Heavy lifting operations require strict adherence to safety regulations and thorough risk assessments to prevent serious injuries. These include using certified personnel, ensuring equipment stability, and maintaining safe distances from power lines. [5] [5] [5]

Key regulations and practices include:

• Rated Load: Never exceed the manufacturer's rated load for the equipment and operating conditions. When lifting or lowering workers, the load must be less than half of the rated load.
• Weight Determination: Always determine the accurate weight of the load before lifting.
• Inspections: Conduct daily inspections of hoisting equipment and personnel lifting units by a competent person, with detailed records kept in a log book.
• Qualified Rigger: All loads must be rigged by a qualified rigger.
• Pre-planned routes: Routes for suspended loads should be pre-planned to ensure that no employee is required to work directly below a suspended load

[1] [1] [1] [1] [3] [3] When using cranes or hoists to raise or lower workers, specific requirements must be met:

• Develop and implement safe work practices and procedures.
• Train workers in these practices and procedures.
• Ensure the personnel lifting unit meets specific requirements.
• Use a secondary safety device to attach suspension members.
• Workers must use a full-body harness attached to the lifting unit.

[1] [1] [1] [1] [1] Additional safety measures include:

• Controlling and marking off any affected public area before moving the load.
• Developing a plan to minimize public exposure when lifting loads over occupied buildings.
• Using hooks equipped with self-closing latches or self-locking devices.
• Ensuring materials being hoisted are rigged to prevent unintentional displacement.

[2] [2] [3] [3] Regular inspections are crucial. These should include checking:

• Control mechanisms for maladjustments.
• Control and drive mechanisms for wear and contamination.
• Safety devices such as boom angle indicators and anti-two block devices.
• Air, hydraulic, and pressurized lines for deterioration or leakage.
• Hooks and latches for deformation, cracks, or wear.
• Wire rope reeving for compliance with manufacturer's specifications.
• Electrical apparatus for malfunctioning or deterioration.
• Hydraulic system fluid level.
• Tire condition and inflation.
• Ground conditions for proper support and stability.
• Equipment level position.

[4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] [4] By adhering to these regulations and conducting thorough risk assessments, employers can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries during heavy lifting operations.