Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Manual and mechanical handling hazards and control
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➤
overhead obstructions or hazards must be identifi ed, 
it may be necessary to protect the crane from over-
head power lines by using goal posts and bunting to 
mark the safe headroom
➤
the ground on which the crane is to stand should be 
assessed for its load-bearing capacity 
➤
if 
fi tted, outriggers should be used. 
The principal reasons for crane failure, including loss of 
load, are:
➤
overloading
➤
poor slinging of load
➤
insecure or unbalanced load
➤
loss of load 
➤
overturning
➤
collision with another structure or overhead power 
lines 
➤
foundation 
failure 
➤
structural failure of the crane 
➤
operator 
error 
➤
lack of maintenance and/or regular inspections. 
During lifting operations using cranes, it must be 
ensured that: 
➤
the driver has good visibility
➤
there are no pedestrians below the load by using 
barriers, if necessary 
➤
an audible warning is given prior to the lifting 
operation. 
If lifting takes place in windy conditions, tag lines may 
need to be attached to the load to control its movement. 
A 
lift or hoist
incorporates a platform or cage 
and is restricted in its movement by guides. Hoists are 
generally used in industrial settings (e.g. construc-
tion sites and garages), whereas lifts are normally used 
inside buildings. Lifts and hoists may be designed to 
carry passengers and/or goods alone. They should be 
of sound mechan ical construction and have interlocking 
doors or gates, which must be completely closed before 
the lift or hoist moves. Passenger carrying lifts must 
be fi tted with an automatic braking system to prevent 
overrunning, at least two suspension ropes, each capable 
alone of supporting the maximum working load and a 
safety device which could support the lift in the event of 
suspension rope failure. Maintenance procedures must 
be rigorous, recorded and only undertaken by competent 
persons. It is very important that a safe system of work 
is employed during maintenance operations to protect 
others, such as members of the public, from falling down 
the lift shaft and other hazards. 
Other