Lifting Gear

  • Lifting Gear – To meet statutory requirements and ensure that lifting equipment can be used in safety by minimizing risk of failure.All lifting gear brought onto the project shall be clearly identified by means of a tag/name plate supplied by the manufacturer, as to safe working load…
  • All lifting equipment in use or in storage must be inspected every three months against the standards LG . Any Lifting Gear and Lift Inspection that is not produced by a recognized and competent manufacturer and lifting gear fabricated from rebar is not permitted.
  • Each equipment/gear to be marked with the serial number and Safe working load in Kg. on the Hook and pulley block or other conspicuous places. If spreader beams or lift beams do not have certification or are of special fabrication then calculations shall be submitted for Client review, prior to the receipt of the required certification.
  • All  lifting machinery and Tackles to be identified-classified to the type eg., Slings, Shackles, Hooks, Chain Pulley Blocks, Traverse Rails & Cradle, etc-numbered and listed by giving a suitable serial number.  SMI shall inspect all lifting gear prior to its arrival at the work site, and thereafter on quarterly basis. It shall be color coded with a durable tag.
  • The color coding (DT, COLOR CODING PROCEDURE) will be set and shall be changed on quarterly basis, in order to identify whether the item in question has been checked during the first one week on every quarter.
  • Crane operators and /or Traverse rail & cradle operator to be trained, where applicable to be trained on hand signals, internal licensed so that handling of loads are ensured. SMI shall maintain all records and inventories as detailed in the HSE and security regulation, to ensure a system of controlling and monitoring the condition of all lifting gear, utilizing the Lifting Gear Register.

Lifting Equipment

Certification :Valid third party certification as to testing and certification shall accompany all Lifting Gear and Lift Inspection equipment brought onto the Project. Such certification shall have been issued within the last 12months and in addition, shall fulfill all relevant legislative requirements.

Initial Testing: Prior to entry on to the work site, all lifting equipment shall be inspected as to integrity and condition. Records shall be maintained of all inspections and fests.

Notwithstanding, SMI shall be fully responsible for the safety of all such equipment and shall, where necessary, implement additional systems of control to those identified in this Project Procedure.

The testing shall be executed by the SMI Competent Lifting Supervisor ay the base of origin prior to being transported / Moved to the construction site, this shall be undertaken at the discretion of Client.

Upon lifting equipment arrival at the work site all cranes can be inspected by the Client at their own discretion and be fitted with all necessary items, these requirements shall include but not be limited to:-

  • Inspector to be appointed to check at regular interval as specified in standard for individual items of Lifting Gear and record findings in register. Records of inspection of Lifting Gear and Lift Inspection appliances
  • Slings must be stamped with maximum permissible load. Test records for load radius indicator and automatic safe load indicator.
  • Slings must be identified by a number. Annual inspection record
  • Examination results after substantial alterations /repair
  • 4 year test certificate and thorough inspection
  • Mandatory inspection certificate of all Lifting Gear and Lift Inspection equipment associated with the crane
  • Checks on lights and warning devices, electrical wiring, battery terminals to be clean, tyre pressure, excessive wear, exhaust
  • Crane driver certificate
  • Condition of Fly Jib
  • Maximum permissible working load to be indicated on the block.
  • Satisfactory working condition of braking system on load.
  • Inspect for wear on sheaves.
  • Inspect for wear and deformation on lifting chain.
  • Ensure sufficient lubrication.
  • Inspect attachment eye for wear and deformation.
  • Serviceability /non serviceability to be recorded.
  • Quarterly check sheet must be signed by Inspector Lifting Gears.
  • Ensure traverse rails are properly secured.
  • Check for wear and corrosion.
  • Check free movement of roller wheels on rails.
  • Ensure proper lubrication.
  • Check for wear and corrosion on roller wheels and pulleys.
  • Serviceability /non serviceability to be recorded.
  • Quarterly check sheet must be signed by Inspector Lifting Gears.
  • A load radius indicator
  • An automatic safe load indicator
  • Crane hooks with a safety catch to prevent displacement of the sling or load from hook.
  • A load radius table to be available in the crane of every variable radius crane.
  • Slings are not to be fatigued ( no breakage of wire strands). Operation manual
  • Fire extinguisher in cab.
  • All controls identified – (levers marked-up)
  • Warning horn & reverse alarm.
  • Proof of load test
  • Anti-two-block devices (operational)
  • Boom angle indicator
  • Slings must be free of kinks. Load indicator
  • Slings must not be worn or corroded. Overload alarm
  • All out riggers shall be marked to show full extension.
  • Cranes shall not be fitted with obstructions to driver view, e. g. sun shades
  • Proper spooling on drum – all systems
  • No indication of mechanical damage. Proper counter weights
  • Condition of Boom section i.e. bent lacings /cords.
  • Proper reweaving – all systems
  • Load blocks – headache ball – hook with latches.
  • Condition of hydraulic rams (telescopic booms).
  • Outrigger beams – rams –floats- mats – pins – locks
  • Boom pendants – gantry bails- pins.
  • Boom hoist wire rope- sheaves – brake – clutch.
  • Main / aux hoist wire rope – sheaves – brakes- clutch.
  • Only when the Client Equipjment Inspector is satisfied that all the above  requirements are met in full will the crane be issued with: –
  • Unserviceable slings to be condemned and replaced.   The completed crane sticker
  • Quarterly check sheet must be signed by Inspector Lifting Gears.  The completed crane inspection form
  • Note: SMI shall  ensure that crane load tables (legible) and maintenance logs shall always be available in the cab of the crane.

