Lifting Guide 2019/20

LIFTING Guide 2019/20

Also publishers of “Bulk Handling Today”

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LIFTING Guide 2019/20

Also publishers of “Bulk Handling Today”

LIFTING Guide 2019/20

T&C apply

On the cover: Goscor Lift Truck Company 0861 GOSCOR (467 267) www.goscorlifttrucks.co.za Proprietor and Publisher: PROMECH PUBLISHING Tel: (011) 781-1401 Fax: (011) 781-1403 bulkhandling@promech.co.za www.bulkhandlingtoday.co.za Managing Editor: Susan Custers Advertising Sales: Louise Cresswell DTP: Sanette Badenhorst Disclaimer Neither PROMECH Publishing nor its endorsing bodies will be held responsible for any errors or omissions in this publication and no responsibility will be borne by the publisher for the consequences of any actions based on information so published by Promech Publishing cc.

Printed by: Typo Colour Printing Tel: (011) 402-3468

Copyright All material published in this guide is copyrighted to Promech Publishing . No part of the material may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced or stored electronically without prior written permission.

How to use this guide This is the seventh issue of the Guide which is intended to provide the enduser with an overview of the Lifting Industry as a whole. The information is categorised so that readers can find their way Susan Custers through the various equipment and machinery with ease.

Each item or product is accompanied by a short description and an illustration for easy reference.

Having published the monthly magazine “Bulk Handling Today” for many years, we have a very good idea of who’s who in the industry. As such, this Lifting Guide provides readers with a ‘snapshot’ of the lifting fraternity.

Promech Publishing continues to be proud of this Guide and we intend to grow it in the years to come, so any suggestions for improvements from readers and end-users would be more than welcome.

Keep this guide in your desk drawer – it’s going to be of invaluable help as you grow your business. Or check out www.bulkhandlingtoday.co.za where you’ll find this guide and our monthly magazine “Bulk Handling Today” in full on our website.

Happy and fruitful reading!

Warmest Regards, Susan Custers Publisher

BULK

HAND HAN HANDLING DLING

T O D A Y

BesT IN THe BusINess

“Bulk Handling Today” is the only publication endorsed by: • SA Institution of Mechanical Engineering • SA Institute of Materials Handling • Conveyor Manufacturers Association • The magazine is also endorsed by the Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of SA. As such, “Bulk Handling Today” has the most comprehensive and bona fide readership in the industry.

TT OO DD AA YY August 2016

BULK BULK

HANDLING HANDLING Endorsed by: CMA l LEEASA l SAIMechE l SAIMH

Endorsed by: CMA l LEEASA l SAIMechE l SAIMH June 2019

New V-Type Cranes...

Less is More

LUBRICATION AND WIRE ROPES DEVELOPING AFRICA WITH TRAINS

TRADING IN AFRICA

ACCURATE LASER MEASUREMENTS

www.bulkhandlingtoday.co.za www.promech.co.za

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Lifting Guide

2019/20

1

Contents

1 4 4 6

13 14 16 19

How to use this Guide About LEEASA LEEASA Corporate Members Legal Eye Occupational Health And Safety Act, Act 85 Of 1993 - Guidelines For Driven Machinery Regulations, 2015 Applying to be a LMI Registration Clarity LMEs approved — Dept of Labour Guide to Lifting Tackle Inspection

22 LIFTING TACKLE 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 23 24 24

Alloy chain slings Balanced fork attachment Clamps or wire rope clips Hooks: Eye type and clevis type Mechanical coupling links Plate grabs Shackles Snatch blocks Steel wire rope (SWR) slings Spreader beams Webbing slings

24 LIFTING RECEPTICALS 24 24 24 24

Lifting bins, buckets Lifting tray Man-cage Palletised water container

25 Considerations and Technical Notes on the Use of Runway Beams and Load Tests 28 UNDER THE HOOK MACHINES 28 28 28 28 28 28 29 29

Bar tong Coil grabs Container handling spreader beams Lifting beams Lifting points or lifting rings Vacuum lifters Magnetic hooks Spreader beams

29 Crane Hook, Hoist Hook and Lifting Sling Hook Requirements 32 Safety in the Workplace 35 CHAIN BLOCKS & LEVER HOISTS 35 35 35

Chain blocks Lever hoists Steel wire rope pullers

36 Good Practice Note - Institute of Work at Height 38 LIFT TRUCKS 38 38 38 38 38 38 39 39 39

Counter balance Large lift trucks Order picking lift trucks including all models Pallet trucks Pedestrian controlled lift trucks Truck-mounted forklift Reach trucks Side loaders Tele handlers

39 TAIL LIFTS 39 MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) 39

Boom type

40 40

Scissor lifts Specially insulated aerial platforms

40 SAE (Suspended Access Platforms) 40 40

Building maintenance unit Temporary suspended platforms

40 Industrial Lifting Devices Jacks 41 10 Tips for Better Mobile Crane Operations 42 Crane Selection 44 Guidance for Crane Users and Customers 45 MOBILE CRANES 45 45 45 45 45 45 46 46 46 46 46 46

Aerial cranes All terrain cranes Carry deck cranes Crawler lattice boom cranes Fixed or truck mounted - loader crane, knuckle boom cranes Lattice boom cranes on tyre wheeled carriers Mini crawler crane Mobile harbour cranes Pick and carry cranes Rough terrain and/or centre mount cranes Stacker crane Truck mounted cranes

47 Operator Training - A Legal Requirement 49 CONTAINER HANDLING CRANES 49 49 49 49 49 49

Containers Reach stacker RTG (Rubber Tyre Gantry) Ship-to-shore crane Straddle carriers Truck mounted side loading container carriers

50 OVERHEAD, GANTRY & PORTAL CRANES 50 50 50 50 50 51

Free standing and/or permanently attached jib cranes Gantry cranes Goliath cranes Overhead cranes Rail mounted cranes V-type crane girder

51 51 52 53

WHARFSIDE CRANES SHIPS CRANES TOWER CRANES SPECIALISED CRANES

54 55 56 57 58 59 60

Lifting Equipment Hire THE RIGGER’S ROLE RIGGING SAFETY GEAR RIGGING EQUIPMENT TOOLS EVERY RIGGER NEEDS RESCUE RIGGING RIGGING INSPECTOR TRAINING

60

Testing

53 53 53 53 53 53 53

Balance cranes Floating cranes Production loader / Scrap metal crane / Cycling cranes Railway cranes Side cranes Sugar cane loading cranes Timber / Forestry crane

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3

LEEASA Corporate Members The Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa (LEEASA) was formed in 2003 due to the fact that the lifting industry, which is inherently dangerous, could fall into disrepute if not well run and regulated.

The engineering teams providing these service should be well trained to the correct standards and be ethical and responsible for their actions.  Ace Hydraulic Services

