Mobile, Lifting, Access and Work at Height Equipment Flashcards
Definition of mobile work equipment
Any work equipment which carries out work while it is travelling, or travels between different locations where it is used to carry out work
Self-propelled MWE
Propelled by it’s own motor or mechanism.
Towed MWE
Includes towed machines and trailers which are self-supported on their own wheels. They may have moving parts or not.
Examples: plough, trailer, powered crop sprayer
Attachements
Are not considered to be MWE in their own right, but as they can be attached to self-propelled MWE they can affect the safety of the equipment when attached
Remote Controlled MWE
Operated by controls which are not physically connected to it, such as radio control
Pedestrian Controlled Work Equipment
Pedestrian controlled lawnmowers etc. are not likely to be covered under Part III of PUWER regardless if they are powered or not
Types of FLT
Industrial Counterbalance Industrial Reach Truck Rough-terrain Counterbalance Telescopic Materials Handler Side-loader Pedestrian Operated Lift Truck
FLT Selection
Must be suitable for its intended use and the environment in which it will be used.
Features to determine the suitability of FLT
Power Source Size and Manoeuvrabilty Operator View and vision aids Rated capacity Reach Suspension and tyre choice FOPS ROPS Weather protection Lighting Warning systems
FOPS on FLT
Falling object protective structure
ROPS on FLT
Roll-over protective structure
FLT Hazards
1) Instability of the truck
2) Falling loads
3) Hazards associated with propulsion systems
4) Truck falling from loading bays or good vehicles
5) Collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles
6) Collisions with structure, warehouse racking etc.
Issues affecting Longitudinal Stability of counterbalance FLT
Overloading
Loads to far forward on the forks
Travelling forwards downhill
Travelling with a raised load
All are made worse by heavy braking!
Issues affecting Lateral Stability of counterbalance FLT
Unevenly balanced loads Moving loads Turning too fast Turning with a raised load Travelling across a gradient Uneven ground or pot holes Suspension or tyre faults
Hazard associated with Propulsion systems - Batteries
Quiet and may not be heard by pedestrians
Battery charging releases hydrogen gas
Battery acid is corrosive
Changing batteries requires manual or mechanical handling
Hazard associated with Propulsion systems - Diesel/Petrol
Fuel storage and fuel handling
Exhaust fumes
Heat from the exhaust system
Noise
Hazard associated with Propulsion systems - LPG
Fuel storage - Tank or cylinders
Manual handling of LPG cylinders
Exhaust fumes
Specified additional hazards associated with FLT
Suitability for carrying passengers
Unauthorised start up
Overrun of speed
Overheating
Contact with wheels and tracks
Contact with other moving parts, drive shafts, power take-off shafts etc.
FLT Hazards - Suitability for carrying passengers
Should only be in a suitable seat or on a suitable working platform
FLT Hazards - Unauthorised start up
Should be fitted with a device to prevent, such as removeable key or keypad with unique pin number.
Keys should be controlled and issued by a responsible person to an authorised operator.
FLT Hazards - Overrun of speed
Occurs typically when driving down steep slopes, can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle
FLT Hazards - Overheating
Can happen due to friction of overworked bearings or brakes. Hot surfaces can present an ignition risk in flammable atmospheres or can burn people on contact.
FLT Hazards - Contact with wheels and tracks
People must be kept away from moving parts.
Achieved by position of the cab and fitting suitable barriers such as guard rails and fenders
FLT Hazards - Contact with other moving parts
Appropriate safeguards should be provided to prevent people coming into contact.
PTO shafts and drive shafts should be fitted with guards of good design and well maintained.
Safe storage and parking of FLTs
Returned to designated parking area
Parking should be on firm level ground and in a safe position
Truck should be left with mast tilted forward and forks resting on the floor.
Controls should be in neutral and the parking brakes applied.
FLT Attachments
Crane Jib Boom Hydraulic Hopper Paper and Reel Clamp Double Drum Clamp Rotator and Clamp Side Shift Carriage Fork Positioner
FLT as working platforms
Used to lift/move people safely. Not as safe as a MEWP but sometimes safer than an ladder for access
Integrated Working platforms
Higher level of safety than non-integrated.
Controls that are linked to and isolate the truck controls so that only the person in the platform can control the lift height and truck movements
Non-integrated working platforms
No controls in the platform. All movements controlled by FLT operator
Permissioning Control working platforms
Non-integrated platform with hold to run controls that link to and nullify the trucks lower or lift controls
Examination periods for FLT used to lift people
Every 6 months
Precautions for Working platforms - Dimensions
As small as possible
Precautions for Working platforms - Floor of platform
Adequate strength, horizontal when attached to the truck and slip resistant.
