Unit 8: Part 2 - Mechanical handling

NEBOSH Health & Safety Certificate

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 What you need to know

The hazards, precautions and procedures necessary

to ensure safety in the use and maintenance of:
Fork-lift trucks
Manually operated load moving equipment (sack
trolleys, pallet trucks, etc);
Lifts, hoists, conveyors;
and cranes.

Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment

Regulations (LOLER) 1998 requirements and
statutory examination of lifting equipment

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 Mechanical handling and lifting equipment
Conveyor hazards:
In-running nip between drive-rollers and belt
[quarry accidents during cleaning at bottom roller];
Entanglement;
With transmission machinery [chain & sprocket
drives];
Conveyor belt/slats.

Elevator hazards:
Because loads lifted to height [eg. Materials hoist
on construction site] the loads can fall onto people
below if [a] unsecured or [b] people are allowed
under elevator while it is working.

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Mechanical handling

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Slat and roller conveyors

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 Fork-lift trucks
Accidents:
Overturning, due to high speed turns, ramp turns, driving
with raised load, uneven road surface [most fatals];
see Reg 26 & 27, PUWER 98 and vehicle restraints,
ROPS.
Overloading, unstable loads;
Collisions with
Overhead obstructions
Racking systems [eg. Wrexham warehouse];
Pedestrians, other vehicles.
Main causes:
Lack of driver training - see HSEs Rider operated lift trucks
- operator training COP 26 and PUWER Regs 8&9
Lack of maintenance [for safety purposes] - PUWER 98,
Reg 5
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Fork-lift trucks - overloading

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Fork-lift trucks - overturning

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 Fork-lift trucks [2]

Other hazards:
Fire and explosion;
Battery re-charging, or;
Flammable atmosphere [eg. Paint factory];

Exhaust gas/fumes in confined spaces;

Hydraulic failure on lifting forks;
Unauthorised use as a working platform [see
example].

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 Lifts, hoists

Definition:
..incorporates a platform or cage and is restricted in its movement by
guides. Handbook
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
features:
sound mechanical construction - strength & stability [Reg 4]
interlocked doors or gates - Reg 5
passenger lifts also need;
automatic braking system to prevent overruns;
min. 2 suspension ropes [each can carry max. working
load];
safety device to support lift if ropes fail.

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