 DSR Mining & Industrial

Tel: 011 902 4308 acehydraulics@absamail.co.za

Tel: 013 690 2556 dsrmining@mweb.co.za

Tel: 067 22 2672 wayne@gatewaynam.com

 African LME

 D and S Lifting

 Gauteng Rigging Services

Tel: 058826135660 isidro.fernandoyahoo.co.uk

Tel: 035 751 1540 info@dands.co.za

Tel: 016 986-0862 frans@gautengrigging.co.za

 AJM Engineering Services

 Echo Crane & Steel

Tel: 011 453 0728 ws@ajmengineering.co.za

Tel: 013 741 4617 kobusvt@iafrica.com

 Global Lifting Machinery Inspector Company

 All in One Crane Repairs

 Electro Mechanical

Tel: 011 827-7396 pshamrock@allin1cranes.co.za

Tel: 041 922 4579 jacqui@electromechanical.co.za

 Anchor Industries

 Elephant Lifting Equipment

Tel: 021 531 0525 david@anchors.co.za

Tel: 012 661-6105 grant@elephantlifting.co.za

 ATS 2000

 Engineering Supplies

Tel: 011 887 2605 glenr@ats2000.co.za

Tel: 082 699 2361 hans@coopergroup.co.za

Tel: 011 740 9725 donovan@hpcranes.co.za

 Babcock Plant Services

 EnerMech Engineering Services

 Hydralift

Tel: 010 001 0730 sue.troskie@babcock.co.za

Tel: 010 286 1800 africa.sales@enermech.com

 Bellambie Mining &

 Ergon Engineering

Industrial

Tel: 011 617 6300 tania.henderson@za.becker-mining.com

 Blue Dot Lifting Load Brake &

ND Testing

Tel: 010 001 0730 sue.troskie@babcock.co.za

 CB Lifting Equipment Tel: 082 854 0095 brian@cblifting.co.za

 Carl Stahl South Africa Tel.: 041 372 1110 carlstahl@carlstahl.com

 Concor Plant Tel.: 011 249 7800 plant4sale@concor.co.za

 Cranelec CC

 Dibama Supplies CC Tel: 016 933 6926/7 dibama@telkomsa.net

Lifting Guide

 Etis Mvelaphanda Engineering Tel: 013 656 0731 carlos@etis.co.za

 Experior Lifting Tel: 011 913 3956 gary.texeira25@gmail.com

 Heavy Duty Lifting

Tel: 071 330 0827 shane@heavydutylifting.co.za

 Heron Engineering & Foundry Tel: 083 457 6945 toni@heronengineering.co.za

 HP Cranes Consulting

Tel: 021 511-4131 joe@hydralift.co.za

 Hydrenco

Tel: 021 949-0517 leroy@hydrenco.com

 Ideal Lifting

Tel: 011 894 1338 brandon@ideallifting.co.za

 J & C Lifting Equipment Tel: 079 671 7568 stompiec@ymail.com

 J. Express Crane Services Tel: 011 864 8402 jexpress@telkomsa.net

Tel: 014 596 6535 andrew@fbmining.co.za

 Kelran

Equipment

 FB Crane Builders & Repairs Tel: 011 902 3271 timothy@fbcranes.co.za

 Feat Industrial Forgings SA

 G. Twaddle & H. Engelbrecht Tel: 011 626 2936 graham@wirerope.co.za

2019/20

Tel: 016 971-2860 kobus@globallifting.co.za

 F.B. Mining & Lifting

Tel: 011 394-7400 guido@hotforge.co.za

Tel.: 031 205 7014 cranelec@mweb.co.za

4

Tel: 011 827-0333 vincent@ergoneng.co.za

 Gateway Industries

Tel: 013 656-2925 kelran@mweb.co.za

 LMI Academy

Tel: 011 475 5876 ken@lmi-academy.co.za

 Merfco Lifting

Tel: 012 543-9810 anelda@merfco.co.za

 Morris Material Handling Tel: 011 748 1000 djones@morris.co.za

 Mpumalanga Lifting Tel: 013 692 3476 office@mplifting.co.za

 Newcastle Hoists & Eng Services Tel: 034 315-5926 nchoists@newcastle.co.za

 Searle Hoist & Tool Tel: 011 882 2000 rjd.esjhb@mweb.co.za

 Smith Capital Equipment Tel: 011 873-9830 mail@smithcapital.co.za

 North Coast Cranes & Lifting

 Special Industrial Supplies

Tel: 035 751 1867 nccranes@telkomsa.net

Tel: 011 792 5226 michael@liftlash.co.za

 Palfinger Southern Africa

 SQS Rigging Services

Tel: 011 608-3670 tmota@palfingerafrica.co.za

Tel: 035 751 2486 admin@sqsrigging.co.za

 Premier Loadtesting and Services

 Tech- North

Tel: 014 940 0123 lillian.dreyer@premierload.co.za

 Quality Lifting & Engineering

Supplies

Tel: 011 914 3947 michael@qualitylifting.co.za

 Renvest T/a Cross Rigging

Services

Tel: 014 592-3680 technorth@telkomsa.net

 Titan Equipment 011 813-4528/9 lappies@titanequip.co.za

 Toco Lifting Tel: 086 111 8626 shelly@toco.co.za

Tel: 016 423 2069 renvest@webmail.co.za

 Toprope

 Renttech South Africa

Tel: 021 510-2828 daniel@absailers.co.za

Tel: 011 824 0410 info@renttechsa.co.za

 RFC Lifting Equipment Tel: 011 425 6977 robbie@rfclifting.co.za

 RGM Cranes

 Torleendee

 Umbogintwini Riggers & LM Inspectors

Tel: 011 422 3690 alex@rgm.co.za

 RGM Rustenburg

 Umholi Steel Wire Rope & Accessories

 Rhino Lifting Maintenance

 Universal Suppliers and Expiditors

 Ridge Steel T/a Gem Steel

Tel: 013 656 1567 mclaase@netactive.co.za

 Riggers Steeplejacks Tel: 011 902 3470 jaco@rsj.co.za

 Rigger Training Academy Tel: 031 817 5333 info@riggertraining.co.za

 SA Cranes and Hoists Tel: 011 827 3688 schalk@sacranes.co.za

 Scaw SA

Tel: 011 842 9000 info@scaw.co.za

Right Job

Right Time

Right Way

Distribution and Product Support by:

Tel: 011 914 2210 roland@umholi.co.za

Tel: 016 971 2348 charles@rhinolm.co.za Tel: 031 782 1926 mark@gemsteel.co.za

ELB Promise

Tel: 012 661 7287 avbotha@telkomsa.net

Tel: 031 904 1778 umbogrig@mweb.co.za

Tel: 082 930 7149 info@rgm.co.za

No Contest

 V & S Automation Tel: 011 421 0901 victor@vs-automation.co.za

 Welgro Engineering Tel: 013 246 1561 kyle@welgro.co.za

 WH Lifting and Handling Tel: 011 315-0227 dagmar@whmachinetools.co.za

 Yale Lifting Solutions Tel: 011 794 2910 ashley@yalelift.co.za

www.elbequipment.co.za

+27 (0)11 306 0700 elb@elbquip.co.za

Branches and Dealers throughout South Africa and Southern Africa

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5

Legal Eye Industry is still getting used to the new Driven Machinery Regulations that came into effect in 2015.

T

he new regulations, which are binding in terms of the Occupational Health Ken Greenwood and Safety Act, No85 of 1993, have resulted in some confusion in industry, says Ken Greenwood, Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of SA (LEEASA).

The new regulations have incorporated some new content while some of the original legislation has been adjusted, says Ken. It has also incorporated a schedule of safety standards as well as a national code of practice for the training providers of lifting machine operators.

“New guidelines (published 31 March 2017) have gone some way to clarify certain aspects, however, readers should be mindful that these are guidelines only, and should not be interpreted as law. Therefore please note that the law still stands.”

Definitions

Several definitions have been added such as for block and tackle, competent person, hand-powered lifting device, load-path, safe working load and training providers.

Anti-repeat device and goods-hoist are two definitions that have been removed while the definition of capstan hoist and lifting machine entity among others have been added.

Ken advises that the scope of the regulations have also been adjusted slightly. While the new regulations have now been in effect since 30 September 2015, Ken predicts that some amendments will still be made in the near future but, he points out, the ultimate decision rests with government.

Clauses 18.2 and 18.9

Industry is currently negotiating two clauses in particular with government – 18.2 and 18.9. In Clause 18.2 it states that the user shall ensure that every power-driven lifting machine is fitted with a brake or other device capable of holding the safe working load should the power supply or lifting effort fail, the load attachment point of the power-driven lifting machine reach its highest and lowest safe position; or the load condition be greater than the rated load condition of that machine.

Clause 18.9: (9) No user shall use or permit any person to use any power-driven lifting machine unless it is provided with (a) in the case of a power-driven lifting machine with a lifting capacity of greater than 5 000kg, a load indicator capable of indicating to the operator of the machine the mass of the load being lifted: Provided that such device shall not require manual adjustment, from the application of the load to the power-driven lifting machine until the release of that load, using any motion or combination of motions permitted by the crane manufacturer to ensure safe lifting; and /or (b) a load-limiting device that will automatically arrest the driving effort whenever the load being lifted is greater than the safe working load of the power-driven lifting machine at that particular radius, using any motion or combination of motions permitted by the crane manufacturer to ensure safe lifting.

“The law as it stands will not work in practice and some of the guidelines need reworking. We believe it needs to go back to the drawing board,” Ken concludes.

Ken Greenwood, LEEASA, Tel: (011) 475-5876, info@lmi-academy.co.za

6

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Occupational Health And Safety Act, Act 85 Of 1993 Guidelines For Driven Machinery Regulations, 2015

Please note there have been a number of changes to the regulations published in the government gazette of 31 March 2017 (http://www.gov.za/sites/www.gov.za/ files/40734_rg10703_gon-288.pdf) This document consists of explanatory notes on the implications and application of the more important regulations concerning Driven Machinery Regulations. The notes are meant to help and guide suppliers, contractors, service providers, competent persons and users of driven machinery.

Definitions 1.

In these Regulations, “the Act” means the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993), and any word or expression to which a meaning has been as signed in the Act shall have the meaning so assigned, and, unless the context otherwise indicates — “block and tackle” means a lifting device consisting of one or more pulley blocks reeved with fibre ropes, used solely for the raising and lowering of a load or for moving it horizontally, but does not include chain blocks, lever hoists or steel- wire rope pullers; Notes: (a) It should be there for clarity to identify the difference between block and tackle, chain hoist and lever hoist because chain blocks and lever hoist were regarded as block and tackle in the old regulation. “capstan-type hoist” means a rotating machine used to control or to apply force to move or raise loads by traction on a rope or cable; Notes: (a) This machine is used generally in fishing industry, harbours as well as pull rolling stock (railway vehicles). “competent person” means a person who has the knowledge, training, experience and qualifications specific to the work performed: provided that where appropriate qualifications and training are registered in terms of the provisions of the South African Qualifications Authority Act, 1995, those qualifications and that training shall be deemed to be the required qualifications and training; Notes: (a) None “hand-powered lifting device” means a lifting device consisting of one or more sheave components reeved with chains, steel rope or fibre ropes, used solely for the raising and lowering of a load or for moving it horizontally and includes chain blocks, lever hoists, hand chain hoists, steel-wire rope

pullers and winches, but does not include hand-powered hydraulic lifting devices; Notes: (a) This definition was introduced to differentiate between lifting machine and hand powered lifting device. (b) Hand powered hydraulic lifting devices are amongst others hydraulic jacks. “lifting machine” means a power-driven machine that is designed and constructed for the purpose of raising or lowering a load or moving it in suspension, but does not include an elevator, escalator or hand-powered lifting device; Notes: (a) The definition listed the exclusions.

Power-driven machine means that a machine is powered by any energy source excluding manpower. “lift truck” means a mobile lifting machine, but does not include — (a) a vehicle designed solely for the purpose of lifting or towing another vehicle; (b) a mobile earth-moving machine; or (c) a vehicle designed solely for the removal of a waste bin; Notes: (a) This machine is generally known as forklift. “lifting machinery entity” means a legal entity approved and registered by the chief inspector in terms of regulation 19; Notes: (a) These are commonly known as LME “lifting machinery inspector” means a person who is employed by a Lifting Machinery Entity and who is registered by the Engineering Council of South Africa in terms of the Engineering Profession Act, 2000 (Act No. 46 of 2000); Notes: (a) These are commonly known as LMI and are registered at ECSA on behalf of Department of Labour. “lifting tackle” means chain slings, wire rope slings, woven webbing slings, master links, hooks, shackles and swivels, eye bolts, lifting or spreader beams, tongs, ladles, coil lifters, plate lifting clamps and drum lifting clamps used to attach a load to a lifting machine; Notes: (a) Coil lifters is found at steel industry for lifting hot rolled steel products.

Please note:

Under Definitions, the clause on ‘competent person’ has been amended as follows: “competent person” means a person who (a) has in respect of the work or task to be performed, the required knowledge, training and experience and, where applicable, qualifications, specific to that work or task: Provided that where appropriate qualifications and training are registered in terms of the provisions of the National Qualification Framework Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008), those qualifications and that training must be regarded as the required qualifications and training; and (b) is familiar with the Act and with the applicable regulations made under the Act.

“load path” means all the parts of the lifting machine under stress during the lifting operation; Notes: (a) None “man-cage” means a platform enclosed on all sides, whether closed or open at the top, designed for the purpose of raising and lowering persons by means of a lifting machine, but does not include mobile elevated work platforms and suspended access platforms; Notes: (a) None “point of operation” means that place in a machine where material is positioned and where the actual work is performed; Notes: (a) None “safe working load” means the mass load applicable to a piece of equipment or system as determined by a competent person taking into account the environment and operating conditions; Notes: (a) The rigger must determine the Safe working load based on the condition at the time of lifting. “thorough examination” means examination or inspection to determine whether the equipment is safe to use; Notes: (a) None “training provider” means a training provider for lifting machinery operators approved and registered by the chief inspector in terms of regulation 20; Notes: (a) None “transportation plant” means apparatus used for the transportation of material by means of an elevated conveyance suspended from and travelling along a catenary rope or chain where persons may pass or work below the path of the conveyance, or any such apparatus used for the transportation of persons.

Notes: (a) None

Scope of application 2.

These Regulations shall apply to the design, manufacture, operation, repair, modification, maintenance, inspection, testing and commissioning of driven machinery.

Notes: (a) The aim of this regulation is to ensure the safety of operators, maintenance providers as well as inspection and testing providers operate safely. (b) The aim is to ensure that all driven machineries are safe for use.

Revolving machinery 3.

Unless moving or revolving components of machinery are in such a position or of such construction that they are as safe as they would be if they were securely fenced

Note: Safe working load.

Even if a working load limit is marked on the equipment in question, it is most important that a competent person determines the appropriate safe working load, depending on the application.

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7

or guarded, the user shall cause — (a) every shaft, pulley, wheel, gear, sprocket, coupling, collar, clutch, friction drum or similar object to be securely fenced or guarded; (b) every set screw, key or bolt on revolving shafts, couplings, collars, friction drums, clutches, wheels, pulleys, gears and the like to be countersunk, enclosed or otherwise guarded; (c) every square projecting shaft or spindle end and every other shaft or spindle end that projects for more than a quarter of its diameter to be guarded by a cap or shroud; (d) every driving belt, rope or chain to be guarded; and (e) the underside of every overhead driving belt, rope or chain above passages or workplaces to be so guarded as to prevent a broken belt, rope or chain from falling and so injuring persons: provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply where, in the opinion of an inspector, no danger exists in the case of light belts owing to the nature thereof and the speed of operation.

