MagHansen

E4.02F1Safe Working Practice Renaissance

Task/
Activity / The Use of the VacuumLifter / SWP No
Plant, Tools and Equipment
1- Vacuum Sucker, tested and certificated within last 6 months
2- Lifting straps, inspected
3- Hoist, tested and certificated within last 6 months
4 - Lifting Beam, tested and certificated within last 6 months
5 - Hard Hat
6- High Visibility Jacket / Vest
7 - Safety Boots
Manpower / Pre-Requisite Training or Certification
1 / 1-Trained and Competent Operators
2 / 2
3 / 3
4 / 4
5 / 5
6 / 6

Supervision Required (name)

Additional Information
Risk Assessment, Ref No
Manual Handling, Ref No
COSHH, Ref No
Methodology
  • Ensure that all equipment (Vacuum Sucker, lifting beam, lifting straps and Hoist) are within safe working loadlimit and that they are all compatible.
Beam - SWL > Hoist weight+ Sucker weight + Straps / Chains weight+ Load weight
Hoist - SWLSucker weight+ Straps / Chains weight+ Load weight
  • Ensure all operators are trained

  • Complete the pre-use checklist before the sucker is used.

  • Create an exclusion zone to ensure that no persons can access any point directly below the lift. Plan the lift so the load will not travel over other personnel.

  • Ensure that no other personnel are working above the lifting area.

  • Ensure that the load has a sufficient gap in which to manoeuvre (minimum gap = sucker 300mm + Load width + 200mm clearance, 100mm either side)

  • Ensure that on obstructions are in the travel path of the load, cable and / crane arm i.e. scaffolding, over head cables, other structures.

  • Load the Vacuum sucker on to the lifting equipment (See Manual Handling Assessment).

  • Carry the load over to the Vacuum sucker. (See Manual Handling Assessment for the load).

E4.02F1 Safe Working Practice

Task/
Activity / The use of the Vacuum sucker
Methodology
  • Inspect the load to ensure that it if not damaged or faulty.

  • Ensure that the wind levels are low enough to carry out the lift, Beaufort Scale 3 = Wind speed 29Kmh.
As a rough guide - the wind will move leaves and small twigs and flags will blow out.
However if there are any concerns about the wind speed DO NOTLIFT.
  • Ensure that the load is dry before attaching the Vacuum Lifter.

  • Ensure that the pads are clean before attaching.

  • Position the Vacuum Sucker within 40mm of the centre of gravity for the load,
Manufacturers recommend the outer pad is no further than 500mm from the edge of the
load.
  • Activate the Vacuum, ensure that the vacuum is achieved and the pump has turned off
before attempting a lift
  • Raise the load 50mm off the ground and wait for 30 seconds ensure that vacuum is stable before lifting continues.

  • If the vacuum sucker is to be lifted using a tower or mobile crane, the lifting operation must
be under the control of a qualified banksman / slinger (clearly identifiable in an orange high
visibility jacket)
  • 18 – Observe the load at all times, guiding it through any areas where there is a risk of the load colliding with any structure.

  • Ensure the load is fully supported before the vacuum is released.

Issue: 1

Issue Date: October 2002

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