If mesh floor, holes less than 15mm diameter
Precautions for Working platforms - Rails and Toe Boards
All platform edges guarded by top rail, at least 1 intermediate rail and a 150mm toe board
Precautions for Working platforms - Overhead Protection
Needed if there are risks from falling objects or overhead hazards
Precautions for Working platforms - Gate
Should open inwards, upwards or sideways and automatically return to the closed position.
Self locking or inter-lock to ensure it cannot be opened when platform is raised
Precautions for Working platforms - Hand Holds
Suitably sized to accommodate a gloved hand. Should be provided within the confines of working platform
Precautions for Working platforms - Safety harness anchorage
Work restraint anchorages should be included on the platform. Should be of sufficient strength and marked as wr anchorages that are inappropriate for the use of fall arrest equipment
Precautions for Working platforms - People on the platform
Platform positioned to prevent need to lean out
Precautions for Working platforms - Method of securing
Properly locked onto the forks or carriage
Precautions for Working platforms - Prevent access to moving parts
Screens or guards should be fitted to prevent risk of trapping or crushing
Precautions for Working platforms - Tilting mechanism, side shift etc.
Not capable of moving whilst the platform is raised
Precautions for Working platforms - Truck operator
Must remain at the controls of the truck while platform is elevated
Precautions for Working platforms - Truck Operation
Firm, well maintained even ground
Should not be moved whilst platform is elevated
Parking brake applied when platform is elevated
Where possible, transmission in neutral
Precautions for Working platforms - Communication
Arrangements must be made for operator and person on platform to communicate. Can be radios or hand signals
Precautions for Working platforms - Training
People in trucks and platforms must be properly trained, including full instructions on safe systems
Precautions for Working platforms - Segregation of Work
Area should be separated from normal work activity. Cones, lights and barriers may be used
Precautions for Working platforms - Maintenance
Platform maintained in good working order and repair
Precautions for Working platforms - Exclusions for Use
Non-integrated platforms not suitable for:
Trucks requiring manual sequencing of lift/tilt controls
Variable reach trucks that can lift higher than 6m
Precautions for Working platforms - Visibility
Platform should be painted conspicuous colour
Precautions for Working platforms - Warning Signs
Permanent notices on the platform to:
Remind the operator to apply parking brake and put transmission in neutral before elevation
Inform truck operator to stay at truck controls
Precautions for Working platforms - Identification Plate
Attached to platform showing:
Name and Address of manufacturer Serial number and year of manufacture Un-laden weight of the platform and position of centre of gravity Lost Load centre Max allowable load in kg Max no. of persons allowed
3 stages of FLT training
1) Basic training
2) Specific job training
3) Familiarisation training
Frequency of reassessment for FLT training
3-5 years
Agricultural Tractors - main issues affecting stability
Driving across and turning on slopes Rear mounted equipment Raised front end loads Rearward overturns where an object being pulled resists movement Vertical jack-knifing
Other types of incidents involving tractors
Crushing injuries
Entanglement around shafts
Contact with overhead lines
Collisions with other vehicles
AGVs
Automatic Guided Vehicles - All transport systems capable of functioning without driver operation
Hazards associated with AGVs
Collision between AGV and people
Trapping points between AGVs and stationary objects
Dangerous occurrences by inadvertent movement of the AGV
Safeguard for AGVs
Segg of AGV area from pedestrian traffic Trip devices Trip whiskers to stop vehicle when activated Means to slow AGV to crawl speed Emergency stop buttons Automatic monitoring of safety systems Audible and visual warning signals
Main categories of Lifting Equipment
Cranes and Hoists
Crane
A machine used for lifting and lowering and horizontal movement of a load
Slewing
Rotary motion of a crane jib and superstructure about a vertical axis
Derricking (of luffing)
Angular movement of the crane jib in a vertical plane
Hoist
Device used for lifting and lowering a freely suspended load
3 types of Cranes for syllabus
Mobile Cranes
Tower Cranes
Overhead Cranes
Overhead cranes
Consist of: Wall mounted runway beams The bridge End trucks Trolley hoist
Fixed within the structure of the building.
Gantry cranes are also overhead cranes but not fixed to the building surface
Mobile Cranes
Lorry mounted telescopic jib
All-terrain telescpic jib
Rough-terrain telescopic jib
Crawler cranes
Most commonly seem on construction sites.
Definition of a Conventional Tower Crane
A slewing jib crane with jib located at the top of a vertical tower and which is assembled on a construction site from components
Crane selection depends upon….