Notes: (a) None

Lifting machines, hand-powered lifting devices and lifting tackle

18. (1) No user may use or permit the use of a lifting machine or hand- powered lifting device unless — (a) (b)

it has been designed and constructed in accordance with a generally accepted technical standard; it is conspicuously and clearly marked with the safe working load: provided that when such safe working load varies with the conditions of use of the manufacturer, a table showing the safe working load with regard to every variable condition shall be posted by the user in a conspicuous place easily visible to the operator;

Notes: (a) WLL is an international marking that is attached to the machine when it is purchased from the manufacturer (OEM). (b) WLL is part of the design specification. (c) The end user must determine the safe working load (SWL) as per the prevailing conditions. The operator should be able to see the plate as the intention of the sub regulation is for the operator to see. (c) the manufacturer’s identification plate displaying the name of the manufacturer, the design standard, the serial or reference number and the country of origin is affixed to such machine; and Notes: (a) These requirements do not apply to machines that were in use prior to the publication of these regulations. (d) it has at all times at least three full turns of rope on the drum of each winch that forms part of such a machine when such winch has been run to its lowest limit, and that is controlled by an automatic cut-out device: provided that paragraphs (b) and (d) above shall not apply to capstan-type hoists.

Notes: (a) An automatic cut out device is a built in safety device.

(2)

The user shall ensure that every power-driven lifting

8

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machine is fitted with a brake or other device capable of holding the safe working load should – (a) the power supply or lifting effort fail; (b) the load attachment point of the power-driven lifting machine reach its highest and lowest safe position; or (c) the load condition be greater than the rated load condition of that machine.

Notes: (a) This requirement only applies to power driven lifting machines.

(3)

The user shall cause every chain or rope that forms part of the load path of a lifting machine or hand-powered lifting device to have the factor of safety prescribed by the standard to which that machine was manufactured: provided that in the absence of such prescribed factor of safety, chains, steel-wire ropes and fibre ropes shall have a factor of safety of at least four, five and 10, respectively, with regard to the safe working load of that machine.

Notes: (a) The objective is to maintain the integrity of the load bearing capacity of the machine. (b) When replacing the ropes and you know the safe working load of the machine then the factor of safety mentioned above must apply.

(4)

The user shall cause every hook or any other loadattaching device that forms part of the load path of a lifting machine or hand-powered lifting device to be so designed or proportioned that accidental disconnection of the load under working conditions cannot take place.

Notes: (a) We must not look at the hook only but consider the load path. It is about preventing disconnection. The use of disconnecting hooks or latches is not prescribed where the design is of such a nature that accidental disconnection cannot take place. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure he or she states clearly what the purpose of the machine will be when purchasing the machine.

(5)

(a) The user shall cause the entire installation and all working parts of every lifting machine or hand-powered lifting device, as well as ancillary lifting equipment used with the machine or device, excluding lifting tackle, to be subjected to a thorough examination and a performance test, as prescribed by the standard to which the lifting machine was manufactured, by a lifting machinery inspector of a lifting machinery entity, which shall determine the serviceability of the structures, ropes, machinery and safety devices before they are put into use and every time they are dismantled and re-erected, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 12 months: provided that, in the absence of a manufacturing standard or a standard incorporated under section 44(1) of the Act, the whole installation of the lifting machine shall be tested with 110% of the safe working load applied over the complete lifting range of such machine and in such a manner that every part of the installation is stressed accordingly. (b ) The lifting machinery inspector of the lifting machinery entity referred to in paragraph (a) must have knowledge of the erection, load-testing and maintenance of the type of lifting machine or similar machinery involved. (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), mobile cranes, self-

erecting cranes and mobile elevated work platforms shall be excluded from the performance test after each re-deployment within the 12-month period referred to in that paragraph.

Notes: (a) The lifting machinery inspector must do inspection and test on behalf of the Lifting machinery Entity. (b) Hand powered lifting devices do not have to be tested every time they are attached to an overhead structure. (c) Self erecting cranes includes self erecting tower cranes.

(6)

part of a lifting machine or hand-powered lifting device to be subjected to a thorough examination by a competent person at intervals not exceeding six months.

Notes: (a) The user of a block and tackle must ensure that it is examined prior to use. (b) The user is free to use an in house competent person or an LME for six monthly thorough examination of a lifting machine or hand powered lifting device.

(7)

Notwithstanding sub regulation (5), the user shall cause all ropes, chains, hooks or other attaching devices, sheaves, brakes and safety devices forming an integral

Clarification of 5 (a):

The whole installation of the lifting machine only needs to be tested to 110% of the safe working load if there is no manufacturing standard or a standard incorporated under section 44 (1) of the Act. It stands to reason therefore that when such a standard exists, the testing will only then have to be tested to the requirement of that standard.

These are the standards currently governing the industry and are incorporated as shown below: GNR 541 of 24 June 2015 - Incorporation of Safety Standards EN 14502-1 Cranes: equipment for lifting of persons, Part 1: Suspended baskets.

ISO9927-1

Crane inspections - Part 1: General.

Notes: (a) A user of a leased lifting machine or hand powered lifting device is a lessee of that machine? (b) The owner and the lessor of leased equipment shall keep and maintain full service history records on their premises for at least 10 years.

(8)

National Code of Practice for Training Providers of Lifting Machine Operators published under Government Notice No. 38904, Government Notice No. R. 539 of 24 June 2014.

SANS 19 SANS 71 SANS 500

SANS 522 SANS 10147

SANS 10148

SANS 10295 SANS 10375

SANS 10388 SANS 18893

Inspection, testing and examination of mobile cranes.

Inspection, testing and examination of vehicle hoists in use.

Inspection, testing and examination of hand operated chain blocks and lever hoists in use.

Inspection, testing and examination of tower cranes in use.

Code of Practice: Refrigeration systems, including plants associated with air-conditioning systems.

Code of Practice: The installation and operation of cable cranes and aerial ropeways.

Parts 1 and 2: Inspection, test and examination of lifting platforms in use.

Inspection, testing and examination of overhead cranes (including gantries, electric wire rope hoists & chain hoists).

Inspection, testing and examination of lift trucks.

Mobile elevated work-platform safety principles, inspection, maintenance and operation.

(a) Every user of a lifting machine or hand-powered lifting device shall at all times keep on their premises a register in which the user shall record or cause to be recorded full particulars of any performance test and examination referred to in sub regulations (5) and (6) and any modification or repair to such lifting machine or handpowered lifting device, and shall ensure that the register is available on request for inspection by an inspector. (b) Every user of a leased lifting machine or hand-powered lifting device shall at all times keep on their premises a register in which the user shall have the latest applicable performance test and service records not older than 12 months.

No user shall require or permit any person to be moved or supported by means of a lifting machine unless that machine is fitted with a man-cage designed and manufactured according to an approved SANS standard approved for that purpose by an inspector and after a risk assessment has been done.

Notes: (a) None (9)

No user shall use or permit any person to use any power-driven lifting machine unless it is provided with —

(a)

in the case of a power-driven lifting machine with a lifting capacity of greater than 5000 kg, a load indicator capable of indicating to the operator of the machine the mass of the load being lifted: provided that such device shall not require manual adjustment, from the application of the load to the power-driven lifting machine until the release of that load, using any motion or combination of motions permitted by the crane manufacturer to ensure safe lifting; and/or a load-limiting device that will automatically arrest the driving effort whenever the load being lifted is greater than the safe working load of the power-driven lifting machine at that particular radius, using any motion or combination of motions permitted by the crane manufacturer to ensure safe lifting: provided that such device shall not arrest the driving effort when the power-driven lifting

(b)

Clarification of (8): A risk assessment has to be carried out every time the mancage is moved, even within one site. Only after the risk assessment has been carried out in this manner, can approval be obtained by a government inspector.

Lifting Guide

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9

operated by an operator specifically trained for that particular type of lifting machine: provided that in the case of a lifting machine listed in the National Code of Practice for Training Providers of Lifting Machine Operators, the user shall not require or permit any person to operate such a lifting machine unless the operator is in possession of a certificate of training, issued by a training provider accredited by the Transport Seta approved for the purpose by the chief inspector.

machine is being operated into a safer position: provided that power-driven lifting machines manufactured or refurbished prior to the commencement of these Regulations shall be deemed to comply with these Regulations.

Notes: (a) This requirement only applies to a power driven lifting machine with a capacity of 5 000kg and greater (b) The intent is that a Load limiting device is compulsory for all power driven lifting machine. (c) This requirement only applies to power driven lifting machines manufactured or refurbished after the 30 September 2015.

(10) No user may use or allow the use of any lifting tackle unless — (a) every item of lifting tackle is well constructed of sound material, is strong enough, is free from defects and is constructed in accordance with a generally accepted technical standard; (b) every lifting assembly consisting of different items of lifting tackle is conspicuously and clearly marked with traceable identification particulars and the safe working load that it is designed to lift with safety; (c) the ropes, chains or woven webbing have a factor of safety with respect to the safe working load they are designed to lift; the safety factor being — (i) 10 for natural-fibre ropes; (ii) seven for man-made fibre ropes or woven webbing; (iii) six for steel-wire ropes, except for double-part spliced endless sling legs and double-part endless grommet sling legs made from steel-wire rope, in which case the factor of safety shall be at least eight; (iv) five for steel chains; and (v) four for high-tensile or alloy steel chains: provided that when the load is equally shared by two or more ropes or chains the factor of safety may be calculated in accordance with the sum of the breaking strengths taking into consideration the angle of loading; (d) all lifting tackle is inspected and discarded if such items show any sign of damage, defect, wear or distortion that would make them unsafe for use, as per manufacturer’s specification; and (e) such lifting tackle is examined at intervals not exceeding three months by a competent person, appointed by the user in writing for this purpose, who shall record and sign results of such examination.

Notes: (a) Lifting tackles marked with a Working Load limit are also acceptable to be complying with requirements of this sub regulation. (b) In practice it is not always possible to ensure equal load sharing and persons performing this work must take into consideration the possible unequal loading in determining the capacity of the lifting tackle.

(11) The user shall ensure that every lifting machine is

Notes: (a) Certificate of training here refers to certificate of competence. Training providers in possession of a valid approval certificate signed by Chief Inspector are allowed to train operators of lifting machines listed on the National Code of Practice for Training Providers of Lifting Machine Operators.

Approval and registration of lifting machinery entity

19. (1) The chief inspector may approve any legal entity that has the competency and operational ability and that is involved in the examination and performancetesting of lifting machines, hand-powered lifting devices and ancillary lifting equipment used with the machine or devices.

(2) An application for approval and registration as a lifting machinery entity shall be made to the chief inspector in the form of Annexure A. (3) The chief inspector shall furnish an approved lifting machinery entity with the appropriate certificate of registration and shall enter such registration into the national database.

(4) An approved lifting machinery entity shall on request produce a certificate of registration to an inspector or to any person to whom it intends to render an examination or performance test.

(5) An approved lifting machinery entity shall inform the chief inspector of any change affecting its approval and registration under these Regulations within 14 days of such change.

Notes: (a) None

Approval and registration of training providers

20. (1)The chief inspector may approve and register any training provider that has been accredited by the Transport Education and Training Authority as an approved training provider.

(2) An application for approval and registration as a training provider must be made to the chief inspector in writing and must be accompanied by (a) a certified copy of the accreditation letter issued by the Transport Education and Training Authority; and (b) a cancelled company letterhead.

