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Toolbox talk · United Kingdom

Crane and Lifting Safety Toolbox Talk

When a lift goes wrong, a load of several tonnes can drop or swing with no warning. Lifting accidents are usually caused by poor planning, damaged gear, bad ground or people standing where they should not. Every lift needs a plan, even the quick ones.

Takes about 5 minutes.

Key points to read out

  1. Every lift needs a plan: weight of the load, crane capacity at that radius, rigging, ground conditions and exclusion zone.
  2. Lifts must be planned by an appointed person and run by a qualified operator and slinger signaller.
  3. Inspect lifting gear before every lift. Lifting accessories need a thorough examination at least every 6 months under LOLER.
  4. Never stand or walk under a suspended load.
  5. Use tag lines to control the load. Never use your hands on a moving load.
  6. Set up and keep an exclusion zone around the lift area.
  7. Only one person gives signals to the operator. Anyone can call an emergency stop.
  8. Check outrigger pads, ground conditions and nearby trenches before setting up.
  9. Stop lifting when the wind is over the manufacturer's limit, and watch for overhead power lines.

Questions to ask the crew

  1. Who is the signaller for today's lifts?
  2. When was the lifting gear we are using last inspected?
  3. Where is the exclusion zone for the lift?
  4. What wind speed would make us stop lifting?

Reference: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

Get it signed

Run this talk in the app. The crew signs on your phone and you get a dated attendance record as a PDF.

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