynamic forces created by the normal operational movement of the
machine and its load. Always avoid the sudden snatching, swinging and stopping of
suspended loads. Rapid acceleration and deceleration can only increase the stresses on
both machine and tackle and thus increase risk of failure.
REFERENCES
Anglo Documents
Anglo Fatal Risk Standards (Issue 2).
AA STD 100 Quality Requirements for Critical Products and Services.
Australian Standards
AS 1418
AS 2550-1 Cranes, Hoists and Winches Safe Use. Part 1 General Requirements
4301, 4302, 4304, 4305, 4306, 4310, 7296, 7363, 7752, 8087, 8431, 8566, 8686, 9373,
9374, 9926, 9927, 9928, 9942, 10245, 10571
10973, 11629, 11630, 11660, 11661, 11662, 11994, 12210, 12478, 12480, 12482, 12485,
12488, 12603, 13200, 13202, 14518, 15442, 15513, 15696, 16880, 16881, 19961, 21669,
23853, 25599.
1834, 1835, 1837, 2262, 2308, 2415, 3056, 3075, 3076, 3266, 3874, 4308, 4309, 4344,
4347, 4558, 4779, 4878 (withdrawn?), 7531, 7592, 7593, 7597, 8383, 8539, 8611, 8792,
8793, 8794, 10425, 16798,
APPENDICES
The following provides a guide to likely lifting hazards and possible controls. Whilst this is
detailed, it does not cover all aspects and scenarios. Individual lifts need to be assessed
within their own particular context and specific hazards relating to the lift identified.
The following format of Possible Hazard and Possible Controls can facilitate the
preparation of risk assessments, or the Job Safety Analysis with or without pre- and post-risk
scores.
ISOLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Electrical Lifting is carried out without properly Necessary Electrical Isolations must be enacted
Isolations electrically isolating the associated as per site procedures e.g.:
equipment Restricted Operation
Out of Service
Danger Tagging
People operating ancillary equipment/ No personnel operating ancillary equipment/
erecting scaffold within the operating area erecting scaffold etc must work within the
of an EOT crane without the EOT crane operating area of an EOT crane unless it is
being de-energised isolated.
Please note that in incidents with EOT cranes
Isolation is a major factor, so give it particular
attention.
Mechanical, Lifting is carried out without properly Necessary Mechanical Isolations must be
Hydraulic and mechanically or hydraulically isolating the enacted as per site procedures.
Pneumatic associated equipment
Isolations
Lifting activities cause an item of In the case of conveyors, procedures must take
mechanical equipment to be moved by an into account that whilst the electrical energy
energy source which is not its own and source is isolated, the belt may still be capable
others working on the equipment are of movement as a result of lifting operations.
unaware of the lifting activity
PEOPLE
Inexperienced Person/ persons in Lifting Crew are not Ensure personnel have relevant local Statutory
Crew/ competent to carry out the lift certification where applicable.
Unfamiliar with Ensure personnel have been assessed by the
Lifting Task site and have been judged to be competent
Use a competent person to support the lifting
personnel until people are competent.
A new person is added to the crew part Go through the job with the new member and
way through the task ensure they are made aware of the details of the
JSA/ procedures relevant to task with full crew
participation. Have new person sign off JSA if
applicable.
Inexperienced Person/ persons operating support Ensure personnel have relevant local Statutory
Operator of equipment (e.g. boom lift) are not certification.
support competent to operate the equipment Ensure personnel have been assessed by the
equipment site and have been judged to be competent.
Use a competent person to support the lifting
personnel until people are competent.
Crane Hazard depends on ailment. Ailment Ensure up to date medical certificate of fitness
Operator or impairs ability of Crane Operator or Crew
Crew to operate crane safely
medically unfit
Resourcing Insufficient / inadequate resources as Assess the risk, plan the job and select and list
the Lift follows to carry out the task: resources required.
people Check that resources are on site before
PPE, fall protection equipment etc conducting the lift/ lifts.
support equipment (boom lifts etc)
the correct Crane
certified lifting accessories
water, UV protection and the like
chocks and dunnage
approved outrigger packing
Communication Crane Operator receives signals from more Nominate the person controlling the lift in the
than one person pre lift planning process.
Have person/ persons controlling the lift wear
unique coloured high visibility vests.
Crane Operator is confused about who is Identify when control will be passes from one
controlling the lift when control passes from person to another and detail in JSA.
one Rigger to another
The person controlling the lift during Ensure the person controlling lift can see
placement is unable to see the personnel personnel placing the load during placement.
placing the load
Communication between Rigger and Crane Ensure an intrinsically safe radio channel is
Operator on radio channel is being available when using radios for control
interrupted by other traffic signalling.
Hand signal by Rigger is misinterpreted by Rigger and Crane Operator are both competent
Crane Operator with site hand signalling protocol.