(3) The chief inspector shall furnish an approved training provider with the appropriate certificate of registration and enter such registration into the national database.

(4)

Please note:

Even though the user may purchase safe machinery and equipment, it is equally important to operate such machinery or equipment safely.

An approved training provider shall inform the chief inspector of any change affecting its approval and registration under these Regulations within 14 days of such change.

Notes: (a) None

Withdrawal of approval and registration of lifting machinery entity or training provider 21. (1) Subject to sub regulation (2), the approval and registration of a lifting machinery entity or training provider may be withdrawn if – (a) a lifting machinery entity no longer has the necessary competency or operational ability; (b) a training provider is no longer accredited by the Transport Education and Training Authority; or (c) they are convicted of an offence referred to in regulation 22.

(2) The chief inspector may not withdraw an approval and registration unless – (a) the holder of such approval and registration has been informed of the intended withdrawal and of the grounds upon which it is based; and (b) such holder has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to make representations.

(3) The chief inspector shall inform the holder concerned in writing of the reasons for the decision.

(4) Any holder adversely affected by a decision of the chief inspector may appeal in writing to the Director-General: Labour against such decision.

(5) An appeal referred to in sub regulation (4) shall – (a) be lodged within 60 days from the date on which the decision was made known; and (b) set out the grounds for appeal.

(6) After considering the grounds for appeal and the chief inspector’s reasons for their decision, the Director-General: Labour shall confirm, set aside or amend the decision as soon as practicable.

Notes: (a) Appeals must be lodged to Labour Court

Offences and penalties

22. Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of regulations 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17(1), 17(2), 17(5), 17(6), 17(7), 18, 19(4), 19(5), 20(4) and 20(5) shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a maximum of 12 months and, in case of a continuous offence, to an additional fine not exceeding R200,00 or to additional imprisonment of one day for each day on which the offence continues: provided that the period of such additional imprisonment shall not exceed 90 days.

Repeal of regulations and transitional provisions

23. (1) The Driven Machinery Regulations, 1988, and subsequent amendments are hereby repealed.

(2) A user of a goods hoist as provided for in regulation 17 of the Regulations referred to in sub regulation (1) above shall within five years of the publication of these Driven Machinery Regulations comply with the provisions of the Lift, Escalator and Passenger Conveyor Regulations, 2010, in which “Access Goods only Lift” is defined.

Short title and commencement

24. These Regulations shall be called the Driven Machinery Regulations, 2015, and shall come into effect on 30 September 2015.

These guidelines have been published in the Government Gazette no. 40734, 31 March 2017. www.gpwonline.co.za

FOR ALL YOUR LIFTING REQUIREMENTS Tel 011 794 2910 Fax 011 794 3560 Email info@yalelift.co.za (General) crm@yalelift.co.za (Sales) www.yale.co.za

Lifting Guide

2019/20

11

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+27 11 898 3500 www.demagcranes.co.za 12 Lifting Guide 2019/20

Applying to be a Lif ting Machinery Inspector

A

Lifting Machinery Inspector (LMI) is a person who is registered with ECSA as a LMI under the requirement of the OHS Act. Driven Machinery Regulations – DMR 18 and the Engineering Profession Act 2000 (Act 46 of 2000).

A LMI conducts or supervises the load testing of specific types of lifting machines to the required inspection and testing standards as required by DMR 18.

To be able to register as a LMI, ECSA requires a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the Lifting Equipment Industry during which the applicant must prove that he/she has the required knowledge and experience gained of, for example, the erection, maintenance and repair, inspection and loadtesting of the type of machine or similar machinery for which registration is sought.

Experience must be supported by the required evidence of inspections (examinations) and load testing (performance testing) carried out under the supervision/mentorship of an existing LMI in the past two years on the type of Lifting Machinery or Hand Powered Lifting machine for which registration is sought.

Minimum requirements

If these minimum requirements are met, the next step is to complete the LMI application and submit the application as a portfolio of evidence (POE) containing all the required supporting documents as evidence, with the required application fee to ECSA’s offices as stated on the application.

found competent, he can only load test the specific type of machine for which he has been registered, and been found competent on, by ECSA. He/she also has to supply proof in most cases that he/ she is competent to inspect lifting tackle as a requirement for the scope of competence for most types of Lifting Machines.

No-one else, apart from the applicant and ECSA’s employees or contracted employees involved in the applicant’s registration, may influence the applicant’s application for registration in any way once the applicant has submitted his/her application, as this could be perceived as unethical or in breach of ECSA’s rules.

The same even applies to a recognised Voluntary Association (VA) like LEEASA or any other organisation or entity for that matter.

Personal interview

The entire registration process from submission to registration is run by ECSA and only the applicant has the right to followup and enquire about the progress of their own application.

In many cases, if the documentation submitted does not meet the requirements of the relevant standards and legislation, or shows up a weakness in the applicant’s lack of knowledge of the mandatory inspection and testing standards if they are aware of them at all, or if supporting evidence is insufficient, the applicant may be questioned about his/her lack of knowledge or understanding in the interview carried out by ECSA.

Training, background knowledge and experience gained are essential requirements for LMI registration. ECSA will assess him/ her on the information as evidence he/she supplies.

The assessment is carried out through a process known as RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) and ECSA does require that all potential LMIs be personally interviewed before finally being found competent for registration as a LMI.

The application form can be downloaded from the ECSA website www.ecsa.co.za – apply for registration – Application for registration as a Lifting Machinery Inspector.

The above information is supplied as a guide only, without any prejudice to any party or person, and is the writer’s personal opinion.

The prospective LMI applies to ECSA to be registered for a specific type of lifting machine, eg, either a mobile crane, overhead crane or truck mounted crane etc. If he/she is

Ken Greenwood LEEASA Tel: (011) 475-5876, info@lmi-academy.co.za

The LMI has to work for, or be contracted by a LME (Lifting Machinery Entity), which is a company (entity) registered with the Department of Labour (DOL) as a LME. A LME cannot conduct a load test of lifting machines unless their LMI’s, who are either permanently employed or contracted by them, are registered LMI’s registered for the same scope of Lifting Machines as the LME.

T&C apply

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13

Registration Clarity

L

ifting machinery inspectors (LMI) must be registered as individuals with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) to legally practice in South Africa.

This registration is for the inspector and not the company. LMI’s are individuals who are required to apply by law for registration. LMI’s who have not applied to ECSA are encouraged to do so immediately.”

Without this registration, a LMI may not sign load test certificates. These certificates require the LMI’s registration number.

In turn, companies have to apply to the Department of Labour to be registered as Lifting Machine Entities (LME). “To be registered as a LME, a company must employ one inspector.

The necessary documentation that is required to apply for LME is on the Department of Labour’s website.”

Should an LMI leave an LME, then the company will not legally be able to offer an inspection service as only the LMI can sign load test certificates. Companies that inspect cranes and load testing only need to be registered with the DoL, but the actual testing has to be conducted by an LMI registered with ECSA. The LMI does not have to be registered with the DoL.

Repairs and modifications

A registered LMI may witness and/or supervise an inspection by a trainee but this must be stated on the certificate that

requires both signatures – the LMI as well as the person who did the testing.

Categories

There are a total of 18 different categories that LMI’s are registered for. Currently only three people in the country are registered for all 18. Category 1 is compulsory for everyone.

The other categories are then simply applied for, based on competency by the individual LMI apply- Ken Greenwood ing for registration. There must off course be proof of the qualification and experience in each category.

Registration as an LMI does not apply to people who only examine lifting tackle just as registration as a LME is not required by companies who only carry out repair work of equipment.

Ken Greenwood LEEASA

Appendix B: ENGINEERING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA Standards and Procedures System Sub Discipline-specific Training Guideline for Specified Categories Status: For Approval by the Specified Category Registration Committees Document : R-05-APPENDIX B-SC

Concept-B

5 June 2015

Training Elements

This guide is written for the recent graduate who is training and gaining experience toward registration (“Benchmark Route”).

Mature applicants for registration (“Alternative Route”) may apply the guide retrospectively to identify possible gaps in their development Synopsis: A specified category practitioner should achieve specific competencies at the prescribed level during his/her development towards registration, at the same time accepting more and more responsibility as experience is gained. The outcomes achieved and established during the candidacy phase should form the template to all engineering work performed after registration regardless of the level of responsibility at any particular stage of an engineering career: 1.

Confirm understanding of instructions received and clarify if necessary; 2.

Use theoretical training to develop possible approaches to do the work: select the best and present to the recipient; 3.

Apply theoretical knowledge to justify decisions taken and processes used; 4.

Understand role in the work team, and plan and schedule work accordingly; 5.

Issue complete and clear instructions and report comprehensively on work completed; 6.

Be sensitive about the impact of the engineering activity and take action to mitigate this impact; 7.

Consider and adhere to legislation applicable to the task and the associated risk identification and management; 8.

Adhere strictly to high ethical behavioural standards and ECSA’s Code of Conduct; 9.

Display sound judgement by considering all factors, their interrelationship, consequences and evaluation when all evidence is not available; 10.

Accept responsibility for own work by using theory to support decisions, seeking advice when uncertain and evaluating shortcomings; and 11.

Become conversant with your employer’s training and development program and develop your own lifelong development program within this framework.

Specifically-defined engineering work is usually restricted to applying standard procedures, codes and systems, i.e. work that was done before within the narrow field of application.

14

Lifting Guide

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APPENDIX A:

5.

Overhead and Gantry Cranes - SANS 10375 These constitute: Overhead cranes Gantry cranes Rail mounted cranes Free standing and/or permanently attached jib cranes Goliath cranes

6.

Tower Cranes - SANS 522 All top or bottom swivelling tower cranes

7.

Ships Cranes All ship cranes including Scotch Derrick cranes

8.

Wharfside Cranes Used to travel on rails and load railway trucks which travel on rails underneath the cranes

9.

Reach Stackers Mobile cranes specially designed to move and stack containers, including the forklift counter balance types where RCI must be fitted, whether the spreader is manual or automatic

10.

Straddle Carriers All mobile self-propelled tyre type machines similar to gantry cranes

11.

Container Cranes Constituting: Container cranes - Large dockside gantry crane fixed on rails at container terminals for loading and unloading containers from container ships or inland, and road to rail cranes Container handlers Reach stackers (9 above) Truck mounted side loading container carriers Straddle carriers (10 above) Rubber tyre gantries

12.

Aerial Platforms - SANS 50280, 16368, 18893, BS EN 61057, Ansi A92.2.

They constitute the following: Boom type (cherry pickers) Special insulated aerial platforms Scissor lifts (mobile or fixed)

13.

Suspended Access Platforms - SANS 51808 and 10295 part 1 and 2 Units that are hang from suspension anchors/points, and constitute: Temporary suspended platforms Building maintenance unit (permanently suspended platforms) Mobile elevating work platform (MEWP)

14.

Industrial Lifting Devices (Jacks) - SANS 687 and others All special industrial applications (usually heavy lifting devices)

15.

Under The Hook Non-fixed Attachments - EN 13155 Mechanical, electrical or hydraulic devices, manual or remote, like: Magnetic hooks Vacuum lifters

16.

Tail Lifters - SANS 1055 All tail lifts fitted to a mobile vehicle

17.

