Risk assessments lifting operations

Figure 4.16 shows an example of risk assessment by means of a multiparamet-ric method (ten identifiers) for the lifting machine operational staff—a travelling crane operator. 

Risk assessment related to a profession, that is, to activities performed by operational staff for a certain technical equipment within a complex material flow, for example, crane operator, or assessment related to performing the precisely defined activities within a material flow, for example, a lifting machine s maintenance person, is based on the assnmption that the job is performed constantly and repeatedly and is connected to a single defined workplace (a cabin of a crane) or is performed at a variety of workplaces with an approximately same job description (a maintenance person performs similar activities on various types of cranes). 

Trucks should be maintained so as to prevent failure of vital parts, including brakes, steering and lifting components. Special facilities may be required for some tasks, such as mast replacement. Specific risk assessment should be made, which will take into account local conditions and availability of appropriate equipment. Any damage should be reported and corrected immediately. Overhead protective guards must be fitted for the protection of the operator. Trucks and their attachments should only be operated in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. 

Fork-lift trucks (which have vertical masts which give effective protection to seated operators, or which have full roll-over protection (ROPS) fitted) carrying an employee are to be adapted or equipped to reduce to as low as is reasonably practicable the risk to safety from over-turning (Regulation 27). This means that restraint systems must be provided, following a risk assessment and if they can be fitted, to fork-lift trucks with a mast or a ROPS. 

The LOLER strategy is based on the requirement within the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 for a risk assessment to identify the nature and level of risks associated with a proposed lifting operation. The factors to be considered in the LOLER assessment process are the ... 

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