Lawrence General signals (page

220 - 222) 12.6 Requirements

for the statutory examination of
lifting equipment (page 222)
 General Signals
Meaning Description illustration

START Both arms are extended

Attention horizontally with the palms
Start of facing forwards
Commands
STOP the right arms point upwards
Interruption with the palm facing forwards
End of
Movement

End Both hands are clasped at

Of the chest height
operation
 VERTICAL MOVEMENTS

RAISE the right arm points upwards

with the palm facing forwards
and slowly makes a circle
LOWER the right arm points
downwards with the palm
facing inwards and slowly
makes a circle

VERICAL the hands indicate the

DISTANCE relevant distance

Figure 12.13 Minimum requirements for hands signals

 HORIZONTAL MOVEMENTS

MOVE both are bent with the

FORWARDS palms facing upwards, and
the forearms make slow
movements forwards the body

MOVE both arms are bent with the

BACKWARDS palms facing downwards, and
the forearms make slow
movements away from the
body
RIGHT the right arms is extended
To the more or less horizontally
Signalman’s with the palm facing
downwards and slowly makes
small movements to the right.
LEFT the left arm is extended more
To the or less horizontally with the
Signalman’s palm facing downwards and
slowly makes small
movements to the left
HORIZONTAL the hands indicate the
DISTANCE Relevant distance
 DANGER

DANGER both arms point upwards with

emergency stop the palms facing forwards.

QUICK all movements faster

SLOW all movements slower

Figure 12.13 Continued

Finally, if a crane is hired to lift a load, the following items should
be undertaken before the lift takes place:
- The suitability of the crane, in particular its load carrying
capacity
- The validity of its documentation relating to inspection (test
certificate) and maintenance
- An assessment of the area where the lifting is to take place
including the ground conditions and the proximity of overhead
power lines
- The competence of the driver, slinger and banksman
- The co-ordination of the lifting operation
- Consultation with other affected by the work.

Following a spate of recent accident involving cranes, an industry

forum has been set up to influence health and safety throughout
the construction industry. It recommends that site-specific
inductions are given to everyone involved with tower crane
erection, operation and dismantling with the emphasis on suitable
risk assessment.
 A lift or hoist incorporates a platform or cage and is
restricted in its movements by guides. Hoist are generally used in
industrial lifts setting (e.g construction sites and garages).
Wherease lifts are normally used inside buildings
 Other Items of lifting tackle, usually used with cranes,
include chain slings, eyebolts and shackles. Special care should
be taken when slings are used to ensure that the load is properly
secured and balanced.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STATUTORY EXAMINATION OF
LIFTING EQUIPMENT

The LOLER 1998 specify examinations required for lifting

equipment by using two terms.

An Inspection is used to identify whether the equipment

can be operated, adjusted and maintained safety so that any
defect, damage or wear can be detected before it result in
unacceptable risks.
An Thorough examination is a detailed examination,
which may involve a visual check, a disassembly and testing of
components and/or an equipment test under operating
conditions.
 a thorough examination of lifting equipment should be
undertaken at the following times:
- Before the equipment is used for the first time
- After it has been assembled at a new location
- At least every 6 months for equipment for lifting persons or a
lifting accessory
- At least every 12 months for all other lifting equipment including
the lifting of loads over people
- In accordance with a particular examination scheme drawn up
by an independent competent person.
- Each time that exceptional circumstances, which are likely to
jeopardize the safety of the lifting equipment, have occurred(
such as severe weather).
• The person making the thorough examination of lifting
equipment must:
- Notify the employer forthwith of any defect which, in their
opinion, is or could become dangerous
- As soon as practicable(within 28 days) write an authenticated
report to the employer and any person who leased or hired the
equipment.

The Regulations specify the information that should be included

in the report.
The initial report should be kept for as long as the lifting
equipment is used ( except for a lifting accessory which need
only be kept for 2 years).
 The equipment should be inspected at suitable intervals
between thorough examinations. The frequency and the extent of
the inspection are determined by the level of risk presented by
lifting equipment.