Safe use of lifting appliances and loose gear

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5. Safe use of lifting appliances and loose gear

5.1. Basic requirements

5.1.1. General requirements

It is essential that all who work in ports are aware of the

basic potential hazards of lifting operations. To control

these hazards it is necessary to ensure that:

— all lifting equipment is suitable for the proposed oper-

ation and environment;

— initial and continuing integrity of the equipment can be

demonstrated;

— all personnel are appropriately trained and supervised;

— lifting operations are properly planned and managed;

— safe systems of work are followed;

— the equipment is regularly maintained.

5.1.2. Planning and control of lifting operations

1. All lifting operations should be planned and carried

out under the control of a responsible person. Operators of

lifting appliances should be competent to control routine

operations under the general control of management, but

more complex and specialist operations should be carried

out under the direct control of a person with the necessary

knowledge and experience.

2. Matters to be considered when planning lifting oper-

ations should include the following:

— type and size of ship and cargo;

— type of loads to be lifted;

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— particular lifting hazards associated with those loads

(position of centre of gravity, stability, rigidity, etc.);

— any handling symbols marked on cargo (figure 53);

— attachment of the load to the lifting appliance (avail-

ability of appropriate loose gear);

— frequency of the lifting operation;

— where the loads are to be lifted from and to;

— selection of appropriate lifting appliances;

— position of the lifting appliance (sufficient space and

level ground);

— proximity hazards (power cables, buildings, roadways,

other cranes, etc.);

— requirements for safe erection of the lifting appliance

(space, ground loadings, level, etc.);

— ground loadings that will be applied by the lifting appli-

ance and any necessary equipment to spread the load;

— provision of competent staff (lifting appliance oper-

ators, slingers, signallers, supervisors, etc.);

— safe systems of work for taking the lifting appliance out

of service during maintenance, thorough examination,

testing and repairs;

— emergency procedures, including rescue of an operator

from an elevated position;

— systems for reporting breakdowns, accidents and dan-

gerous occurrences;

— systems to prevent any unauthorized movement of lift-

ing appliances;

— provision and maintenance of appropriate safety

equipment.

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3. The planning should be constantly reviewed to en-

sure that any changes are adequately considered.

4. International standard ISO 12480, Cranes – Safe use –

Part I: General gives guidance on the safe use of cranes.

5.1.3. Training

1. All lifting appliance operators and users of loose gear

should be carefully selected, trained and tested to ensure that

Figure 53. Cargo handling symbols