Vehicle Hoists - SANS 71 All hoists designed to lift vehicles of any capacity or design, constituting: 4 posters 2 posters Scissor lift type (excluding dock levellers) Hydraulic type

18.

Other Categories More and more specialised cranes are used, like: Side cranes (e.g. bull dozers for pipe laying) Floating cranes Sugar cane loading cranes Railway cranes Timber cranes Production loaders/ Scrap metal cranes

SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT TYPES RECOGNISED FOR REGISTRATION AS A LIFTING MACHINERY INSPECTOR No

Description of Equipment Type

1.

Lifting Tackle (Applicable to all ECSA registered LMI’s) Generally to SANS 2408, 7531 and EN 13155.

Lifting tackle includes all slings, fittings and other devices that attach the load to the crane or hoist. All lifting tackle must be supplied with manufacturer’s test or conformance certificates and properly marked for traceability as well as the products WLL. Lifting tackle must not be periodically load tested but only inspected, at intervals not exceeding 3 months, by an appointed lifting tackle inspector to conform to the OHS Act, DMR 18 requirements. Lifting tackle constitute: Steel Wire Rope (SWR) slings - Generally to SANS 813.

Alloy Chain slings - Generally to SANS EN 50818 and SANS 7593 Webbing slings - Generally to SANS 94 and EN 1492 Parts 1 and 2 Hooks: Eye type and clevis type - Generally to SANS 8539 and SANS 1595 Snatch blocks - Generally to SANS ISO 8539 Mechanical Coupling Links - Generally to SANS ISO 8539 Shackles - Generally to SANS 2415 and US Fed Spec RR C 271 Clamps or wire rope clamps - Generally to SANS 813 Lifting points or lifting rings Lifting beams Spreader beams Plate grabs Balance fork attachments Coil grabs Bar tongs

Please note: Category 1 is compulsory for everyone, the remaining 17 categories are applied for separately according to demonstration of competence 2.

Chain Blocks and Lever Hoists - SANS 500 These portable lifting machines are also known as hoists or included as hand powered lifting devices in draft DMR 2014 definitions. They are included in the DOL requirements for annual load testing. They also include Cable pullers.

3.

Forklifts - SANS 10388 These lift trucks include attachments and special equipment and constitute: Counter balance forklifts Side loaders Rail or tyre type stacker and reach lift trucks Pedestrian controlled lift trucks Order picking lift trucks Pallet trucks Tele handlers Rough terrain forklift trucks Large lift trucks Truck mounted fork lifts

4.

Mobile Cranes - SANS 19 Include fixed adaptations of the superstructure and constitute: Truck mounted cranes Fixed or truck mounted loader cranes, knuckle boom carrier Pick and carry cranes Mobile harbour cranes Crawler lattice boom cranes Lattice boom cranes on tyre wheeled carriers Rough terrain and/or centre mounted cranes All terrain cranes Carry deck cranes

Please note: Category 1 is compulsory for everyone, the remaining 17 categories are applied for separately according to demonstration of competence Lifting Guide

2019/20

15

LMEs

LMEs approved — Dept of Labour

LME as per certificate printed

600 CT Manufacturing

235

C&F Rigging - Repairs and Supplies

600 SA Holding

157

82

EC Load Testing & Repairs Services

364 128

Caldon Repairs & Maintenance

177

Echo Cranes and Steel

26

Cape Overhead Cranes

171

Ace Crane Services

374

Cargo Control Systems

11

ECJ Rigging and General Engineering Services

Advanced Technical Support

404

Carl Rosieur

Accord Lifting Co

150

Africa National Cranes

29

CB Lifting Equipment

57

AJM Engineering Services

19

Checklift

132

Akhanani

89

Cherryllene Brokers & Agents

304

Alco Cranes

329

Chiefs Hydraulics

300

All in One Crane Repairs

197

CJ Lifting Equipment

214

Allied Crane Hire

244

Condra

Alpha Hydraulic Lifting Services (Pty) Ltd

360

Cooper and Cooper

154

CPP Engineering

243

Amandla Lifting

406

Crane & General Engineering

186

Ammeka Industries

239

Crane Accessories & Services

67

28

Crane and Materials Handling

250

Crane Breakdown Services

187

Crane Certification and Repair

259

Crane Clinic

268

Crane Inspection & Repair Services

146

Crane Load Technologies

324

Anchor Crane Hire & Rigging Services Anchor Industries

193

Andries Athena Labour Consulting Enterprises

245

Anglo Lifting Equipment

122

Anglo Operations

388

Anglo-V3 Crane Hire

278

AP Crane Services

47

Arc Cranes

3

Arcelormittal South Africa

247

Arlona Engineering

142

AS Crane Repairs

307

Astro Cranes

411

Atlantis Load Testing Solutions

343

ATS 2000

155

Automotive Equipment International

208

Axsuss

134

Babcock Plant

32

Baison Lifts Specialists

419

Bartlett Construction

256

Basil Read

379

Bayside Aluminium

191

BB Cranes

68

BD Sarens

13

Bellambie Mining and Industrial

124

Ben Jen Inspection Services

110

Big Sky Trading 394

341

Bika Eng

362

Bloemfontein Hardchrome

284

Blue Cranes

17

Border Mechanical Services

198

Brake Safe Mining

313

Bri-ton Liftmaster

37

Crane Maintenance Services Crane Tech Crane Tech Industrial Lifting Services

49

Cranelec

118

Cranemec Group SA

178

Cranes Complete & Components

399

Cranetec

22

Craneworx

263

CRM Cranes

205

CRS Cranes Systems

332

Cruz Rigging

114

Culmen Wes-Kaap

158

Custom Crane Safety

240

D & D Lifting & Cranes Services

Econo Crane Services

408

Econoflex

260

Elcon Crane Hire

179

Electromechanical Repairs & Installations

314

Elephant Lifting Equipment Elerect Lift & Cranes

10 1

Elite Mechanical Repairs & Services

421

Elite Squad Consulting

230

Emalini Enterprises 185

382

Engelbrecht lifting equipment

418

Era Rigging Services

185

Ergon Cranes & Engineering

200

Ernie’s Tower Crane Services

203

Eskom Holdings Limited

133

ETIS Mvelaphanda Eng

30

Experior Lifting

333

Eyethu Marine & Industrial

345

FB Cranes Builders & Repairs

95

FB Mining & Lifting

152

FND Crane Services

348

Forklift Testing Services

81

Forktech

221

Free State Cranes

270

G. T. B. Industrial Services

176

Garage Equipment Service

414

Gauteng Rigging Services

46

Genrep Engineering

194

GKB Genset Maintenance

286

Global Lifting Machinery Inspector Company

273

GLR Trading 014 t/a JJ Hydraulic maintenance services

424

400

D & M Load Testing

213

GM Technical Services

141

D & S Lifting

422

Goscor Access Equipment

344

90

Gravtech Material Handling

272

Grenco SA

199

Grinaker-LTA Building Cape

148

D & W Lifting Supplies D.E. J Cranes c D.S.R Mining and Industrial Dannie Geldenhuys Datona Crane Services De Lloyd Demag Cranes & Components DG Materials Handling Dibama Supplies Diesel and Auto Services & Maintenance DJD Ropes and Engineering

Budgie Shearer Enterprises

305

Dynalift

Burnie’s Industrial Supplies

135

E Dickson Crane & Plant Hire

Burntech Crane Services

281

Eagle Lifting Equipment

C and F Rigging Secunda

293

East Rand Cranes

2019/20

315 223

326

Lifting Guide

31

Crane World

Brokor Technologies

16

2

97

107 71 138 38

Grinaker-LTA Limited

59

Group Five Plant & Equipment

129

Growth Point Engineering Corporation

317

GW Lifting and Engineering Supplies

207

65

H & A Cranes

401

40

H.P. Crane & Sons

125

H2C Engineering

254

149 9 251

302 83 258 12 123

HABPS Enterprizes

119

Heartland Leasing

101

Heath Engineering

164

Heavy Lifting Consulting Engineers

354

Hetronic South Africa

280

Hiab

249

LMI Academy

212

NVN Crane Repairs

413

HJH Crane Repair and Services

390

LMI Mining Resources

257

Obelisk Energy

367

Hlanganani Cranes

356

Load Mass Crane Services

102

OJ Lifting Consultants

391

Load Moment Testing & Training Services

269

P & D Cranes & Engineering

Hoistech Engineering

43

Hydralift

23

Load Test Centre

41

Load Test International

39

100

Loadmax

70

Hydrenco

166

Lowveld Cranes

51

Ideal Lifting

227

M & S Trading

85

Imac Crane & Hoist Specialists

303

M.G.F. Hale Crane Services

86

Independent Cranes

224

M.M.E. Manufacturer Co.

Industrial Crane Engineering and Site Services

234

Hydratech Hydraulic Fleet Maintenance

276

Hydraulic Repairs & Field Services

Pietersburg Hydraulics

312

64

Plant Service and Maintenance

159

PND Rigging Services

217

Premier Loadtesting Services

274

Prime Spot Trading 24

196

Pro Crane Services

121

Progressive Crane Maintenance

236

Pro-Rig

174

Inspection and Load Testing Services

209

Mammoet SouthernAfrica

352

Integrate Lifting Specialist Africa (Pty)Ltd

385

Mandirk

337

Interproject Engineering

156

Margisia

389

J Express Crane Services

160

J&C Lifting Equipments

321

J.D Hydraulics

309

396

JLS Mobile Crane Services

353

Jo & Zan Engineering & lifting

55

Johnson Crane Hire

15

Juli Lifting Equipment

349

JV Rigging & Lifting Specialists

409

K Lifting and Construction

161

Karbochem

104

Kelmeg Lifting Services

103

Kelran

163

Keystone Equipment

72

Keystone Technologie

44

Kimhydraulics

386

Kingwood Trading

252

Klerksdorp Mining & Engineering Supplies

357

Konecranes

336

Kori Engineering

291

L & R Electrical

136

L.J. Crane Services

262

La Cranes & Hydraulics

147

Lasch

99

Ledibohong trading

420

Levi’s Trio Engineering

195

Lezmin 1314

168

Lift and Shift (Cape)

