What are the main requirements for safe mechanical lifting

Key safety requirements and procedures for mechanical lifting operations include ensuring that cranes are operated only by qualified and trained personnel and that a designated competent person inspects the crane and all crane controls before use. The crane must be on a firm/stable surface and level. During assembly/disassembly, do not unlock or remove pins unless sections are blocked and secure (stable). Fully extend outriggers and barricade accessible areas inside the crane's swing radius. Watch for overhead electric power lines and maintain at least a 10-foot safe working clearance from the lines. Inspect all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist lines around the load. [6]

It is essential to use the correct load chart for the crane's current configuration and setup, the load weight, and lift path. Do not exceed the load chart capacity while making lifts. Raise the load a few inches, hold, verify capacity/balance, and test the brake system before delivering the load. Moving loads over workers should be avoided, and signals and manufacturer instructions should be followed while operating cranes. [6]

Routes for suspended loads must be pre-planned to ensure that no employee is required to work directly below a suspended load, except for employees engaged in the initial connection of the steel or employees necessary for the hooking or unhooking of the load. When working under suspended loads, materials being hoisted must be rigged to prevent unintentional displacement, and hooks with self-closing safety latches or their equivalent must be used to prevent components from slipping out of the hook. All loads must be rigged by a qualified rigger. [2]

Multiple lift rigging requires specific procedures and training, including proper inspection of rigging components, determining proper sling length, using rated load charts, and ensuring no crane is used contrary to the manufacturer's specifications. The total load must not exceed the rated capacity of the hoisting equipment or the rigging capacity. Components of the multiple lift rigging assembly must be specifically designed and assembled with a maximum capacity for the total assembly and each individual attachment point, based on the manufacturer's specifications with a 5 to 1 safety factor. [4] [5]

When a crane or hoist is used to raise or lower workers, specific work practices and procedures must be developed and implemented, and workers must be trained in these practices. The hoisting equipment and personnel lifting unit must be inspected by a competent person before use and daily when in use, with inspection details recorded in a log book. The load applied to the hoist, crane, or lifting device must be less than one-half of the rated load. [1] [1]

Prior to hoisting employees on a personnel platform, a trial lift must be performed with the platform loaded to at least the anticipated lift weight to each location where the platform will be positioned. After the trial lift and before hoisting personnel, the platform must be hoisted a few inches and inspected to ensure it is secure and properly balanced. A competent person must visually inspect the crane, rigging, personnel platform, and crane base support immediately after the trial lift. [3] [3] [3]

Before moving a load, ensure you have the required training, qualifications, or certification to operate the crane. Verify the crane is suitable for the load, the job site is planned, and ground conditions ensure stability. Visually inspect the crane before use, remove loose materials from the load, and remove any slack from the sling and hoisting ropes. Verify the load's weight does not exceed the crane's maximum load capacity. [7]