c07_work_equipment_mobile_lifting_and_access_COMPLETE

Question 1

Mobile work equipment is

Answer 1

any work equipment which carries out work while it is travelling, or which travels between different locations where it is used to carry out work. The equipment is typically moved on wheels, tracks, rollers, skids, etc. and may be self-propelled, towed or remote controlled and may incorporate attachments.

Question 2

FOPS:

Answer 2

if falling objects are a concern a falling object protective structure (FOPS) is required.

Question 3

ROPS:

Answer 3

if rolling through more than 90o is a concern a rolling over protective structure (ROPS) is required.

Question 4

The main hazards associated with forklift trucks are:

Answer 4

(1) Instability of the truck. (2) Falling loads. (3) Hazards associated with propulsion systems. (4) Truck falling from loading bays or goods vehicles. (5) Collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles. (6) Collisions with structures, warehouse racking, etc.

Question 5

Operator training should be carried out by a competent person and always include the three stages of training:

Answer 5

(1) Basic training: the basic skills and knowledge required for safe operation. (2) Specific job training: knowledge of the workplace, operating principles and controls of the lift truck to be used, and experience of any special site rules, systems of work and specific handling attachments. (3) Familiarisation training: operation on the job under close supervision.

Question 6

At the beginning of each shift the operator should check the lift truck and report to the supervisor any defects which might affect its safe operation to ensure they are put right. Checks should include: 8

Answer 6

(a) Tyre pressures – ensuring that pneumatic tyres if fitted are inflated to the proper pressure. (b) Tyres checks – signs of damage such as swarf, nails or other embedded material, cuts and bubbles. (c) Parking brake, service brakes, and steering gear to ensure that they are working efficiently. (d) Fuel, water and oil levels (internal combustion engines) to check for leaks. (e) Batteries of battery-operated lift trucks to check: - that they are adequately charged and leak free - that the charger is switched off - the charge lead disconnected and properly stored - the battery retention device is in place. (f) Systems for lifting, tilting and manipulation, including attachments are working properly. (g) Hydraulic systems should be free from obvious leaks, and hydraulic fluid levels should be correct when the fork arms are in the parked position. (h) Audible warning signals, lights, and mirrors, if fitted, should all be in good working order.

Question 7

A company is planning a change of premises from one containing a ‘manual’ warehouse to one which contains automated order picking and automated guided vehicle (AGV) goods transfer facilities. (a) Outline the risks which might be reduced by the move. 10 marks (b) Outline the risks which might arise from the move. 10 marks

Answer 7

(a) Risks which might be reduced by the move to AGVs include:  reduction in manual handling  working at height  collisions with forklift trucks  not being in the vicinity of the warehouse would reduce noise issues or other issues associated with driving forklifts  absence of forklift trucks posing a lower source of ignition risk  reduction of heating and lighting costs  avoidance of human error. (b) Risks which might arise from the move to AGVs include:  Collision between AGVs and people.  Trapping points between AGVs and stationary objects or fixed structures.  Dangerous occurrences by inadvertent movement of the AGV, for example: where AGVs interact with storage and retrieval machines and the load may be displaced or collapsed, or other devices may be impacted upon.

Question 8

The main categories of lifting equipment are

Answer 8

cranes and hoists

Question 9

Three types of crane are specified on the NEBOSH Diploma syllabus:

Answer 9

 Mobile cranes  Tower cranes… used extensively on construction sites Overhead cranes … used in engineering works / industrial settings

Question 10

The choice of a suitable crane depends upon: 5

Answer 10

 The characteristics of the load to be lifted.  The selection of suitable lifting accessories (the weight of the lifting accessories must be taken into account when sizing the crane).  The crane position, where the load is to be lifted from, the route that the load will take during the lift, and where it will be landed.  Constraints on erection and dismantling.  Site and environmental constraints (such as headroom or load bearing capacity).

Question 11

Site and environmental constraints include: 9

Answer 11

 Ground conditions.  Underground hazards - open or backfilled excavations - drainage pipes - tunnels - services - basements.  Overhead cables.  Distance of the crane from the structure under construction, adjacent buildings, roads and pedestrian accesses from which clearance must be maintained.  Prevailing weather conditions and exposure of the site: - wind loading - ice and snow loading.  Route to, and access on to, the site for the crane and vehicles delivering the load.  Space for final positioning and safe operation of the crane: - deployment of the outriggers - room for slewing.  Clearance to railway tracks and overhead catenaries.  Clearance to aircraft in the vicinity of airfields (Aircraft warning lights may be required).