339

Lift Rite

219

Lifting Tackle Training Academy

45

61

327

JJJ Crane specialists

137

Park Lifting & Mining

M.V. Cranes & Hoist

Makhunga Cranes & Engineering

351

417

Palfinger Southern Africa

306

63

Jamadja Mining Supplies

Palesa Rail Academy

Phoenix Industrial Welding and Services

Industrial Stech Exports

365

316

73

Machine Moving & Engineering (Pty) Ltd

Jade Crane Services and Lifting Equipment

Palasteel Eiendomstrust Projects

292

80

79

320

Phakamisa Load Test Services

Industrial Marine Testing

J.V. Testing Projects

87

Palasteel Eiendomstrust

Marine Equipment Supplies

52

Marlboro Crane Hire

173

Marlim Services

331

Masakane Services

383

Max Lift

74

Mckinnon Chain

20

Mechanised Equipment Sales (Pty) Ltd

372

Mechnet Maintenance

108

MFN Lifting Systems

282

MH Dawood Plant Services

393

Mill & Mine Spares

109

Millwright Technical Services

153

MJ Frameworks

181

MN Crane and Forestry Equipment

338

Monaphon

248

Mondi Business Paper

120

Morris Material Handling Motrade 405 Mpumalanga Crane Services

16 370 14

Pro-Rig Trading Enterprises

60

Quadrant Training

162

Quality Cranes

355

Quay Marketing

204

R. M. Chain Hoists

77

R.G.M Rustenburg

328

Rack Technical Services

202

Randwater

190

Raytoko Electrical & Mechanical

182

Realle Cranes

416

Reef Crane Services

288

Rekatle

290

Reliable Overhead Crane Services

66

Renniks Construction

131

Rentech SA

271

Renvest

84

RFC Lifting Equipment

241

Rhino Lifting Maintenance

232

Ridge Steel

366

Riggers Steeplejacks

105

Mpumalanga Hydraulics

255

Mpumalanga Lifting

340

Mpumalanga Load Testing Services

192

Multiquip

216

Murray & Roberts Construction

237

Muzi Lift’s

264

Mvusi Barry Technologies

226

MWB Industrial Supplies

380

Natal Crane & Hoist Services

183

Nationwide Load Testing & Inspection

275

Nelcore Rigging & Construction

310

Rutpin General Dealer

91

Nelesco165

111

S.E.P.C Load Testing

410

S.T.S. Inspection and Load Testing Services

267 289

Rigging Services

76

Risk Management Services

140

Robert & George Maintenance Services

218

Rosalyn Engineering - Bay Rigging Services & Equipment

180

Rotek Engineering (Pty)Ltd

295

Ruma Plant and Crane

381

Rusren Enterprises

375

Netech Distributors

35

New Castle Hoists & Engineering Services SA

33

SA Cranes & Hoists

210

Lifting Warrior Solutions

394

Newcorr Mining & Industrial

106

Safe-Tech Services

Liftmec

283

Nkwe rigging

378

Saficon Industrial Equipment

115

LK Hydraulics

392

Nobopro eleven t/a Nekor

384

SANDF (SA Navy)

322

LMH

94

Nu Quip

21

SA French

5 6

Sappi Kraft

50

Lifting Guide

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17

Sasol Infrachem

116

Steel ropes

377

Uni-Cape Equipment

130

Sasol Secunda Shared Services

117

Stefanutti & Bressan

126

Universal Suppliers & Expenditers

294

Scaw Metals South Africa

301

Steinmuller Eng Services

Uplift Quality Solution

405

Second lifting equipment

376

STR Materials Handling

144

Ustica

238

Secure Lifting

299

Sudami 19

403

V & S Automation

SGB-Cape

113

Sugarberry Trading 761

318

Vaal Lifting Services

387

SGS SA

342

Superfecta Trading 209 /SFU Engineering

373

VD Merwe & Supra Lifting Consultants

261

SGS South Africa

346

Supratech Engineering Services

350

Verlinde Cranes & Hoists

242

Shandu’s Technical Services

415

Taka Lifting

334

VNS Training & Construction

311

She Pro SA Training Centre

398

Techno Engineering

127

Volkswagen of SA

175

Shutterlock

330

Tech-North Rustenburg

265

Water Weights Natal

54 18

4

Simo Rigging Solutions

402

The Crane Crew

231

Water Weights WC

Sishen Iron Ore

363

The Rigging Academy of SA

412

Waterweights Tvl

Thuthuka Crane Maintenance

425

WBHO construction

SITEECO

78

Six Bar Trading 392

228

Toco Lifting

Sky Rigging and Equipment Services

277

Tower Crane Services

Smith Capital Equipment

246

Transnet Limited

Sonhar Projects

225

Transvaal Training

South African Load Test Services

165

Truck Crane Training Specialists

South African National Load Testing Authority

139

Tylou Sales & Service

Southern Erectors

36

SSA Acoustic & Specialised Inspections

188

Stanbar Aindustries

167

8 215 98

Umholi Steel Wire Rope and Accessories Umthombo Load Testing Services Under Pressure Trading and Projects

222

White Waters Crane Services

423

24

Witbank Hoisting & Electrical

151

Yale Industrial Products

169

Yale Lifting Solutions

279

Yellowtail Trading 49

201

Zero Defect Construction

233

172 25 323

is wire fused and welded at a Horizontal distance of 76.2mm and a vertical distance of 12.7mm also known as 35B/3510 where 3 denotes 3”(distance between vertical wires), 5 denotes 0.5” (distance between horizontal wires), and B or 10 denotes gauge of wire

Tensile Strength • Wire has a tensile strenght of min 550 MPA

MARK: 083 454 6488

Email: mark@palifence.co.za

www.palifence.co.za High security welded mesh Pallisade Gates Gate Automation Razor wire and more ....

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Lifting Guide

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395 53

• Difficult to Climb: The spaces between the Horizontal wires are too narrow for fingers to have grip • Impregnable: Extremely difficult to cut with a hand cutter as the beak of a wire cutter will not be able to penetrate the horizontal wires • Excellent Replacement option to Solid Wall as: 1. More economical than a solid wall 2. Faster to install than a solid wall What is High Security 3. CCTV Camera has a clear view Weld Mesh • Further upgrade possible with electric security system HIGH Security Weld Mesh • Anti-corrosive & low maintenance Manufactured according to BS EN 10016-2 Wire Sizes in accordance with BS EN 10218-2 Tolerance on Mesh Size in accordance wiht EN 10223-7 Tolerance on Panel Size in accordance with EN 10223-4 Welding Strength in accordance with BS EN 1461 Zinc Coating in accordance with EN 10245-1 Anti Corrosion in accordance with BS En 3900 E4/F4

88

7

Salient Features

• • • • • • •

Welfit Oddy

48 335

Welgro Engineering & Mining Supplies

PALIFENCE Standards

Weighload Testing & Inspection Services

58

Guide to Lif ting Tackle Inspection There is a lot of confusion in the work place, including on major construction sites, regarding the legal requirements for the inspection of lifting tackle.

The terms power driven machines and ancillary equipment are also referred to in the new 2015 DMR 18 but not specifically defined.

in DMR 18. This definition is similar to the definition of a Competent Person in the Construction Regulations of the OHSA. It is also clearly stated in DMR 18 that a registered ECSA LMI has to conduct, or supervise the periodic load testing of lifting machines.

The 6 monthly mandatory thorough examinations can now be conducted by a “Competent Person” who does not have to be a LMI.

I

n an effort to provide guidance to users, inspectors, safety and management staff on this issue, we hereby submit the following information. It must be stressed that the information supplied is the writer’s opinion and provided without any malice or prejudice towards any manufacturer, supplier, user or service provider.

Must lifting tackle be tested annually?

The answer is an emphatic no!

It must be stressed that a person who inspects lifting tackle (LTI) does not have to be a registered LMI. This was regulated in Government Notice GNR. 257 of 7 March, 2008. There are still LMIs claiming that to inspect LT, you had to be a LMI.

It must also be noted that the new updated DMR 2015 Regulations have been published and came into effect September 31, 2015, together with the guidelines which were Government Gazetted 31 March 2017. These new Regulations now also incorporate certain SANS and other Standards, as well as new contents and new definitions. Mines as such, need to comply to the Lifting Equipment Regulations which are published in Chapter 8 of the MHSA.

It can be assumed that all LMIs can inspect lifting tackle, but that a person who inspects lifting tackle does not have to be a LMI as such.

The main function and responsibility of a LMIs is to conduct load testing on lifting machines. It is important to note that LMIs have to be qualified or competent to inspect lifting tackle as well but their main function is to test, or supervise testing of lifting machines, for which they are registered for by ECSA.

LME/LMI load testing

As a start, it is common knowledge that all lifting machines, which are classified according to different Codes in the OHSA, DMR-NCOP must be load tested (performance tested) at intervals not exceeding 12 months, by a DOL registered LME. This load test must be conducted, or be supervised by an ECSAregistered LMI. The LMI would have been assessed and been found competent by ECSA, to test only the specific types of machines that he has been registered for by ECSA, as a LMI. Note that ECSA do not print the scope of competence of the LMI on his LMI certificate and the only method for the user to establish whether the LMI is competent to load test a specific category of machine, is to request a copy of his ECSA letter of confirmation of registration which reflects his scope of competence.

Who is competent to inspect lifting tackle? There is now a clear definition for a Competent Person to inspect lifting tackle

Damaged wire rope slings

It is also important to note that a lifting equipment supplier does not have to be an LME if that supplier does not conduct load testing on lifting machines. Therefore, an importer of hoists can send his hoists to a LME to load test on his behalf and the supplier does not have to be a LME. All Lifting tackle has to be inspected, at intervals not exceeding three months, by an appointed LTI, who should keep a register of these inspections on site. This is a specific requirement in terms of DMR 18.10(e). It must be noted that inspections can be conducted at more frequent intervals if so required by the user.

Although it is not a legal requirement for chain blocks Lifting Guide

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and lever hoists to be inspected at 3 monthly intervals, it is highly recommended to be done.

There are no specific inspection periods specified in the MHSA Regulations and mines have to specify in their written operating procedures, all relevant issues affecting the use of lifting equipment, including inspection requirements.

See Chapter 8.5(2). This Procedure should include not only inspection methods and periods, but also inspector qualifications, certification, markings, traceability etc.

Persons who inspect LT are suitably qualified persons, who by virtue of their “required knowledge, training and experience” are appointed in writing, by their employer, to do so. This also applies to service providers who conduct inspections as a service to the user There is currently no DOL requirement to register LTI’s, although this is anticipated in future. Nothing has changed and these inspections can be conducted by in-house appointed LTI’s or inspections can be conducted by contracted service providers, most often the supplier, obviously at a cost to the user.

If the user is using a service provider to conduct these inspections, the user should insist on the contractor’s staff providing proof of training and experience, and that they have been appointed, in writing, by their employer.

Periodic load testing of slings?

sling must not be subjected to a load in excess of this WLL. If it can be proved by the manufacturer of a sling that it was proof load tested in excess of the WLL, and it fails later in service, any claim against the manufacturer, by the user may be repudiated.

The practice of issuing a separate inspection report for every sling or shackle inspected is also a waste of time, money and paper! The results of sling inspections have to be recorded in a register. Although not specifically stated in OHSA DMR, but stated in the MHSA it is illegal to overload a sling in use and therefore it would be illegal to proof load test a sling to a load above the WLL. It is also important to take cognizance of OHSA Section 15: “Duty not to interfere with, damage or misuse things” when load testing slings in use to more than the rated WLL of the sling.

Also, for example to proof load a webbing sling which must have a FOS of 7:1 a load test to 2 times the WLL proves nothing. The test can only damage fibers in the sling resulting in the sling being weakened.

For the record webbing slings must conform to SANS 94 / EN 1492 which specifies a factor of safety of 7:1 To test a 2 ton sling to 4 tons proves nothing as this sling should not fail at a load of less than 14 tons to conform to SANS 94. Even an inferior quality 2 ton sling should withstand a proof load of 4 tons.

Common practice

The answer is an emphatic NO Over the last few years the practice of load testing slings and shackles in use has become popular, mostly as a result of the user’s ignorance. This is exacerbated by a lack of knowledge due to lack of training. Service Providers who do load testing on slings are doing this for commercial reasons only and therefore promote it.