Crane Operator is confused by terminology Rigger and Crane Operator are familiar with
being used by Rigger on the radio radio protocols.
Rigger and Crane Operator work together as a
regular crew.
Mobile phone ringing during lift distracts Pre job briefing reminds personnel involved in
personnel from their task the lift that all mobile and other phones will be
switched off until completion of the lifting
sequence.
Crane inappropriately set up for the lift Make Crane Operator responsible for setting up
the crane, programming the computer with the
correct configuration and operating within the
Rated Capacity of the crane.
People believe they are not empowered to Make clear in job briefing that in case of
stop the lift when they believe it is unsafe emergency, ANYONE may stop the lift.
to proceed Make clear to the signalling Rigger that he/she
is empowered to stop the lift whenever the lift
varies from the plan.
Make clear to the Crane Operator that he/she
can stop the lift whenever he believes it is
unsafe to continue.
Minimising Manual handling of heavy rigging Planning allows for maximum use of Crane
Manual accessories causes injury to Rigger or auxiliary hoist where applicable or other
Handling Assistants mechanical devices to minimise manual
handling.
LOAD
The Weight Weight of the item to be lifted Weight to be obtained from Engineering or
underestimated Vendor drawings or data sheets. Rigger and
Crane Operator may perform independent
calculation from first principles.
Weight of Container underestimated. Take a trial pick and confirm weight on crane
Load Cell (cant do on demolition work).
Weight of all items on and below boom Take a trial pick and confirm weight on crane
head not allowed for Load Cell.
Know the weights of rope fall, block etc and
keep in crane cabin.
Require use of Lift Calculation Sheet to ensure
rigour
Lifting Lugs Use of improperly designed lifting lugs Ensure a competent person designs or
approves the design, of the lugs
Use of poor quality lugs Visually check lug welds for proper weld quality.
Confirm with NDT if unsure.
Improperly slinging load in weak direction Check drawings and engineering records
of the lug Align sling in strong direction of the lug.
Strength of Load collapses during lift (this may be Strength of load to be checked by Designer of
load expected on long or slender loads, such as equipment.
roof trusses or conveyor gantries) Load only to be lifted at designated lifting points.
It is difficult to attach slings to the load Use certified and competent riggers. Obtain
Engineering input if necessary.
The load contains liquids Use certified and competent riggers. Obtain
Engineering input if necessary.
Wind can apply significant loadings to the Use certified and competent riggers. Check
lifted load (e.g. shutters) weather forecasts before lifting if load is to be
suspended for an extended period of time.
The load has sharp edges which may Protect slings from damage using packers/
damage the slings protection. Rig correctly to avoid any chance of
slings slipping (use spreader beams?).
Load tilts and slides out of slings Ensure slings are attached above load centre of
gravity
Ensure slings are well spread towards the ends
or corners of the load
Have stability checked by a competent person if
spreader beam or lifting frame is used
Load has Pieces may be loose or loosen during lift Ensure all pieces are properly secured prior to
separate lift commencing
pieces
CRANE
Crane access Crane cannot be set up in correct location Prior to lift, check site plan or drawing,
to site considering headroom, road width and turning
circle requirements.
Crane is damaged or damages services Prior to lift, check site plan or drawing,
along access road considering headroom, road width and turning
circle requirements. Check bridges and culverts
for load carrying capacity.
Lifting On Crane lifting load in stationary lift without NOT PERMITTED.
Rubber deploying outriggers
Lifting with Lifting with outriggers not fully extended Only lifts without outriggers fully extended if the
outriggers not Crane Chart permits it and a risk assessment or
fully extended lifting plan has been done.
Require approval from the relevant Manager of
the lifting operation.
Lifts outside of Rated Lifting Capacity of Install Rated Capacity Indicator Lighting and
the crane alarms on cranes so that all are aware when this
situation occurs.
Lift within the specific limits of the crane load
charts for the configuration and radius
Crane configuration checked for consistency
with risk assessment or lifting plan. If a pin jib,
ensure that the boom and/or fly sections are
configured as per the operating manual.
Ensure that the correct counterweight is fitted for
the planned configuration of the crane.
Crane Operator cannot see out of and Ensure that crane cabin windows and mirrors
around crane due to dirty glass are clean in pre start routines.
Lifts in an area where static and other Ensure insulation of mobile crane from the floor
electric sources are present without proper level is correct before lifting.
insulation of crane
Lifting with Side loading to crane booms/ carriages. Plan lifts to avoid producing out of vertical lifting
hoist rope ropes.
out of vertical
Load is likely to slide sideways as weight is Plan lifts to avoid producing out of vertical lifting
transferred from ground or floor onto crane ropes.
