Lifting equipment safety: 10 rules for accident prevention

Many industrial and construction tasks require lifting equipment, such as hoists, chains, slings, and cranes. However, using this lifting equipment incorrectly can also result in hazardous mishaps. To help keep yourself and co-workers safe on the job, here are 10 important rules for lifting equipment safety, as recommended by reputed lifting equipment suppliers in Saudi Arabia.

1. Careful inspection before use

Always inspect lifting equipment thoroughly before each use. Check for signs of wear and tear, cracks, deformation, or other damage that could compromise the integrity of the equipment. The operators must ensure their lifting gear meets all applicable safety standards through rigorous testing and certification processes.

 

2. Know the proper weight load for your equipment

Always stay within the rated load capacity of lifting equipment and be aware of its weight limitations. Verify that the load to be lifted is distributed evenly and that the equipment you intend to use is appropriate for its weight and shape. It is also necessary to ensure that the equipment is suitable for its intended use, sturdy enough, and stable.

 

3. Utilize high-quality monitoring systems

The lifting and handling equipment’s overload protection and monitoring systems ensure that operations are being monitored and help to avoid needless accidents caused by mishandling the equipment. For the tasks you need to complete, you must have the best monitoring and overload protection systems, and they must match your equipment.

 

4. Be careful of overhead loads

Keep the lifting area uncluttered and watch out for any overhead hazards that could snag a suspended load. A dropped load from even a short height can cause serious injuries. Communicate hazards clearly with signs and barricades if needed.

 

5. Beware of suspended loads

Never stand or walk under a suspended load. Loads may shift or equipment could fail, so always ensure no one is in the fall zone if a lift goes wrong. To make sure you are safe and can manage the situation in the event of an error, equipment failure, or other issues, you must always keep a safe distance from the load you are moving.

 

6. Proper securing of loads

Secure loads properly before commencing any lift or travel. Use certified slings, shackles, and other rigging devices of ample strength to stabilize the load so nothing shifts during lifting operations. Improperly rigged loads risk dropping accidents.

 

7. Regular equipment inspection

Inspect cranes, hoists, and related lifting machinery daily and perform periodic safety checks as recommended by manufacturers. They will handle all required maintenance and testing to keep systems in reliable working order.

 

8. Proper training & certification

Train all operators thoroughly in proper lifting procedures and emergency safety protocols. Only qualified, licensed personnel should operate complex lifting machinery like mobile cranes. To ensure that your team can work safely, effectively, and efficiently, training is a continuous process.

 

9.Proper communication

Communicate lifting plans clearly with spotters and all workers in proximity. Hand signals and radio communication help coordinate lifts safely.

10.Know when to stop

In stormy weather, high winds, or other hazardous conditions, cease all lifting operations until it is safe to resume work. Severe weather increases the risks of unstable loads or equipment failures.

 

Following these basic rules of lifting equipment safety can help prevent accidents and injuries on your worksite. Prioritizing safety with proper inspection, maintenance, and operator training also protects your investment in this important job site equipment over the long run. Saudi Dutest, one of the renowned lifting equipment suppliers in Saudi Arabia ensures your gear meets standards!

Categorised in: lifting equipment supplier in Saudi Arabia

This post was written by Admin