Question 12

The two principal hazards associated with crane use are:

Answer 12

 The crane collapsing (due to overloading) or toppling (due to ground conditions or overloading / overreaching), which presents significant potential for multiple fatal injuries, both on and off-site.  The load falling (as a result of inadequate slinging, the load snagging or failure of the lifting accessories / tackle), which has a significant potential for death and major injury. Other significant hazards include:  Moving loads striking pedestrians vehicles or structures.  Cranes contacting overhead conductors or other overhead obstructions.  Cranes colliding with other cranes, other site plant, structures or people.

Question 13

Before siting the crane careful consideration should be given to the range factors that could affect its safe operation, such as: 5

Answer 13

 the standing and support conditions  the presence and proximity of other hazards  the need to oversail neighbouring property  the effect of wind during in-service and out-of-service conditions  the adequacy of access to allow the placing or erection of the crane in its working position and for dismantling and removing the crane following completion of lifting operations.

Question 14

The three basic factors affecting the stability of a crane in use are:

Answer 14

 Load combinations and their relation to the centre of gravity of the crane (see below)  The support arrangement, i.e. ground conditions, foundations and any tying in arrangements (discussed earlier).  Operator control.

Question 15

Crane – technical safeguards The following safety devices should be fitted: 6

Answer 15

Rated capacity indicator (RCI)Rated capacity indicator (RCI)Motion limit devices (MLD)Overload cut out devicesLevel indicatorAnemometer (wind-speed measuring devices)

Question 16

All lifting operations should be planned so they are carried out safely with foreseeable risks taken into account. The lifting plan should be developed by a competent person with adequate practical and theoretical knowledge, and experience of the lifts being undertaken. The plan should address: 3

Answer 16

 the risks identified by a risk assessment  the resources required  procedures and responsibilities to ensure the lifting operation is carried out safely.

Question 17

LOLER guidance Safe use of lifting equipment (L113) offers the following advice on the key features of a basic lifting plan. 8

Answer 17

(a) Assess the weight of the load. (b) Choose the right accessory for lifting, depending upon the nature and weight of the load and the environment in which it is to be used. (c) Check the anticipated path of the load to make sure that it is not obstructed. (d) Prepare a suitable place to set down the load. (e) Fit the sling to the load (using an appropriate method of slinging). (f) Make the lift (a trial lift may be necessary to confirm the centre of gravity of the load and tag lines may be necessary to stop the load swinging). (g) Release the slings (boards or similar may be necessary to prevent trapping of the sling). (h) Clear up.

Question 18

The appointed person is responsible for ensuring that all lifting operations are planned to ensure that they are carried out safely and that all foreseeable risks have been taken into account. The planning process should take into account: 6

Answer 18

 The load, its characteristics and the method of lifting.  The selection of a suitable crane(s).  The selection of suitable accessories for lifting/lifting attachments.  The position of the crane(s) and of the load before, during and after the operation.  The site of the operation including proximity hazards, space availability and suitability of the ground or foundations.  Any necessary erection and dismantling of the crane(s).

Question 19

Method statements Once the risk assessment has been completed, the appointed person should ensure that a full method statement is prepared, detailing the safe system of work and including the risk assessment. The method statement should include: 4

Answer 19

 The tasks to be achieved, together with the configuration of the crane at the end of each day’s work.  Details of the steps to be taken to eliminate danger to personnel not involved in the lifting operation, and where necessary, prevent their entry into danger zones by, for example, organising for road closures if necessary.  The requirement for pre-use checks to be completed.  A clear statement of the allocation of tasks to all parties involved in the lifting operation.

Question 20

Safe system of work A safe system of work should be established and followed for every crane installation operation or lifting operation, whether it be an individual lift or a group of repetitive operations. The safe system of work should be communicated to all parties concerned and should include: 9

Answer 20

(a) Planning of the operation. (b) Selection, provision and use of a suitable crane(s) and work equipment. (c) Site preparation for the erection and dismantling of the crane(s). (d) Maintenance, examination and testing of the crane(s) and equipment. (e) The provision of properly trained and competent personnel. (f) Adequate supervision. (g) Availability of thorough examination reports and other documents. (h) Preventing unauthorised movement or use. (i) The safety of persons not involved in the installation or lifting operation.

