LIFTING OPERATIONS RISK ASSESSMENT

LIFTING OPERATIONS RISK ASSESSMENT 

This is a very important risk assessment for the Crane Lifting Operations. following are some of the main points taken from the original lifting operations risk assessment file. To download free editable in Word format, click on the link given at the end:

A-Plant

Hazard

1. Overturning,
2. Collision with Structures or Mobile Plant
3. Lack of
4. Communication
5. Unauthorized
6. Access
7. Lifting near open
8. Trenching

Risk

1. Personal risk of injury and/or ill-health
2. Risk of Injury to the public
3. Risk of damage to property and equipment

Control Measures

1. Only well-trained, competent, skilled, and authorized persons are permitted to operate the plant
2. Before setting up the operator and the designated bank's man will assess the ground conditions for stability to prevent subsidence.
3. The crane will be set up as close to the lift area as possible to avoid overreaching.
4. The crane operator will not attempt to lift outside the specified crane capacity
5. The load should always be Kept close to the ground
6. The crane operator should maintain a steady speed during the operation Ground conditions: The crane company you have elected to use can give you suitable words to the effect that the ground on which the cranes will operate is capable of supporting the weight of the cranes and load. The Crane outriggers will use ground mats and supporting grillages to provide additional support and stability to avoid any crane collapse.
7. Where possible an exclusion zone should be erected to segregate the work area from another plant.
8. Setting up will be under the control of the bank's man. The bank's man should ensure there is adequate space between the crane and any structures and take into account the swing radius.
9. Before starting the crane operator should carry out a trial run to ensure there is adequate room.
10. All instructions to the excavator  operator will be given by the bank's man
11. (where possible this will be with the use of 2-way radios)
12. The crane operator will ensure that the plant is never left running or a load suspended when he is not in attendance.
13. The operator will ensure the keys are removed and the cab doors locked
14. when he is on a break or at the end of his shift
15. Ensure suitable barriers are erected around the lift.
16. Make sure proper warning signs are attached around the lift area to stop any unauthorized entry.
17. Ensure a permit to lift is obtained.
18. Make sure that the load is completely braced before lifting.
19. Ensure all plant equipment remains at least 1 meter from the edge of the open trenches.                

B-Physical

Hazards

Manual Handling

Risk

1. Muscular / Skeletal Disorders
2. Slips, Trips, and Falls
3. Crushing or Trapping

Control Measures

1. Make sure that there is adequate and essential information, instruction, training, and supervision.
2. Where possible use mechanical aids to minimize manual handling.
3. Ensure each lift is planned and assessed, and avoid double handling of materials. 
4. Make sure that the route to be traveled is free from obstructions, blockages, or hazards and has essential lighting.
5. Look at the individual and their capabilities (ensure they are capable of lifting or moving the load).
6. Evaluate the load for size, shape, weight, and stability before it is moved. Never try to lift above your capabilities and capacity.

C-Lifting

Hazards

Lifting 

Risks

1. Failure of lifting equipment
2. Damage to lifting equipment
3. Loss of load

Control Measures

1. Ensure the correct type of lifting equipment is selected for the lift. 
2. Make sure that the load does not exceed the Safe Working Load of the equipment. 
3. Never lift outside of the crane's safe working radius/zone
4. Ensure that all equipment certification is on the date.
5. Inspect equipment before use to ensure it is free from damage.
6. Do not use makeshift or untested equipment.
7. Report any damage to your supervisor and take it out of use. 
8. Only permit skilled and competent operatives to conduct lifting activities.
9. Ensure all equipment is stored correctly when not in use.
10. Do not leave the nylon sling exposed to heat or sunlight.
11. Do not tie nylon or wire lifting equipment together to extend it.
12. Ensure only competent persons are permitted to carry out the lifting operations.
13. Ensure tag lines are used to control the load.
14. Place packing around sharp edges or corners to prevent damage.
15. Do not use hooks that are stretched or damaged.

D-Traffic Management

Hazards

Traffic 

Risks

1. Public Access
2. Plant & Vehicle Movement
3. Trapping / Crushing
4. Collision while reversing
5. Collision at night
6. Overturning
7. Contact with people or pedestrians

Control Measures

1. Ensure that adequate barriers or hoardings are erected around the site to prevent access.
2. Ensure that appropriate warning signs are on display (multi-language if required)
3. Warning of the dangers.
4. Restrict access to construction traffic only. Provide security to prevent unauthorized access.
5. Where appropriate implement a one-way system to control vehicle movement and, where possible segregate walkways from vehicle movement.
6. Install designated parking areas.
7. Ensure that only trained and authorized persons are permitted to operate the plant and equipment.
8. Ensure that reversing vehicles are fitted with audible warning systems, where this is not possible provide a bank man to direct the operator.
9. Provide high-viz vests to the workforce so they are more visible to the operators of the plant.
10. Ensure all reversing vehicles are controlled by a trained and competent bank man.
11. Ensure routes are checked before reversing.
12. All mobile plants should be fitted with an audible reverse alarm.
13. Where practicable safety cones and plastic chains should be erected around the reversing area.
14. Ensure adequate access lighting is installed and maintained on main roadways.
15. Ensure all vehicle and plant lights are in good working order and used at night.
16. Restrict vehicle movement at night
17. Unloading should be carried out in well-lit and restricted areas.
18. Ensure vehicles stay on the designated access roads and do not take Shortcuts over the sandy areas.
19. If unloading materials using a forklift ensure the ground is level.
20. Ensure roads are maintained and free from potholes.
21. Make sure that the appropriate pedestrian accesses are installed that give pedestrians the right of way. 
22. Where possible post a flagman to control vehicle/crane/machinery and pedestrian movement.
23. Construct speed humps in areas where pedestrians need to cross.
24. Implement designated pedestrian routes with barriers to segregate pedestrians from vehicle movement.
25. Ensure operatives are equipped with High Visibility Vests so they can be easily seen by the drivers.

E-Welfare

Hazards

Lack of welfare and medical facilities

Risks

1. Food/drinking water contamination
2. Human waste contamination of temporary facilities and site
3. Disease and ill health due to lack of washing facilities
4. Escalation of minor injuries due to lack of treatment – infection risk
5. Ill health due to lack of recognition of medical conditions
6. Preventable fatalities due to lack of first aid skills and equipment

Control Measures

1. Site welfare facilities shall be established in line with the requirements such as sufficient toilets, washing facilities, drying facilities, and mess facilities shall be installed in line with manpower levels. 
2. Mess and welfare facilities shall be arranged and developed/provided in a safe area where there is no risk of moving vehicles or other site hazards
3. Temporary chemical toilets may be utilized in the early stages of a project, however, these shall not be permitted in the long term. Full flushing WCs shall be installed
4. Vehicle to be on-site to transport any medical emergency to the nearest hospital for further checks and treatment
5. All prolonged medical illnesses reported must be sent to the nearest hospital for further checks and treatment.

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