Routine Testing

  • Regular checks shall be carried out on a three monthly basis and also where an item of
  • lifting equipment leaves the Project, and thereafter returns to continue work.
  • Thorough inspection & load testing will be conducted if the crane is modified or after    maintenance service.
  • SMI shall be responsible for scheduling inspection to be carried out.
  • All lifting equipment utilized on the work site shall be required to visually display  evidence of such inspection through the use of a Project specific sticker. This sticker shall record details of all inspection carried out and also the due date for next inspection.
  • All testing/inspection shall take place outside the work site perimeter fencing, but the three monthly (but not pre-mobilization) testing/inspection can be take place on site.
  • This discretion shall only be exercised with permission from the relevant Client Area Construction Manager.

Rejection of Lifting Equipment

  • Client will be notified of any rejected item of equipment that fails to meet internationally recognized standards of maintenance and  integrity, or    possessing any defect or damage that may impact upon its safe operation.  unless adequately repaired and re-tested.
  • A Crane Inspection Checklist is available to in Attachment 1. SMI shall arrange testing / inspection so as to minimize impact upon construction schedules.

Operator Competency

  •  All operators, employed on the Project shall be competent to operate the item(s) of equipment for which they have been engaged.
  •  All such operators, in addition to possessing a relevant national drivers /operators license, shall be assessed prior to engagement on the Project.
  •  They shall be assessed in relation to every item of equipment, which they are engaged to operate
  • This assessment shall comprise a verbal test and also a practical
  • demonstration of competence in relation to controls, and in the case of crane age, the rigging and de-rigging of the fly jib and their ability to control and support a team as required.
  •  If successful, the operator shall be awarded a work site license, which shall clearly identify the category of equipment for which the operator is authorized.
  •  This license shall be carried by the operator at all times on the work site, and shall be subject to inspection by the Client.
  •  Failure to carry the license may result in the operator being instructed to stop work until records of the operator’s competence have been established.
  •  The license shall also be subject to endorsement in the event of a breach of safety rules, regulations or recognized good practice.
  •  Such endorsement shall be clearly entered onto the license.
  •  On receipt of three such endorsements, the operator shall be suspended or expelled from the Project.
  •  Not with standing any of the above. SMI shall be fully responsible for ensuring that all operators are competent to carry out all designated tasks.

Heavy Equipment

  • All procedure will be followed by above whatever applicable.
  • Only trained and authorized operation shall be permitted to operate and inspect For pre-start/walk around inspection
  • Check for loose or worn parts and repair or replace immediately
  • Check all fluid/coolant levels
  • Open the radiator cap only when the engine is cooled
  • Inspect hydraulic connectors and hoses for leaks before applying pressure to the system
  • Use paper or cardboard, not hands, to search for leaks
  • Hydraulic fluid escaping under pressure can penetrate skin and cause serious bodily harm
  • Check tires for cuts, bulges, irregularities, abnormal wear and proper inflation
  • A fire extinguisher and first aid kit shall be mounted in the cab
  • Maintain a 3-point contact with the steps and hand rails while getting on/into the machine – do not use the controls or steering wheel as a handhold
  • Do not operate the machine with wet, greasy, or muddy hands or shoes

Machine Maintenance

  • When servicing equipment, fasten a “Do not operate” tag on the steering wheel
  • Slings-rope, wire, chain
  • not worn/corroded
  • free of kinks, no breakage of wires
  • chain kinks not worn
  • attachments U bolts proper
  • Shackle
  • not worn corroded or distorted
  • wear on pin
  • SWL stamped and readable
  • threads free and good condition
  • Hooks
  • Spread in throat opening measure
  • eye not damaged
  • swivel not damaged
  • load pin not damaged
  • SWL stamped and readable
  • braking system on load
  • sheaves wear
  • every chain link good condition
  • eye not damaged
  • swivel not damaged
  • SWL indicated and readable
  • Traverse Rails & Cradle
  • rails properly fitted
  • no wear or corrosion
  • rollers on rail freely moves
  • lubrication
  • roller / pulley wear
  • SWL indicated and readable
  • Remarks on Item Number
  • Remedial Action Item Number
  • Date of Inspection
  • Ensure the cab area is clean and free of debris and tools
  • Clean windshield, mirror and lights
  • Remove all oil, grease or mud and snow from grab irons, hand rails, steps, Pedals and floor to prevent slips and fails
  • Remove or secure any loose items such as tools, chains, bottles from the cab

Starting and Testing

  • Exhaust fumes are dangerous-always has a running machine in a well ventilated area of Lifting Gear and Lift Inspection
  • Controls should be in neutral and the parking brakes set before starting engine
  • Warn personnel in the area that starting the engine
  • Check all gauges, light, instruments and warning devices to assure that they are functioning property and the readings are within normal ranges
  • Test steering and brakes against ground speed to be certain there is no malfunction
  • Ensure all implement controls are operating properly

Refueling Lifting Gear and Lift Inspection

  • Shut off and cool the engine and any electrical equipment before fueling
  • Ensure the fueling area is well ventilated
  • Do not smoke while refueling. Keep open flames and sparks away from area
  • Ground the funnel or fuel nozzle against the filler neck to avoid sparks
  • Do not use gasoline or diesel fuel for cleaning parts
  • Check the battery and electrolyte levels according to manufacturer’s instructions
  • Keep close the fire extinguisher during refueling Lifting Gear and Lift Inspection