Question 21

Duties of the appointed person The appointed person’s duties should include the following. 7

Answer 21

 Being familiar with the relevant parts of the project Health and Safety Plan, where the lifting operation is being carried out on a site where the CDM Regulations apply.  Assessing the lifting operation to provide such planning, selection of crane(s), lifting accessories and equipment, instruction and supervision as is necessary for the task to be undertaken safely.  Ensuring that adequate inspection/examination and maintenance of the equipment has been carried out.  Ensuring that there is an effective procedure for reporting defects and incidents and taking any necessary corrective action.  Taking responsibility for the organisation and control of the lifting operation.  Ensuring that the crane supervisor is fully briefed on the contents of the method statement.  On sites where there is a possibility of collision between cranes and other equipment, the crane coordinator should plan the sequence of crane movements to prevent collisions.

Question 22

A basic lift is one where the weight of the load(s) can be simply established, and there are no hazards or obstructions within the area of the operation. In such cases the appointed person should: 13

Answer 22

 Establish the weight of the load. This can be by referring to a reliable source of information, by weighing the load, or by calculation (with allowance for possible inaccuracies).  Select an appropriate crane, based on the weight of the load, including the crane hook block and any lifting tackle, the maximum height of lift and the maximum radius required.  Consider the location of the operation, taking into account the access and egress required for the crane and the suitability of the ground to take the loads imposed on the crane during preparation and during the lift itself.  Ensure that the crane is not operated in wind speeds in excess of manufacturer’s recommendation.  Ensure that the crane has been thoroughly examined at least within the previous 6 months (for lifting of persons) or 12 months (including testing where appropriate), and inspected and checked before use.  Ensure that a defect reporting system is in place.  Select appropriate lifting accessories, including their method of attachment to the load.  Ensure that lifting accessories have been thoroughly examined within the previous 6 months and inspected and checked before use.  Ensure that the lifting accessories and any lifting points on the load are checked to ensure they are free from any obvious defect before attaching the load to the crane.  Brief all persons involved in the lifting operation to ensure that the safe system of work described in the method statement is understood.  Designate persons to handle handlines / taglines ID required to control the load.  Check, if numerous loads are to be lifted over a long period, that no changes are required in the safe system of work.  Ensure that there is a crane supervisor designated to direct personnel, and that the operation is carried out in accordance with the method statement.

Question 23

(a) Outline a range of factors that may cause instability of a mobile crane. 8 marks (b) Outline control measures that should be taken to reduce the likelihood of a mobile crane overturning during a lifting operation. 12 marks

Answer 23

(a) Factors affecting crane stability that could have been outlined include issues connected with the load, those affecting the crane directly such as lateral or longitudinal stability and other stability issues. Issues connected with the load include:  its weight and centre of gravity  incorrect slinging  snatching of the load or shock loading  the load snagging on obstructions. Instability issues which might affect the crane directly include:  unstable ground that is incapable of bearing the weight of the crane and its load  sloping or uneven ground  outriggers not fully extended and a failure to use spreader plates  exceeding the crane’s safe working load  overruling the rated capacity indicator and/or alarm  slewing or hoisting too quickly. Other stability issues include:  travelling on gradients under load  driving too fast or extending the jib under load  incorrect rigging of the luffing jib, blocks or sheaves  incorrect tyre pressures  mechanical failure  inadvertent contacts  adverse weather conditions. (b) Control measures that should be taken involve initially the carrying out of an area survey including a full assessment of the environment such as ground conditions including the presence of voids, excavations or soft ground; overhead and proximity hazards; weather forecasts and pre-lift levelling and compaction. This will be followed by procedural control measures such as:  the preparation of a lifting plan and the appointment of a competent person to supervise the lift  ensuring that the statutory inspections and certification of the crane have been carried out and that it has been regularly maintained  the selection of the correct lifting accessories  cordoning off the lifting area and erecting warning signs and carrying out a test lift. Additionally it will be necessary to ensure that the appropriate engineering controls are in place and are in good working condition such as a rated capacity indicator and alarm system, speed limiters, the over-hoist limit switch and the motion and performance limit device; to ensure the outriggers are fully extended and positioned on spreader plates; and that visibility is improved where necessary by the provision of CCTV and/or mirrors. Finally consideration will have to be given to behavioural controls such as the competence and training of the driver, slinger and banksman.