Longer period of time taken to weld Check out weather forecasts before proceeding
suspended load increases risk of lift being with the lift. Ensure item being welded is
effected by wind or bad weather correctly earthed.
LIFTING ACCESSORIES
Sling or chain Soft slings chosen when they may be Dont use soft slings without considering the
selection damaged by bumping against objects potential for damage.
Chains used when they may damage the Protect the load or choose an alternative type of
load. Load has sharp edges and may cut or sling. Protect the sling from the load and choose
damage the sling appropriate sling type.
Use of heavy sets of slings or chains Use auxiliary hoist to help lift slings or use other
causes back injuries etc to Rigger ancillary equipment to assist.
Use of slings or chains with inadequate Use lifting plan, or Rigger to calculate actual
SWL. This is particularly likely when slings loads in slings before selection. Obtain
are angled with lifting beams engineering input if necessary.
Ensure that slings are not inadequately
specified because of uneven sharing of tension
from load between multiple slings.
Shackle Use of shackles with inadequate SWL. Use lifting plan, or Rigger to calculate actual
selection This is particularly likely when shackles are loads on shackles before selection. Obtain
used with slings that are angled with lifting engineering input if necessary
beams
AFRS Guideline N 8 Lifting Operations CONTROLLED DOCUMENT
Version 01 -26 June 2008 Printed copies are not controlled
Page 74 of 86
LIFTING OPERATIONS
Collapse of work basket due to overloading Ensure work baskets are properly tagged with
clear statement of people and equipment loads
that can be carried.
Injury to person due to falling from work Use proper Working at Heights procedures
basket and equipment (see AFRS No 7)
Lifting Load falls due to failure of lifting bracket Lifting brackets must be designed and approved
brackets for use by competent person.
Crane contacts overhead power lines Inspect for aerial Services. Apply site
procedures if aerial conductors are in the vicinity
Soft ground Filled ground not properly compacted Competent person to approve ground for
outrigger pressure
Site of demolition of old structures may All old material to be removed, holes filled,
have holes, loose blocks of ground made good
concrete/steel/masonry
Trip Hazards Personnel injured by trips and falls Remove significant trip hazards from work
environment
Ensure people are aware of hazard
Emergency Cranes or other lifting equipment blocks Lifting plan to consider alternative routes
vehicle access roads so that emergency vehicles cannot
access other parts of plant
Adjacent to Vehicles using road strike crane Lifting plan to specify closure of road or
public road, barricading to protect crane from impact
site road or Use of signage to warn road users
haul road
Vehicles strike Rigger or other lifting Crew Lifting plan to specify closure of road or
members barricading to protect persons from impact
Use of signage to warn road users
Use spotter to warn Rigger and Crew about
approaching vehicles
Rigger under a slung load in an attempt to Use tag lines for control or pre sling with tag
control it lines and use hooks
Plan job to keep Rigger away from under
Slew load over Load dropped on or impacts plant Ensure that appropriate masks, showers, or
live plant containing dangerous or toxic gases or other measures are available in case of
chemicals accidental contamination
Ensure measures available to prevent
environmental contamination
Load being lifted by EOT crane strikes Check clearance of load to crane beam and
crane beams / carriage carriages.
Load being lifted by EOT crane strikes Identify pinch points and crush areas.
structures, other objects Prepare scale drawings and Rigging Studies if
clearances are tight.
Limited High sling or chain loads due to shallow Use different lift arrangement.
headroom for sling angle
booms or
loads
Barricading or Person impacted by counterweight during Identify tail swing area and barricade, tape or
taping and swing motion place warning markers.
restricting
access to Load drops on person below load Area below lift barricaded or taped with
Lifting Areas information tags, restricted entry tags, and / or
protected with spotters as per site procedures.
Person walks into area below lifted load Barricade, tape off area or control access to all
and load drops on the person the areas affected by the lift with spotter.
Working at Person in Lifting Crew falls from height Plan job to eliminate or minimise working at
Heights heights if practicable (use of accessible lifting
lugs, etc).
(See AFRS No Provide safe access for lifting tasks with ladders,
7 Working at scaffold, boom lifts etc.
Heights) Identify appropriate anchor points for fall
protection equipment.
Identify appropriate type of lanyard, inertia reel
and harness to be used.
Apply relevant site procedures.
Tool used by person at height falls and Barricade, tape off area below.
strikes a person Use tool lanyards
Hand and Foot Hands caught in slip/ nip areas when Keep hands clear of slip / nip areas when chains
Injuries chains or slings are being put under or slings are being put under tension.
tension
Bundled load shifts against itself and Never touch bundled loads with hands, use tag
injures Riggers hand lines.