Damaged webbing slings

A Certificate of Test must state the actual test load, the date of test and other relevant details, whereas a Certificate of Conformance must state the Standard, such as SANS, DIN, EN etc. to which the product has been manufactured. This certificate is regarded as the “birth certificate” of the sling and must be kept on record till the sling is scrapped, after which the certificate can also be cancelled.

This practice does not apply to the periodic testing of chain blocks and lever hoists. See SANS 500 requirements.

It must be stated that manufacturers of chain, wire rope and webbing slings, are totally against load testing of slings in use.

It is not a legal requirement in terms of OHSA or MHSA Regulations to conduct periodic load testing on slings.

Slings must be marked with the relevant certificate number, brand name or logo of the manufacturer, for traceability back to the supplier. The rule of thumb is “where does it come from and what can it lift?” If a sling or sling component is not marked with this information, do not use it!

It can be detrimental to the service life of a sling or component as it can develop a “weak spot” or defect in the sling that could cause it to fail later on, under repeated loading. For example, to subject a sling with a WLL of 5 ton, that is 5 years old, to a static test load of 10 tons( which is equal to a 100% overload) can be detrimental or damaging to the sling, or to certain components of the sling such as hooks and coupling links etc.

All manufacturers specify a WLL for the size and type of sling supplied. This WLL is specified in the Standard (such as a SANS) to which the sling or product is made. The Standard as well as the manufacturer will state that the

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The word “Test Certificate” does not appear in the DMR 18 or MHSA Regulations. It is common practice, and the user should insist that suppliers issue Certificates of Test and or Certificates of Conformance to a specific quality manufacturing Standard, when purchasing lifting tackle.

Scrapping procedures

It is also important that users have a written scrapping procedure that specifies the steps to take when scrapping Lifting tackle or hoists.

This Procedure must include cancelling all documentation such as suppliers certificates, removal from inventory and from inspection registers, as the item is no longer in service.

Spreader and Lifting beams Damaged chain slings

A spreader beam is a strut or pipe that spreads the two legs of a sling, and the spreader itself

does not carry the load, whereas a loose lifting beam actually carries the load itself and is subject to bending and twisting forces. A lifting beam is normally suspended from the crane hook with a two leg sling, or attached directly to the crane hook in the centre of the beam through a lug on the beam, or attached with a shackle. The new DMR 18 lifting tackle definitions now includes “lifting and spreader beams”

blocks, lever and electric hoists, must be fitted with proper functional latches, as per the Standard to which these units are manufactured.

These products are not lifting machines and therefore are not subject to annual or periodic load testing. It is however the prerogative of the user to insist on load testing, if he or she so wishes and this load test applied should not be in excess of 10% of the marked SWL of the beam.

Must sling hooks be pop marked?

Visual inspections on loose lifting and spreader beams should be conducted in accordance with proper inspection check lists.

Loose lifting beams and spreader beams must not be confused with a permanently-installed overhead runway beams to which a hoist is attached with a trolley or crawl.

Even crane hooks do not necessarily have to be fitted with latches as DMR 18.4 specifies that hooks “ shall be so designed or proportioned that accidental disconnection of the load under working conditions cannot take place” The practice, of applying marks to a hook for inspecting the throat opening, is also not a legal requirement for sling hooks but recommended for crane hooks. Sling hooks can be damaged as a result of incorrect methods of marking and the manufacturer will dispute any subsequent claim for damage etc. Chain blocks and lever hoists will be supplied with a proper operating manual in which the OEM will specify how the hook must be inspected. It also does not make sense to pop mark a used hook as it could already have opened!

Certain Standards are now mandatory

What marking should be on shackles and sling hooks?

Generally accepted Standards?

Once again, if the shackle fails, a supplier can dispute that they supplied the particular shackle, unless the shackle can be traced back to them.

As mentioned certain SANS safety Standards are now incorporated in DMR 2015 in terms of Section 44 of the Act, and therefore are now mandatory or legally binding. This should end the current confusion caused by the SABS creating Standards for industry and these Standards only remain a guide and are not mandatory. The DOL, by including these Standards in the DMR, are now insisting on quality and safety Standards to become compulsory.

DMR 18.1 (a) as well as 18.10(a) specifies that all lifting machines and tackle must be constructed in accordance with a “generally accepted technical standard. The MHSA Chapter 8.5(6) specifies compliance to “an appropriate standard” It must be noted that this does not necessarily have to be a SANS, but can also be a DIN, ISO EN, BS or JIS Standards etc.

Proof of conformance to a quality Standard must be supplied in the form of a Certificate of Conformance to a Standard, issued by the Supplier or OEM.

Must slings be colour coded?

This is not a legal requirement but can be stipulated in a company’s written procedure or COP. It is very important to note that a sling is not always safe to use, simply because it is colour coded, and operators should be trained accordingly.

Shackles should be marked with the WLL, size as well as either a traceable manufacturer’s logo or brand name. Shackles can also be stamped with a number of the corresponding supplier’s certificate. Shackle manufacturing Standards do not specify individual numbers on shackles but traceable batch numbers

Sling Hook markings

Sling hooks should at least be marked with the brand name or logo of the OEM as well as size and grade of steel and not with the WLL as this can differ on the method of use of the sling.

Lastly, in the writers opinion, the “CE” mark on a sling hook is actually irrelevant in RSA as it does not state traceability to a specific supplier. It only confirms that the hook is suitable for use or to be imported in to the EU and made to a EU Machinery directive To conclude, it must be stressed that the above information supplied is the writer’s opinion only and should not be construed as legal advice or legally binding, but as a guide to promote lifting equipment safety in the work place.

Piet Otto, Phakamisa Safety Consultants, Email: potto@icon.co.za

Also note that if this is a company requirement, the company will be audited accordingly and if not properly done, a finding can be recorded during an audit. Proper colour charts must be placed in the workplace etc.

The practice of using paint is no longer recommended as repeated coats of paint can cover defects and paint is messy, does not last and can be confusing when different colours are applied on a component. Cable ties, polyurethane or colored washers etc, can also be used.

Do not colour code a sling if it has not been inspected properly!!

Must sling hooks be fitted with safety latches?

This is not a legal requirement but, should be insisted upon in a company’s written procedure or COP. Certain hooks, such as foundry and grab hooks are not designed to be fitted with latches and these hooks fully comply with international quality manufacturing standards.

Note that hoist top and bottom hooks, which include chain Lifting Guide

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Lifting Tackle

Lif ting Tackle (Supported mainly by SANS manufacturing spec. documents) - The inspection standard is SANS 2972

Lifting tackle includes all slings, fittings and other devices that attach the load to the crane or hoist. Lifting tackle quality manufacturing specifications, as well as safe use is covered by various SANS and other international standards such as DIN, ISO, EN or US Federal specs.

All lifting tackle must be supplied with manufacturers test or conformance certificates and properly marked for traceability as well as the products WLL. Lifting tackle must not be periodically load tested but only inspected, at intervals not exceeding three months, by an appointed lifting tackle inspector to conform to OHS Act, DMR 18 requirements.

Wire rope clamps (wire rope clips) (Generally to SANS 813)

Alloy Chain slings (Generally to SANS EN 50818 & SANS 7593) Chain, used for slings, is manufactured from high grade alloy steel. Grade 8 and Grade 10 short link chain is flexible, easy to use, wear and abrasion resistant and can withstand a lot of abuse in lifting operations. Chain slings have oblong master links at the top and various types of hooks, such as sling hooks, foundry hooks and self locking hooks are normally fitted. Chain slings are adjustable in length and therefore fewer slings are needed to do a variety of lifts. Chain slings are easy to inspect as all damage to chain or components is visible. Chain slings are used at mines for surface and underground lifting, lashing and pulling applications as well as at steel and manufacturing plants, factories, oil rigs, power installations, transport, stevedoring, rigging and slinging applications and practically for any type of lift. Chain slings can withstand more abuse than SWR or Webbing slings.

These fittings, commonly referred to as “Crosby or bulldog clamps” must not be used to assemble SWR slings. In use, they will snag, slide loose and the short end or dead end will pull out from the clamps. Clamps are used to join rope ends, as crane dead end attachments and for various other applications such as attaching sling hooks to cable puller ropes, when thimbles must be inserted.

Clamps must be attached with the bridge or saddle part of the clamp attached to the live end of the rope and not to the dead end. From there the old saying “You do not saddle up a dead horse!’

Lastly only drop forged clamps and not commercial cast steel clamps must be used for any rigging application.

Balanced fork attachment In essence, a balanced fork attachment converts your forklift into a mini crane.

It simply attaches to the crane’s mast either by means of screws or with the assistance of a safety strap.

The loads you are able to pick up are determined by the capabilities of the forklift and of the fork attachment.

Various fork attachment load options are available.

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Hooks: Eye type and clevis type (Generally to SANS 8539 & SANS 1595) Hooks are used as bottom attachments on all types of slings to attach the load to the sling. Sling hooks can be fitted with safety latches and modern safety hooks have self locking latches. Foundry hooks with wide bowls are not fitted with latches and were designed for moulding boxes and loads fitted with large trunions. Grab hooks and shortening clutches are used to shorten chain sling legs and are also fitted to chain load binders and chain lever binders for cargo securement and lashings. If hooks are fitted to SWR slings, thimbles must be used to protect the rope. Hooks must never be point loaded or side loaded as this reduces the hook strength dramatically. Hooks must be marked with their size, quality grade, WLL and traceable supplier marks. Hooks can be eye type and then attached by a coupling link to the chain or clevis type where the hook is attached directly to the chain with a load pin inserted into the clevis.

Mechanical Coupling Links (Generally to SANS ISO 8539)

Snatch blocks (Generally to SANS ISO 8539)

These components commonly referred to as “hammerlocks� are used to couple chain and fittings to each other. The pin is hammered in to lock it, therefore the nick name hammerlock. Coupling links must be compatible in size, quality grade and strength as that of the chain used and the pin must be securely knocked in.

A clip or spring or other locking device is used to secure the load pin. The pin must be free to flex freely and any form locking is an indication of overloading or elongation.

A snatch block is essentially a pulley mechanism encased in metal. They have numerous lifting and pulling applications and as with most devices in the lifting industry can be dangerous if not lethal if not applied properly. According to research, snatch blocks and the amount of pressure exerted through them should never be underestimated. Experts warn that load exerted on a snatch block should never exceed its rating.

The rule-of-thumb in the snatch box market is that you should buy the most expensive one you can afford.

Although snatch blocks are used in many situations, they are especially common on boats and sailing ships, or where motorised aids are usually not available and the task must be performed manually.

Steel Wire Rope (SWR) slings (Generally to SANS 2408, 7531 & EN 13155) A steel wire rope is manufactured from wires that have been twisted around a core to form a strand. Six of these strands, normally each containing 36 wires are in turn wound around a fibre or steel core to form a steel wire rope, described as a 6 x 36 SWR. Eyes are formed by a method known as splicing, either by hand or by pressing a steel or aluminium ferrule in a large press to secure the ferrule. The eye can be protected by inserting a thimble, when fittings such as hooks or eye bolts are attached permanently. SWR slings are favoured by Riggers for large and heavy lifts and used on construction, mining, off-shore drilling, oil and gas installations, petrochemical, power generation, pipeline and for maintenance projects.