Question 24

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 specify fixed intervals between thorough examinations of lifting equipment but also includes an option for thorough examination to be carried out in accordance with an ‘examination scheme’. Outline the factors that a competent person would need to take into account when deciding whether less frequent examinations might be justified. 10 marks

Answer 24

Factors which the competent person would need to take into account include:  the age of the equipment  the standards and specifications to which the equipment had been designed and manufactured, and the quality conformance of materials at the time of manufacture  the manufacturers’ recommendations on testing, inspection and maintenance, and whether there has been compliance with these recommendations  the history of the equipment including the extent of use, the loads lifted and the environments in which it has been used, and its current and anticipated future use  the equipment’s accident, breakdown and repair history, including the records of modifications, alterations and the fitting of replacement parts, and the typical performance history of similar items of equipment  the records of previous thorough examinations  any insurance company requirements.

Question 25

Safe systems of work for using a MEWP can be developed by considering the hazards and corresponding precautions relating to the (3)

Answer 25

plantworkplace operator

Question 26

The MEWP should be regularly inspected to ensure it remains in safe working order. The inspection regime should include: (3)

Answer 26

 pre-use checks by the operator  weekly inspections by a responsible person  thorough examination by a competent person at least once every six months.

Question 27

Safe workplace Hazards presented at the workplace can be sub-categorised as relating to (3)

Answer 27

the general environment, the management of the site, and the activity to be undertaken.

Question 28

The condition of pipework 4m above ground requires inspection. It is proposed, in the absence of the availability of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP), to utilise a personnel cage lifted to the required height by a forklift truck. Outline the factors to be considered when assessing the risks associated with this method of access. 10 marks

Answer 28

In assessing the risks associated with the method of access described in the scenario, consideration would have to be given both to the condition and suitability of the equipment to be used, and then to the way in which the operation was to be carried out. As far as the equipment is concerned, the cage would need to be of adequate design and construction and provided with guard rails and toe boards, and its total weight including that of the person or persons and equipment it is to carry should not be more than 50% of the rated safe working load of the fork lift truck and this weight would have to be clearly marked on the cage. Means should be provided to fix the cage securely to the forks and guarding would have to be provided to afford protection against moving parts on the mast of the truck. Finally both the cage and truck should have been thoroughly examined and tested in accordance with the requirements of LOLER. As for carrying out the operation, the forklift truck should be positioned on firm, level ground with the mast vertical and forks in mid-position, mechanically locked so that the controls cannot be inadvertently operated. The driver should remain at the controls at all times, should not move the truck when the cage is elevated and the possibility of providing a means of communication between the driver and the person in the cage should be considered. Barriers would have to be positioned round the working area to protect against the possibility of collision and to prevent passers by being struck by falling material. Additionally, the advisability of the use of fall arrest equipment by those in the cage would have to be considered as would also the installation to be inspected which might pose hazards, for example from lagging containing asbestos or from heat if the pipe work is used to conduct steam.Factors to be considered include:  size of the platform should be as small as possible, compatible with the number of people working on it and the work they are doing  floor should be adequately strong, horizontal and slip proof  rails and toe boards should guard all platform edges  overhead protection may be needed if risk of falling objects / other overhead hazards  access gate (if provided) should not open outwards and should be self-locking or interlocked so it can’t be opened once platform raised.  provision of safety harness anchorages  position of platform to avoid need for people to lean out  method of securing platform onto the lift truck  truck operator should always be at the controls and the truck should not be moved when the platform is elevated  communication should be provided between truck operator and those on the platform  those working on the platform should be trained, including knowing what to do in an emergency  working area below the work at height should be segregated from normal activity and clear warnings displayed. Note: In the UK in exceptional circumstances relating to short duration, occasional use (such as unplanned, reactive inspections of racking or overhead light fittings) the use of non-integrated working platforms with forklift trucks is allowed, in accordance with the HSE’s guidance note PM28. This may not be allowed in some other EU member states. Consequently there is NO free movement of non-integrated working platforms throughout the EU and they MUST NOT be CE marked.