What are the potential hazards associated with the use of forklift trucks?
- Overturning, caused by driving too fast or hitting an obstruction, poor vehicle condition, incorrectly balanced load
- Overloading, exceeding the capacity of the vehicle
- Collisions with people or other equipment such as warehouse racking
- Uneven road or floor surface
- Overhead obstructions
- Poor vision around the load
- Battery charging, possibility of explosion and fire
What are the risk factors associated with Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD’s)?
- Repetition
- Working posture
- Force
- Duration of exposure
- Environment
What are the principle hazards associated with cranes and lifting operations?
- Overturning - caused by uneven or unstable ground, outriggers not extended, severe weather
- Overloading - by exceeding the operating capacity of the crane
- Collision - with other cranes, vehicles, or structures
- Contact with overhead power lines
- Failure of a load bearing part - such as wire, jib
- Loss of load - poor slinging procedure
- Poor visibility - drive unable to see the load
- Poor installation - tower cranes improperly erected
What are the common types of injury associated with manual handling?
- External (cuts, abrasions, crush, lacerations).
- Internal (hernias, sprains, strains, muscle tears).
- Cumulative back injuries (slipped disc).
What are common lifting aids that are used to reduce the risk associated with manual handling activities?
- Fork lift trucks
- Pallet trucks
- Sack trucks
- Wheelbarrows
- Cranes and hoists
- Vacuum lifters
What is the musculoskeletal system?
The musculoskeletal system provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body. It is made up of the bones of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together.
What are the four things to consider when undertaking a manual handling risk assessment?
- Task
- Individual
- Load
- Environment
Control measures for the safe use of cranes include ensuring that:
- The crane is free from defect and has any relevant certification
- The crane is sited (or erected) on firm, level ground
- The load to be lifted is within the crane capacity
- Safe load indicators are fitted as appropriate and are in working order
- The load is securely attached to the crane
- The crane when lifting, or slewing, is clear of nearby obstructions (including overhead powerlines)
- The crane driver has good visibility (if not, a banksman will be required)
- The crane driver is competent
What are the factors to consider when planning a lifting operation?
- The load to be lifted
- Its weight, shape, centre of gravity, availability of lifting points
- Where the load is presently positioned and where it will be positioned after the lifting operation
- How often the lifting equipment will be used to carry out the task
- The environment in which the lifting equipment will be used
- The personnel available and their knowledge, training, and experience
Identify the types of crane that are often associated with construction activities.
- Tower crane
* Mobile crane
What are the practical control measures for reducing WRULD risks?
- Reduce repetition
- Optimise posture
- Reduce force
- Reduce duration
- Comfortable environment
- Selection of tools
What are the three areas that need to be considered in order to minimise the risk from poorly designed tasks and workstations?
- Task
- Environment
- Individuals
What are the statutory requirements (LOLER 1998) in the UK for examination of cranes and lifting equipment?
- Every 6 months if used for lifting people
* Every 12 months if used for lifting goods
Give some examples of repetitive construction activities that can cause MSDs and WRULDs.
- Kerb laying
- Brick laying
- Plasterboard fixing
- Erecting and dismantling scaffolding
- Use of display screen equipment