Feet crushed when taking weight/ placing Keep feet out of crush areas.
loads
Personnel are in crush areas as load is Body positioning discussed in pre job planning if
placed. confined areas are involved
Releasing Boom impacts structure above as weight is Confirm adequate headroom exists before
Loads released (due to boom deflection) lifting. Do a scaled drawing if necessary
Slightly lower boom to release weight ensuring
there is no contact with the obstruction above
Rigging accessories catch on structure Rigger directs till rigging gear in sight of Crane
during removal Operator
Load is placed along grain of dunnage Place load correctly on dunnage and packing,
use steel plate if required
Rough terrain type crane used for pick and Only use Rough Terrain cranes for pick and
carry when ground is uneven carry over the front in accordance with the
manufacturers recommendations and only on
firm level ground
Improper tyre pressure causes load swing Crane Operator checks that tyre pressures are
during operation correct in pre start routine
Picks and Carries over a long distance and Choose to use a truck to carry the load
travels fast causing dynamic loading of
slings
Wheel hits a pot hole or bump causing Operator engages Axle Locks if applicable and
dynamic loading of the sling uses low range.
Load swings and strikes surrounding Use rigger with tag line to control the load or tie
objects or crane the load to the crane using appropriate
accessories.
Slings swinging on unloaded hook strike Stow gear after releasing the load.
others or surrounding objects
Load drops on the Rigger and/or Assistants Rigger uses tag line, Load is carried low and
Rigger and Assistants are never under the load.
Travelling Travels crane with boom in raised position Chooses to stow boom before travelling. If it is
necessary to travel with the boom up, ensure
load charts are used for planning the travelling
and that only a very short distance is travelled.
Engage necessary locks
Apply the pick and carry checklist and controls
above.
Two EOT cranes carry out a tandem lift Consider risks involved in disabling anti collision
devices and in loadings on supporting
structures. Do a lifting plan.
Lifting personnel in a certified man basket The requirements detailed in the site procedure
for lifting personnel shall be applied.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Lightning, Load is to be suspended for an extended Check out weather forecasts before proceeding
Storms and period of time, exposing the lift to changes with the lift.
High Winds in the weather Ensure Crew knows routine if it storms. If it
storms, Crew is to stop lifting and the boom is to
be retracted/ lowered if practical to do so. The
crew must understand that they are not to touch
rigging accessories while lightning is about.
If using an EOT crane, lower the load to the
ground. If unloaded, lift the hook to maximum
height. Check whether the crane beam needs to
be tied to the main girders.
Power Lines Crane contacts energised power lines Lift maintaining minimum clearances to lines
and structures/use spotter as per local
regulations and site procedures.
Remind Crane Operator and lifting Crew of
practices to be applied in case of contact before
undertaking the lift.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Spills Oil spills from crane impact environment Crane carries oil spill kit.
Oil spill from load (e.g. gearbox) impact Crane carries oil spill kit.
environment
Other Other environmental impact? Address other environmental impact.
a. Cranes
Operator Daily Inspections:
See typical Daily Crane Operation Log Book on the next page.
Register to be Kept:
A register shall be kept on site for all cranes used on site.
The register shall contain at least:
The unique serial number of the crane.
The purchase or commissioning date.
The number of hours of operation of the crane.
A record of inspections.
A record of load tests.
Periodic Inspections:
All slings and chains shall be load tested at intervals not exceeding
one year.
Tag in place, showing
all necessary
information.
Chains stored badly,
allowing onset of
corrosion.
Identify Lifting Crew including: For a heavy or complex lift, this may be done by a
Rigger Specialist Rigging Contractor, but it must be done.
Crane Operator
Others IF ANY PERSON HAS NOT BEEN FOUND
Check competence and medical fitness COMPETENT DO NOT LIFT
Identify or design lifting equipment including: For a heavy or complex lift, this may be done by a
Cranes, winches Specialist Rigging Contractor, but it must be done.
Lifting tackle, slings, shackles, tuggers
Brackets, lugs, lifting beams, anchors
Check all inspection and test certificates. IF ANY EQUIPMENT IS NOT FIT FOR USE OR SWL
Check SWL and crane chart rated capacity. IS INADEQUATE DO NOT LIFT
Use lift complexity type determination in section 22 Risk Assessment section to determine lift complexity
type
Routine Serious Critical
Identify appropriate standard Perform risk assessment and Perform risk assessment.
procedure plan lift procedure. Prepare comprehensive lifting
OR plan.
Perform risk assessment and
plan lift procedure.
Obtain Supervisor approval for
lift. Obtain Independent Competent
Person approval for lift.
Perform pre-start inspection of
equipment.
Perform pre-start inspection of
Check that everybody
equipment. Perform pre-start inspection of
understands their responsibilities.
Check that everybody equipment.
understands their responsibilities. Check that everybody
Check Contractor inductions understands their responsibilities.
Set up lifting equipment and where appropriate. Check Contractor inductions
demarcate or barricade work where appropriate.
area, including drop zone.