Characteristics of the load to be lifted Selection of suitable accessories Crane position Constraints on erection and dismantling Site and environmental constraints
Site and environmental constraints of crane selection
Ground conditions Underground hazards Overhead cables Distance from the structure under construction Prevailing weather conditions Route to and access to the site Space for final positioning Clearance to railway tracks and overhead catenaries Clearance to aircraft
2 principle hazards associated with crane use
Crane collapsing due to overloading or toppling due to ground conditions
The load failing as a result of bad slinging or loading
Other significant hazards associated with cranes
Moving loads striking pedestrians
Cranes contacting overhead conductors or obstructions
Cranes colliding with other cranes, other plant or people
Crane stability - 3 basic factors affecting stability
Load combinations
The support arrangement
Operator control
Crane technical safeguards
Following safety devices should be fitted:
Rated capacity indicator - advises when safe working load is approached
Load radius indicator
Motion limit detector - limits motion of the crane which could threaten the stability of the crane
Overload cut out devices
Level indicator
Anemometer - Measure wind speed
What should be addressed in a lifting plan
The risks identified by a risk assessment
The resources required
Procedures and responsibilities to ensure lifting operation is carried out safely
Key features of a basic lifting plan
a) Assess weight of load
b) Choose right accessory for lifiting
c) Check anticipated path
d) Suitable place to set down the load
e) Fit the sling to the load
f) Make the lift
g) Release the slings
h) Clear up
2 basic options for an organsation needing to move a load when they don’t own a crane
Hiring a Crane (Hired Crane)
Employing a contractor to carry our the lifting operation (Contract Lift)
Control of Lifting Operation - Appointed person
Person in overall control of the lifting operation.
Should be formally notified in writing of their appointment and given authority to carry out the duties.
Basic lift
Where the weight of the load can be simply established and there are no hazards or obstructions within the area of operation
Standard lift
Above basic lift.
Any hazards should be thoroughly risk assessed and managed
Complex lift
Above standard lift.
Where the location has exceptional hazards. Also occurs when people are being lifted or the load is a complex shape or has a large wind area
Crane Supervisor
Directs and supervises the lifting operation. Should be: Competent and trained Experienced Have sufficient authority to stop work
Crane co-ordinator
Plans and directs the sequence of operations of cranes to ensure they do not collide with each other
Crane operator
Responsible for the correct positioning and operation of the crane
Slinger
Responsible for attaching and detaching the load from the crane lifting equipment
Signaller
Responsible for relaying the signal from the slinger to the crane operator
Crane Erector
Responsible for the erection of the crane
Maintenance person
Responsible for maintaining and ensuring the safe operation of the crane
Other hoists and lifts - Gin Wheels
Used in construction to lift materials from ground to upper level
Scaffolders should be advised if being fitted
Poles and hooks must be strong enough to take load
Must not be suspended more than 750mm beyond outer support
Ropes must meet standard
Tested every 6 months
Other hoists and lifts - Scaffold Hoist towers
Used to carry construction materials to high working levels on construction sites Should be: Erected by competent person Periodically examined Maintained in good order Able to cope with site conditions Adequate for the load Clearly marked with safe working load Able to be operated from one position
Main hazards of scaffold hoist towers
People being struck by the platform or other moving parts
People falling down the hoistway
Falling materials
Vehicle lifts
Used in garages and tyre centres to lift vehicles
Two-post lifts
Mainly for inspection and routine servicing of vehicles
Four-post lifts
Required for MOT testing
Passenger and goods lifts most common injuries
Minor trips, bumps and pinched fingers
Inspection maintenance for Passenger lifts
Every 6 months require a thorough exam and inspection as per LOLER and PUWER regs
Safety features of passenger lifts
Indication of safe working load Automatic double doors Human presence detectors Control system to ensure good degree of levelling at landings Safety gears to control deceleration 2-way 24h comms system Emergency lighting
Lifting accessories (tackle)
Equipment used to attach loads to machinery for lifting. Includes:
Chains, wire, rope and textile slings
Hooks, rings, shackles and eye bolts
Lifting beams and pulley blocks
Statutory examination of lifting equipment
Requires thorough examination by a competent person:
Before put into service the first time
After installation or reassembly
During its exposure to conditions which cause deterioration
Statutory examination period of lifting equipment for lifting people
Every 6 months
Statutory examination period of lifting equipment not lifting people
Every 12 months or In accordance with an examination scheme or After exceptional circumstances which could jepordise its safety
Retention periods for inspection records for lifting equipment
Examination before first use:
Lifting equipment - until employer ceases to use it
Mobile lifting equipment - until it ceases to be used at place of installation or assembly
Lifting accessories - two years after report is made
Periodic examinations - until the next report or two years
Use of MEWPs - 3 Safety Considerations
Safe Plant
Safe Workplace
Safe Operator
Challenges of using fall arrest equipment with MEWPs
Fall distance of over 5m is required for effective deployment
The dynamic impact of the fall may cause the MEWP to topple or throw people or equipment from the platform
