SAFE LIFTING OPERATIONS

What do you know about lifting safety?

Lifting safety may not be relevant to all staff but

dont you think it would be interesting to learn how
equipment can be dangerous and harmful, if not
operated carefully?

Lifting equipment is found around the installation

to help move objects across the plant,
accommodation or vertically to required heights.
This might sound simple and you probably think
that anyone can operate lifting equipment. But
there is a lot more to it than you think.
 Planning the Lifting Operation
All lifting operations should be planned to ensure that they are
carried out safely and that all foreseeable hazards are identified
and any risks eliminated or managed.

Planning should include and allow for the following:

1) Competency and number of personnel involved

2) The weight of load (including certified rigging gear)
3) The size of the load and the available headroom
4) Method of lifting and selection of the appropriate rigging gear
5) The working radius and Safe Working Load (SWL) of the crane
6) Deck loading capacity if applicable
7) Position of obstacles (if any)
8) Weather conditions, day shift or night shift operations
9) Is the lift blind? (Should be controlled by radio communication
only)
Before operating any crane

CRANE OPERATORS MUST

Firstly and most importantly carry out the

pre-start up/pre-operation safety inspection
procedures which check the crane integrity
and that all working parts are operating
properly. A daily pre-start inspection should
be carried out at the beginning of every
shift. Following the above procedures the
operator should also make sure that the
surrounding area is free from hazards,
materials, equipment and personnel.
 CRANE LIFTING OPERATIONS
1- Before starting any crane the operator must ensure that all pre
start checks including crane structure, all fuel, oil and coolant
levels and rope spooling have been checked. Crane windows
should be clean.
2- After the crane is started the operator must check all
temperatures and pressures are appropriate, test and ensure
that the Rated Capacity Indicator is working correctly and that
all brakes are operating satisfactorily.
3- Make sure all limit cut-outs are working correctly but he should
never depend on their automatic operation
4- Make sure that any load to be lifted is within the safe working
radius of the crane, and not in excess of the SWL (Safe
Working Load). Lifting/rigging tackle is part of the load weight,
and must be inspected prior to use by the rigging crew.
 CRANE LIFTING OPERATIONS (CONTD)

5- Work only on the direct signals of the authorised

banksman. Where the lift is classed as blind the
crane operator must only obey the radio signal from
the authorised competent banksman.
6- Loads must be lifted vertically and not slewed over
personnel or live plant unless dispensation has been
given. Loads must be correctly slung with the
appropriate certified lifting accessories
7- The crane operator must not leave the cab with a load
suspended on the hook or carry out any snatch lifts
from the boat.
 CRANE LIFTING OPERATIONS (CONTD)

8- Make sure at all times that it is safe to commence lifting

and all personnel are clear of the load path.

9- Where any doubt exists, check the crane SWL and the
load weight and adjust the lifting gear prior to carrying
out the lift.

10- Comply with crane manufacturers operational

specifications and adhere to client and company
Standing Instructions

11 If any unforeseen hazards arise STOP THE JOB

IMMEDIATELY and re assess the risks.
 LIFTING EQUIPMENT

Lifting equipment is split into two categories lifting appliances and lifting
accessories. Every piece of lifting equipment has an inbuilt Factor of
Safety, which is required to alleviate the effects of normal and abnormal
wear in the working environment. The Safe Working Load of any lifting
equipment is the Minimum Breaking Load divided by the relevant Factor of
Safety.

Lifting appliances are the machines that themselves provide movement to

the load. Examples are cranes, winches, pull lifts, and chain blocks

Lifting accessories assist us to move the load, but in themselves do not

provide movement. Examples of accessories are slings, shackles, eyebolts,
hooks, and pennants.
LIFTING APPLIANCES
CRANES
Cranes are a vital part of the
installation. Without them, nothing
could happen. They lift equipment
to all areas, and offload food and
vital supplies from the supply
boats for the installation crew.
It is critical that lifting appliances
including cranes are maintained
and operated by dedicated,
professionally trained and
competent riggers, crane
operators and maintainers.
LIFTING APPLIANCES
CHAIN BLOCK
Chain blocks are very useful lifting appliances if used
correctly. They must only be used vertically to lift
loads. It is important to remember that, in common
with other lifting appliances, they are designed to be
used by one person. If one person cannot pull the
chain comfortably, the appliance is too light.
Consideration must be given to the height of the lift
required, and also to the length of the operating
chain.

PULL LIFT
Pull lifts are also very valuable lifting appliances
which must have the same consideration as chain
blocks. These can be used vertically as well as
horizontally. For both appliances, they must be
attached to the anchor point by the top hook.
LIFTING APPLIANCES (contd)

AIR HOIST
Air hoists are similar to chain hoists, but are
pneumatically operated. These are generally
used for heavier loads, or in areas which are
not conducive to chain hoists.

WIRE ROPE HOISTS

These are normally called tirfors, and can be
used for pulling loads, as well as for lifting,
although the Safe Working Load for lifting is
less than for pulling. These are extensively
used in modules where cranes are
inaccessible.
 LIFTING APPLIANCES (CONTD)

RWB

RUNWAY BEAMS are very common in production modules. They are

fixed to the module structure and are used for moving loads which are too
heavy for manual handling. Normally they are used in conjunction with
TROLLEY BEAMS or BEAM CLAMPS. It is vital that they are not
forgotten during statutory thorough examinations
LIFTING ACCESSORIES

SLINGS
Slings come in different sizes and shapes.
They can be made from wire rope, or man
made fibre. They can be single leg, or be
attached to a MASTER LINK, depending on
the lifting requirement.
Wire rope slings are normally very simply fitted
with two soft eyes, but can be fitted with
thimbles in the eyes for particular applications.
Man made fibre slings can be of the endless
type, or with two soft eyes, or indeed are also
very common fitted with metal reevable
fittings.
LIFTING ACCESSORIES (CONTD)
SHACKLES
Shackles come in two types for different applications.
For both types there are different fittings, again for
different applications. One type is the BOW SHACKLE,
and the other is the DEE SHACKLE. The shackle pin
must be on the crane or winch hook. The DEE
SHACKLE is designed to be used with a maximum of
two slings, and the BOW SHACKLE can be used for
three or more slings. MASTER LINKS are used to
connect multiple slings and shackles to crane or winch
hooks whilst protecting the equipment from damage.
EYEBOLTS are used for lifting electric motors, lids for
turbines and alternators for example. Again, there are
several different types, with particular applications for
each.