3. Lifting Operations

3.D Do not place yourself underneath a suspended load or in the line of fire of lifting operations

RISK – Crushing

The “line of fire” is the potential direction of a load, rigging, plant and fixed object impact or crush hazard should a failure occur. 

 

 

 

All lifting operations personnel must maintain effective plant/people separation, adequate escape routes and under no circumstances put themselves or others in a situation where the risk of crushing is present.

 

 

WorkSafe New Zealand. Safe Work with Precast Concrete

 

 

On large sites where multiple tower cranes are in operation and radii overlap, systems should be in place to ensure workers are warned and removed from the path of loads, or protected by suitable overhead structures.

 

 

Work through the hierarchy of control and implement the most effective control possible.

 

 

Elimination

  • Does the load need to be lifted?
  • Do people need to be there (can it be done after hours)?
  • Clear the area of all people before a lift

 

 

Substitution

  • Is there another way to lift the load (i.e. trolley, hoist, air jack)?
  • Is there another product that can be used to reduce lifts (i.e. pre-cast instead of stick build)?

 

 

Isolation

  • Keep people away from the lift area
  • Schedule work/shifts around the crane activity

 

 

Engineering

  • Redesign the task or use gantries for overhead protection or positioning of cranes (where possible)
  • Consider building design that requires fewer lifts (e.g. flat slabs, uniform depth)
  • Consider use of warning alarms / crane cameras / proximity detectors and alerts
  • Crane anti-collision system
  • Set up designated "load flight paths" and exclusion zones where possible - review and reroute access ways to suit

 

 

Administrative

  • Doggers to alert others of approaching loads "load coming in / load going out"
  • Use pre-starts to make people aware of planned lifting activities
  • Trade who "owns the load" to assist the dogger in directing workers / clearing a path
  • Erect signage

 

 

PPE

  • Doggers to be highly visible
  • Full PPE to be worn at all times

 

 

Riggers and Doggers may have to work near a suspended load in order to guide it into position. The use of tag lines can help keep these workers out of harms way. The tag line will put distance between the Dogger/Rigger and the load in the event the load shifts or moves unexpectedly. For pick & carry operations such as a telehandler or an articulated pick & carry cranes, taglines should be lashed to the machine whilst mobiling a load to ensure the Dogger is not in the line-of-fire.

 

 

When tending tag lines, never loop the line around your hand, arm, or body. This could result in you being dragged with the load. Wear gloves to avoid rope burn.  Be sure your travel path is clear and safe before the load is suspended.

 

 

 

 

 

Related GMRs

3.C Do not enter an exclusion zone unless authorised


Related Procedures / Forms

Lifting Operations Procedure


© John Holland Pty Ltd.

GMRs

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    • What are the GMRs?
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  • 1. Traffic, Plant & People
    • 1.1 Separating vehicles
    • 1.2 Overhead services and structures
    • 1.3 Pedestrian Separation
    • 1.4 Working in Operating Zones
    • 1.5 Fit for purpose plant
    • 1.6 Plant Modification
    • 1.A Licence and Verification
    • 1.B Road and rail rules
    • 1.C Seating position & seat-belts
    • 1.D Spotters
    • 1.E Operating zone permissions
    • 1.F Positioning plant
  • 2. Excavation & Trenching
    • 2.1 Excavation design
    • 2.2 Services and Structural Drawings
    • 2.3 Zone of Influence
    • 2.4 Barricading and Signage
    • 2.5 Services within 5m
    • 2.6 Tunnelling Controls
    • 2.A Positive Service Location
    • 2.B Access requirements
    • 2.C Safe Approach Distances
    • 2.D Excavation inspections
    • 2.E Preventing unauthorised access
  • 3. Lifting Operations
    • 3.1 Lift Competencies
    • 3.2 Lift Designer
    • 3.3 Ground Bearing Capacities
    • 3.4 Inspections & Maintenance
    • 3.5 Mobile plant load limits
    • 3.6 Lifting site inspection
    • 3.A Pre-Start Inspections
    • 3.B Mobile Plant used for lift
    • 3.C Exclusion zones
    • 3.D Suspended Loads
    • 3.E Competent Person(s)
  • 4. Electrical Safety
    • 4.1 Licences for Electrical Work
    • 4.2 Live electrical systems
    • 4.3 Safe System of Work
    • 4.4 Protective devices
    • 4.A Treat as Live
    • 4.B Legislative Requirements
    • 4.C Safe working distance
    • 4.D Electrical Supply Panels
  • 5. Work at Height
    • 5.1 Fall from height
    • 5.2 Falling objects
    • 5.3 Penetrations, shafts & risers
    • 5.4 EWP Protection Devices
    • 5.5 Grid Mesh / Chequer Plates
    • 5.A Barricades and exclusion zones
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    • 5.C Harnesses
    • 5.D Installing roof sheeting
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  • 6. Wellbeing
    • 6.1 Wellbeing Risk Management
    • 6.2 Work rosters & Wellbeing programs
    • 6.3 Facility maintenance
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    • 6.6 Wellbeing Champions
    • 6.A Be fit for work
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    • 7.1 Temporary Works Coordinator
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    • 7.6 Communication
    • 7.A Installation and Removal
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    • 7.D Inspection Schedule
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  • 8. Isolation
    • 8.1 Identifying Energy Sources
    • 8.2 Identifying Risks
    • 8.3 Isolations competencies
    • 8.4 Isolation Points
    • 8.5 Identifying Stored Energy
    • 8.A Test before touch
    • 8.B Releasing Stored Energy
    • 8.C Reviewing Isolation Status
    • 8.D Monitoring Isolation Controls
    • 8.E Re-instate guards
    • 8.F Personal Danger Tags/Locks
  • 9. Environmental Management
    • 9.1 Identifying risks
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  • 10. Work on Rail
    • 10.1 Rail Competencies
    • 10.2 Qualified worker responsibilities
    • 10.3 Worksite Protection Risk Assessment
    • 10.4 Worksite Protection Plan
    • 10.5 Implement controls
    • 10.A Rail compliant PPE
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