Keeping workers safe from traffic, chemicals, dangerous equipment, and other hazards are always top of mind on any construction site, but have you considered the safety of the lifting device moving that concrete barrier or placing that pipe in the trench?
Companies that provide lifting solutions know the most important asset you have is your employees; keeping them safe is a top priority. With that in mind, here are some guidelines for handling the load:
DO’S AND DON’TS
- Lifters shall be operated in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Operators shall follow established operating practices, understand the lifting procedure, and follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual.
- Lifters shall be inspected prior to use to insure the integrity of the lifter.
- Operator shall carefully watch the lifter.
- Operators shall know and understand hand signals.
- Operator shall not use the lifter for any purpose other than designated by the manufacturer.
- Loads shall not be lifted higher than necessary.
HANDLING THE LOAD
- The lifter shall not be loaded in excess of its rated load.
- Ensure the load can withstand forces applied by the lifter.
The combined weight of the lifter and load shall not exceed the rated load of the crane or hoist. - The lifter shall be applied to the load in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended operating procedure.
- Lifter ropes and chains shall not be kinked, and multiple part lines shall not be twisted about each other.
- The lifter shall not touch obstructions during load movement.
- The lifter shall not be loaded with loose material that might fall during movement.
- The load or the lifter shall not be slid on the floor or other surface.
- The operator or other personnel shall not place themselves or any part of their bodies beneath suspended loads.
- The lifter shall not be used for loads for which it is not designed.
- If suspended loads are moved manually, they shall be pushed, not pulled.
- A preliminary lift of a few inches shall be made to establish that the load is stable.
- All loads shall be accelerated and decelerated smoothly and slowly.
Following best practices for lifting applications is simply one part of the safety solution. Making sure you have the best lifter for the job plays a key role, too.
THE ART OF LIFTING
Workers on a construction site need to perform a wide range of tasks, one of which is lifting. Here are some common jobsite lifting applications and how to use the proper lifting device.
CONCRETE ROAD BARRIERS
Concrete road barriers are designed to keep traffic away from work zones, keeping drivers and workers safe. Road barriers tend to arrive on a large, open bed truck and can be lifted with fork tines, chain rigging, or a barrier lifting grab. A barrier lifting grab is designed so the operator can pick and place the barrier with little to no assistance from the ground crew, keeping your workers away from the hazard of moving tons of concrete through the air.
How it works: The barrier grab is a lifting tong that grips the sides of the load, and through a combination of the force from the tong, friction of the pads, and the weight of the barrier, the tong effectively grips the load for lifting.
Why this is a benefit to the operators: Certain designs of barrier grabs include Auto-Latch mechanisms and locating assemblies that make this a hands-free operation, allowing the crane operator to pick and place the barriers without the need for ground crew to climb on and off the transport trucks to manage the rigging, reducing the possibility of injuries.
CONCRETE PIPE
Our nation’s extensive water management systems require an extensive amount of concrete pipe. As we continue to expand and improve our infrastructure, pipe will need to be installed, repaired, and replaced. With many different sizes and configurations available, many different lifting solutions can be utilized, including supporting slings, excavation equipment, and c-hook style lifters.
How it works: The c-hook style pipe lifter is specifically designed to handle horizontal concrete pipes and aid in the proper installation in the trench. A multi-position lifting bail allows the user to balance the pipe quickly, regardless of the length. It also allows the lifter to be carried level when empty, preventing unexpected swinging of the lifter when moving from one pipe section to the next.
Why this is a benefit to the operator: A c-hook style pipe lifter is a solution for one person on the ground and one person in the excavator. Instead of the time-consuming rigging of choker slings, the person on the ground simply inserts the end of the c-hook into the pipe. The excavator operator takes over—lifting, positioning, and setting the pipe.
A replaceable urethane pad, protected by a steel bumper, grips the concrete pipe. Even under severe conditions, this helps insure the pipe stays on the lifter during the lift. The plate on the inside back arm allows the operator to drive the pipe into position, locking it into the bell of the pipe in the ground. Once the pipe is set, the operator removes the c-hook pipe lifter and is ready to start the process over again. This increases efficiency on the jobsite and helps you get the project completed on time.
IN CONCLUSION
These are just two examples of a specific style of lifting devices for a specific application. Contractors today are faced with these and other challenges every minute of every workday. Utilize the expertise of experienced lifting solutions providers to take the load of lifting off your mind. ■
About the Author: Theresa Dittbenner has 27 years of experience in material handling and is the director of marketing at The Caldwell Group, Inc, in Rockford, Illinois. For more information on Caldwell, call 800.628.4263, visit www.caldwellinc.com, or connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube.
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Modern Contractor Solutions, September 2015
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