Introduction to Safe Lifting
Many types of lifting are carried out every day on construction sites, in contracting applications, in workshops and in industry. Lifting is always associated with risks, and this places high demands on both the user and the supplier of lifting products. Safe lifting requires approved and certified products, as well as correct handling and inspection of the lifting equipment before use.
Each lifting situation is unique. This makes it important that everyone who is involved in lifting at work always takes the time to consider safety very carefully.
Factors that affect safe lifting
Risk assessment
Always carry out a risk assessment and take suitable action if necessary before starting to lift. What does the lifting area look like? Who or what is within the risk zone?
The correct lifting equipment
Ensure that the right equipment is selected for the application and that it meets the relevant requirements. The requirements also apply to documentation of the equipment.
Knowledge
Employers must ensure that employees who use lifting equipment have adequate theoretical and practical knowledge to use the equipment safely. This knowledge must be documented. Employees have a responsibility to follow regulations and instructions.
Maintenance and inspection
Lifting equipment must be regularly maintained and inspected before use. Lifting equipment has a limited working life depending on how it is used. Worn-out equipment must be discarded and replaced.
Systematic health and safety at work
Under the rules of the Swedish Work Environment Authority (Arbetsmiljöverket) employers have the primary responsibility and must develop routines to ensure a good working environment in collaboration with employees and safety representatives.
Additional prerequisites for safe lifting
Equally important as having the right lifting equipment is, for example, that the crane or traverse has the right WLL capacity.
Can the ground/quayside handle the load on the crane truck's support legs?
Regulations for lifting products
Safe lifting always starts with choosing the right equipment. Lifting products are regulated by the European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, which sets strict demands on suppliers of lifting products.
Checklist for safe lifting
• Check the weight of the cargo
• Decide on the lifting method
• Select the appropriate lifting equipment
• Define the lifting area / risk area
• Use chain equipment if the load's temperature exceeds 100°C
• Check the lifting angle. This must never exceed 120° (60° from vertical) for any part
• Always use corner protection on sharp corners and edges
• Lift vertically
• Make sure the load is symmetrically distributed if possible
• Never drag the load using the lifting equipment
• Never overload – stay within the working load limit
• Do not walk under a suspended load
• Never leave hanging loads unattended
• Check that rating labels or tags are undamaged and legible
• Get to know your lifting equipment – read the user manual