Lifting Operations Competencies
Selection of Personnel
“Suitably trained personnel that are competent to carry out their duties are essential to the completion of safe lifting operations”.
Appointed Person (as described in BS7121 pt1 General) – The person responsible for the safe planning, control and execution of the lifting operation and producing the safe system of work (Method Statement)
When planning lifting operations the following points should be considered, the list is not exhaustive. If you have any doubts when planning lifting operation then you will need a fully controlled and contracted lift to ensure the safety of your lifting operation.
The load itself, its characteristics, lifting points etc.
Load Stability whilst being lifted and maneuvered.
Load route & motion speeds.
Correct selection of crane e.g. dimensions, reach, lift height.
Correct selection of lifting accessories and ancillaries.
Crane position. Load position throughout the lift.
Lifting area, to include proximity hazards, ground conditions, environmental factors, oversailing zones.
Spacing for crane rigging and dismantling
choosing and identifying lifting personnel
Environmental factors that will affect the crane and load.
Lift / Crane Supervisor – The person responsible for supervising the lifting operation and safely operating the safe system of work (Method Statement) The supervisor will take on the duties of the Appointed Person in their absence. All operations should be supervised by a suitably trained and qualified supervisor.
Slinger Signaller – The person responsible for attaching / detaching the load to and from the crane and directing crane movements during the lifting operation. The Slinger Signaller will;
Inspect lifting accessories pre and post lift
Use the correct accessories specified in the method statement
Be able to communicate and direct the crane using audible and visual methods
Crane Operator – Is responsible for operating the crane in accordance with training and manufacturers instructions. The crane operator should act on the instructions from one slinger signaller who must be clearly identified and working as instructed by the method statement.
THE ONLY SIGNAL THEY CAN TAKE FROM ANYONE ELSE IS THE EMERGENCY STOP
Crane Coordinator – When more than one crane operating on site, the crane coordinator will plan and work with the lifting personnel to direct crane movements to prevent collisions with other cranes and loads. The crane coordinator should be employed when other items of plant such as concrete pumps, mobile working platforms,telehandlers and piling rigs are being used. This role is usually performed by an experienced Appointed Person
Maintenance Personnel – Maintenance personnel are an essential part of the lifting team that you will rarely see on site. they are responsible for the planned and emergency maintenance on a crane. Certain industries such as nuclear and rail often request maintenance personnel to be present on site during safety critical installations and time limited rail possessions for safety reasons.
