Lifting operations may put individuals at risk of injury, as well as great expenses when they make a mistake. It is therefore crucial to properly resource, plan as well as organize lifting operations to make sure they are performed in a safe manner.
Planning
The planning of lifting operations may be the responsibility of those who carry them out like a slinger or crane operator. However, for more complicated lifting operations, a written plan should be put together by a person with significant and specific expertise, enough training, understanding, skills suitable for the level of the task. The plan should define clearly the actions involved in each and every step of the operation and also identify the particular responsibilities of all those involved.
Strength and Stability
Lifting equipment needs to be of adequate strength for any proposed use. The evaluation of this should recognize that there may be a combination of forces to which the lifting equipment, such as the accessories, will be subjected. The particular lifting equipment used must provide an appropriate factor of safety against all foreseen types of failure. Any lifting equipment selected must not be unduly vulnerable to any of the foreseeable failure.
Positioning and Installation
The positioning of lifting equipment or the location of set installations can offer a dramatic effect on the potential risks in a lifting operation. It is vital to consider all practical steps to avoid people being struck by loads or equipment itself while in use. Measures should be taken to reduce the risk of load drift. A variety of methods have already been developed to prevent falling loads including the use of multiple ropes or chains and nets for palletized loads. When setting lifting equipment, care needs to be exercised to prevent hazards arising from proximity, such as coming into contact with overhead electric power lines, buildings or structures coming too close to trenches, excavations or even other procedure and coming into contact with buried underground services such as drains and sewers.
Supervision
Supervision involving lifting operations must be proportionate to the risk, taking into account the competencies and experience of those undertaking the lift. From time to time, employers may need to keep track of the knowledge of workers undertaking lifting operations to make sure the operation is carried out safely and correctly.
These are definitely the important factors that must be carry out in performing a lift operation. It is very important that the operators must know the safety precautions that should be done. Safety should always be in mind in any workplace to avoid any accidents and injuries.