Page 81 - Alex Ruscuklic - Complete Works

Specialised lifting equipment
The principles covered in the sling and accessories section of this guide apply to specialised lifting equipment. This section only covers additional requirements.
Magnets, vacuum and friction lifting attachments are often referred to as non-positive lifting attachments. Exclusion zones need to be set up to protect people from falling loads. Specialised training and work procedures are critical to minimise the risks associated with this type of equipment.
Workplaces often modify and use homemade lifting equipment. It is essential that this equipment be designed and tested so as to ensure safety.
See: Appendix E – example of procedures for custom and homemade accessories.
Magnetic, vacuum and friction
Unacceptable Work Practice
Selection
• Magnetic, vacuum and friction lifting attachments are selected with an adequate design factor to its rated capacity, taking into account:
– size of load
– shape of load, and
– mass of load.
Inspection
• Testing is not conducted daily to ensure:
– back-up batteries are charged and working
– warning devices are working to indicate power and battery failure, and
– power, battery and control interlocking devices are working.
Inspection
• Critical testing is conducted daily to ensure:
– back up batteries are charged and working
– warning devices are working to indicate power and battery failure, and
– power, battery and control interlocking devices are working.
Risk Control Solutions
General
• Controls in use do not prevent accidental release of load.
General
• Controls have a guard or supplementary push button to prevent accidental release of load.
• Lifting is conducted in exclusion zones.
• Warnings are fitted to indicate:
– batteries are in use
– batteries are low on power, and
– magnet not operating at full power.
WorkSafe Victoria Handbook / Working safely with bridge and gantry cranes 17
1. Equipment