Lifting Shifting and Positioning of Heavy Equipment

The Project Manager is the overall responsible person for the process implementation of the works. The Construction Manager/Site Engineer will be responsible for all construction activities at the site and will directly supervise through erection supervisor/ skilled workmen the work at site.

The Site Engineer will be responsible for arranging and controlling the inspection and testing activities. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of each individual employed in the project to take due care to ensure their own personal safety and that of their work colleagues.

Pre Lift activities

A level area will be cleared for the standing of the mobile crane and trailer. Existing underground services and ground conditions will be considered prior to the positioning of the mobile crane and trailer at the entrance area and place of its working.

Prior to standing and rigging of crane on the project site, the SHE Officer will be responsible for ensuring that Plant Check List is completed and that copies of all relevant documentation is attached to this lifting plan.

Where any non-conformance or defect is evident then the crane will be stood down, the lifting operation will be cancelled and immediately informed to the main contractor.

Lifting Plan will be briefed (toolbox talk) prior to the commencement of lifting operations to all operatives and third parties involved in the activity.

The lifting area will be designated “Authorized Personnel Only” and will be demarked and signage displayed to ensure that no unauthorized personnel can gain entry to the lifting area.

Lifting Procedure with Mobile Crane

Equipment will be delivered at site by trailer and offload and positioning from trailer shall be done by using suitable mobile crane in coordination with leading contractor. A level area will be identified, agreed with main contractor and cleared for the positioning of mobile crane and trailer prior to the lifting and unloading task.

Outrigger mats, or suitable timbers, will be positioned under outriggers. The hydraulic outriggers will be extended over mats and the crane leveled. The crane’s boom will be raised and telescoped to the required length. The ASLI (Automatic Safe Load Indicator) will be checked for correct operation.

The sequence of rigging will be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, which will be strictly adhered to all times. Only one equipment to be lifted one at the time. The slingers / banksman will attach chain sling from crane hook point, hook block. The banks man will attached 2 no’s web sling with equipment and chain sling hook.

Guide ropes/Tag lines will be attached by the helpers to prevent the swinging of the load. Once it is confirmed by the Banksman / slinger that the load is level, the lift will commence to the required position under the strict guidance of the Banks man. The Banksman is to be in direct line of sight with the crane operator at all times. If the crane operator cannot see the Banksman then he is to stop the lift immediately. One certified banks man / signaler will be appointed to control the crane movements and lifting operation and hand signals from other personnel will not be permitted and must be ignored.

Ensure that set down area is clear where the load is going to be offloaded. Personnel remain clear of the load at all times until the load is at waist level. Tag lines are to be used to prevent swinging. The slinger / signaler will stand in a secure position, where they are in view of both the load and the crane operative. Each signal will be distinct and clear. Release lifting tackle, hoist clear and repeat until completion. On completion of lifting operations, all lifting equipment is to be removed and stored properly.

Lifting Procedure with fork lift truck

Safe access and egress for the route of the forklift will be determined. Access will be free of obstructions, and be properly maintained. The forklift utilized for the task should be rated for safe working load capacity to lift off. The lifting load will be suitably bound or lashed to ensure it is secure and on a pallet.

The forklift operator will only commence movement of the forklift to the pickup area under the guidance of the Banks man. Signals must be clear and precise and understood by all personnel involved in the work activity. The forklift operator will only take instruction and direction from the assigned Banksman. No other personnel are to provide guidance or instruction.

The banks man will stand in a secure position at all times, where they are in view of both the load and the forklift truck operative. Each signal will be distinct and clear. The forks on the forklift truck will be adjusted to give maximum support to the load being lifted. The forklift operator will insert the forks under the load with the guidance of the banksman.

The load will be lifted up until the forks take the load weight, whilst not lifting it off the ground, to ensure that the load is level. Once it confirmed by the forklift operative that the load is level, the lift will commence to the required position under the strict guidance of the Banksman. Forks will be tilted backwards during all load movements to ensure maximum stability of the load being moved.

The load will then be moved to the agreed location i.e plant room/plinth under the strict guidance of the Banks man. Cones will be set out, including barrier tape, to exclude unauthorized entry into the loading/work area. The load will be lifted to the height of the plinth/location and slowly moved forward and get in position to the final placement with strict guidance of banks man. Once the load placed in required position the forks will be released. If supports/shock absorbers are required to be inserted under the equipment, this must be done in advance to the load being offered to the final position.  Supervisors will coordinate with the banks man for the final positioning of the equipment whilst the forklift in use.