Construction Worksite: Guidelines for a Successful Lifting and Material-Handling Operation
If you are preparing for a construction project, you must plan for your lifting operations in the worksite. In the past, the building materials required for construction were handled manually by the workers. This process of moving heavy items was hazardous and caused countless injuries and even fatalities. Over time, the industrial sector has advanced. There are numerous machines designed to ensure that lifting processes are efficient and safe. However, this does not guarantee success for your operations. If you are not cautious and diligent, your worksite could still experience material-handling accidents and inefficiencies. Here are some guidelines to help you promote ideal results for your lifting operation.
Choose the Right Lifting Equipment
One of the common causes of lifting inefficiencies and accidents in a construction worksite is the poor choice of equipment. For instance, some companies and individuals will select a crane which cannot handle the maximum weight of the building materials. This unfavourable practice increases the risk of incidents involving equipment destabilisation and material falls. Also, if the equipment is too small, it will slow down the lifting operations. Therefore, you should evaluate all your viable lifting machine options before choosing the right one for purchase or rental. Consider the maximum weight capacity, highest horizontal and vertical reach and the mobility of the equipment before selection.
Consider Positioning and Installation
The positioning and installation of the lifting setup will determine the success of your operation. In simple terms, even if you choose the right equipment for your project, the efficiency and safety in your construction worksite could still be compromised by poor placement. In ideal circumstances, you should examine the site and identify the potential hazards and general problems. For example, poor terrain and topography, overhead power lines and neighbouring buildings can interfere with your cranes and hoists. Therefore, you should find the best installation position which avoids these obstacles. Also, if your lifting equipment is mobile like a truck-mounted crane, you should map out a path to minimise inefficiencies and accidents.
Supervise the Operation
Supervision is essential during lifting operations. In general, the level of supervision should be provided in proportion to the projected risks. It must also take into account the experience and competencies of the workers involved in handling the equipment and materials. Ideally, you should provide safety training prior to the commencement of the project and provide detailed plans of the worksite. Also, you must encourage daily inspection of the machinery and prompt reporting of incidents and anomalies in the worksite.