Plate grabs Lifting large pieces of sheet metal is no easy task. The problem becomes more difficult when the sheet metal needs to be lifted up metres into the air.

However, a device for just this application has been developed and comes in the form of a clamp. Clamps are available for either hoisting the metal sheet up and down or are available for moving the sheet metal horizontally.

The clamps are available in various configurations with different jaw sizes and different load capabilities and many clamp manufacturers state that the gripping force applied by the clamps is more than double the load being lifted.

Shackles (Generally to SANS 2415 & US Fed Spec RR C 271) There are 2 shapes of shackles, namely Dee and Bow types.

Dee shackles must only be used for straight line loading, whereas Bow shackles can be used for angular and straight line loading. Two types of pins, namely screw pin, and bolt and nut types are common.

shackles, compared to untested and unmarked shackles, must be used for any lifting or rigging applications.

Special application shackles are also available and supplied as part of machines or mining plant and equipment.

Shackles must be traceable to the supplier and marked with the shackles WLL and size.

Screw pins are favoured for rigging and slinging and bolt type for use on permanent structures such as beams where constant movement is required.

The original pins or bolts and nuts must never be replaced with normal bolts and nuts. Shackle pins must be tightened and pin thread and body thread must be similar and not damaged. It is also very important that only tested, properly marked and certified Lifting Guide

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Lifting and Spreader beams Spreader beams are compression beams which separate two slings (or similar devices), that are picking up a load.

Lif ting Recepticals

Lifting tray (carried by forklift truck) A lifting tray is a seemingly simple device. It attaches to a lifting machine, thus allowing the load on the tray to be moved and placed where needed.

Lifting bins, buckets When it comes to moving or lifting materials such as sand, stones and rubble, nothing will do it better than a bin or a bucket.

The lifting beam is usually lifted from a single point or set of points on the top of the beam.

Dozens of different shapes and sizes are available on the market – it is just a matter of selecting the correct one for the job at hand. The disadvantage with a lifting bin or a bucket is that when clearing debris from a construction site, you often end up collecting loads of valuable soil in the bargain.

Palletised water container Forkliftable water and liquid storage tanks are designed for light-duty transport (non-D.O.T. regulated) during indoor or outdoor applications. The base of the pallet frame is designed for forklift transportability

Webbing slings (Generally to SANS 94 & EN 1492 Parts 1&2) Webbing slings are manufactured mostly from polyester fibre and two types, namely endless round (ERS) and flat eye type are available. Webbing slings are load and user friendly but must be protected from sharp cornered loads as webbing is prone to cutting. Protective sleeves can be used and slings can also be permanently bonded with polyurethane for permanent protection. The Standard requires blue labels to be fitted, reinforced eyes to flat webbing slings and traceable markings, WLL and supplier details. Webbing slings are most suited to loads that may be damaged if chain or SWR slings are used, or loads with highly polished surfaces.,SANS 94 also requires that all webbing slings must be different colours to indicate their WLL. Pictured here are SANS 94 Part 1 Flat Slings and Part 2 where 1 ton slings are violet, 2 ton slings are green, 3 ton slings are yellow etc.

Man-cage (EN 14502) “Man-cage” means a platform enclosed on all sides, whether closed or open at the top, designed for the purpose of raising and lowering persons by means of a lifting machine, but does not include mobile elevated work platforms and suspended access platforms

Clarification of (8): A risk assessment has to be carried out every time the mancage is moved, even within one site. Only after the risk assessment has been carried out in this manner, can approval be obtained by a government inspector.

BULK

HANDLING Endorsed by: CMA l LEEASA l SAIMechE l SAIMH June 2019

T O D A Y

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THE FUTURE OF CONVEYOR BELT TENSIONING

DEVELOPING AFRICA WITH TRAINS ACCURATE LASER MEASUREMENTS

CRANE DEFIES LAW OF GRAVITY 74-YEAR OLD DRY DOCK GETS AN OVERHAUL

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T O D A Y

Keep up to date with monthly developments through “Bulk Handling Today” in print and online at www.bulkhandlingtoday.co.za

Use of Runway Beams and Load Tests

Considerations & Technical Notes on the Use of Runway Beams and Load Tests an existing building structure, for lifting equipment to be attached to it.

Each one of these cases have unique problems. However, it must be predetermined by a design engineer what structural requirements would be required for a runway beam or what an existing structure could support. However it is handled, the runway beam is part of the building and is not a dedicated component specially designed, supplied and installed by the crane manufacturer.

According to DMR 18 (Driven Machinery Regulation), regulation 5, hoists or chain blocks (types of Lifting Machines) have to be load tested to the manufacturer’s specification prior to first use. In the absence of a manufacturer’s spec, a proof load test is done at 110% SWL (safe working load).

Hoists can be tested off site or mounted onto their supports.

If a hoist is permanently mounted to a runway beam, it is good practice to test it mounted onto its runway beam, but this is not prescribed. The DMR does not prescribe specific standards to which beams need to be tested

Foreword:

When an I beam is used as a girder / crawler beam, either on an overhead crane, a gantry crane or a portal crane, and the beams are used as girders, they are then regarded as part of the crane.

EOT (Electric Overhead Traveling Crane): An overhead crane would be designed by an engineer who would design an overhead crane according to the requirements of the duty cycle of the unit. The crane would be classified according to an appropriate classification (SANS, BS, EU, ISO etc.), typically from A1 through A8. The design would be for the manufacture of the crane, and the design would start at the long travel wheels and up. The engineer would also specify the structural requirements of the supporting long travel support and rails on which the crane would travel on. This structure is part of the building and is the responsibility of the owners’ civil/structural engineers to take care of. When a LMI (Lifting Machinery Inspector) does deflection tests on this type of crane, he has to be aware of the deflection of the runway beams’ deflection behaviour, which would possibly influence his outcome and might make necessary adjustments to compensate for this. However, the support is part of the building and not part of the crane. The crane manufacturer can only advise and make the owner aware of these requirements.

● DMR18 (2015), sub-regulation 1: “(1) No user may use or permit the use of a lifting machine or hand- powered lifting device unless — (a) it has been designed and constructed in accordance with a generally accepted technical standard; (b) it is conspicuously and clearly marked with the safe working load: provided that when such safe working load varies with the conditions of use of the manufacturer, a table showing the safe working load with regard to every variable condition shall be posted by the user in a conspicuous place easily visible to the operator;”

Similarly, a runway beam is traditionally part of the buildings’ structure and it should be dealt with and understood like the overhead crane. There are three things to consider;

● DMR18 (2015), sub-regulation 5: “(a) The user shall cause the entire installation and all working parts of every lifting machine or hand-powered lifting device, as well as ancillary lifting equipment used with the machine or device, excluding lifting tackle, to be subjected to a thorough examination and a performance test, as prescribed by the standard to which the lifting machine was manufactured, by a lifting machinery inspector of a lifting machinery entity, which shall determine the serviceability of the structures, ropes, machinery and safety devices before they are put into use and every time they are dismantled and re-erected, and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 12 months: provided that, in the absence of a manufacturing standard or a standard incorporated under section 44(1) of the Act, the whole installation of the lifting machine shall be tested with 110% of the safe working load applied over the complete lifting range of such machine and in such a manner that every part of the installation is stressed accordingly.”

● The building is built using an I beam frame, and … ● A runway beam could be incorporated into this structure for the specific purpose of using it as an under-slung support for lifting equipment, and lastly … ● A runway beam could be added as an afterthought to

When a hoist is tested while mounted onto its runway beam, it has to be verified that the test load does not exceed the design load of the beam. If the test load exceeds the design load of the beam, the hoist will have to be removed and tested separately.

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Neither the Mines Health and Safety Act nor the Occupational Health and Safety Act defines the supporting structure onto which a lifting machine is mounted as part of the lifting machine or hand powered lifting device installation. If a hoist is tested while mounted on its travel beam, a test certificate is issued for the hoist only, to the specification to which the hoist was designed / manufactured.

Hoists and chain blocks, like all lifting machinery and hand powered lifting devices, further require annual load testing.

The moving of a hoist from one beam to another doesn’t constitute re-erection, and a hoist would not need to be retested if it is moved within a year of previous test, provided that no alterations have taken place, like dismantling the crawl.

Legislation:

● The legislation governing the use of lifting machines hand powered lifting devices and lifting tackle, which are supported by runway beams is the Occupational Health and Safety Act, amended in 2015 relating to the design, construction, marking, examination and testing etc. ● There is no regulation in the DMR that deals with the construction, marking, examination, testing and certification of runway beams ● The recently revised (October 2011) and reissued British Standard, BS2853:2011 (British Standard Specification for the design and testing of steel overhead runway beams) is the most recent and applicable code. This standard specifies the requirements for the testing of fixed overhead runway beams made from rolled steel sections and applies to the runway beams and their components. It does not apply to the supporting structures, trolleys (crawls) or lifting appliances (chain blocks, lever hoists and electric hoists) operating on the beams. These are dealt with by DMR18.

Proposed procedures for documentation, inspection, testing and certification of overhead runway beams: Design And Documentation:

A data sheet with the following information should be maintained for each runway beam: ● Unique serial number and/or plant or asset register number of beam ● Location of beam ● Layout drawing of the beam • Signed by Professional Engineer if possible ● Type of beam ● Size of beam • Width, height, flange thickness and weight per running metre of beam ● Grade of steel of beam if known ● Date of original installation of beam ● SWL of the beam or load capacity of the beam ● Calculated deflection of the beam • At the tip of the cantilever or overhang • At mid span, in the longest internal span, between supports

Testing:

Testing to be done in accordance with BS2853:2011. Runway beams are to be load tested to their proof load as follows: ● After installation of the beams ● Before the first use of the beam (commissioning) ● If / when the beam is modified / altered in design

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Runway beam

● If / when the beam is repaired ● If / when the beam is removed, relocated and reassembled ● If deemed necessary by the certifier, following an inspection

Inspection:

Beams should be inspected by a competent person before the use thereof in order to confirm the following: ● • • ● ● • ● ● ● • • •

The SWL (safe working load) is indicated on the beam Clearly visible from both sides Clearly visible from the ground The end stops are installed on the beams The ID (identification plate or unique serial number) is indicated on the beam Clearly visible There is no signs of recent visible damage to the beam There is no signs of excessive corrosion to the beam The bolts are tight Torqued to the manufacturer / supplier’s recommended setting The correct grade of bolts and nuts are used The correct washers are used

Issuing of Load Test Certificates:

Only LME’s (Lifting Machinery Entities), which are companies registered with the DOL (Department of Labour), can issue load test certificates, and only for the type of lifting machines listed in their “Scope of Approval”. The certificate is issued by the LME company, in the name of the company, and signed by a registered LMI (Lifting Machinery Inspector), registered with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) of which this individual is supplied with a letter of “scope of competence” for the specified discipline (field of work) No LME’s are registered with a “scope of approval” specifically for the load testing of runway beams (crawler beams), as these are not considered lifting machines by themselves.

Therefore, if or when a discretionary load test is carried out on a runway beam, the LME can theoretically only provide a load test report on the electric hoist, crawl, chain block, lever hoist, wire rope puller etc. No testing of runway beams is required by legislation unless it forms part or becomes part of lifting machine.

Independent Lifting Points (Pad Eyes, Lugs etc) on Structures:

These are not part of lifting machines, and as such do not need to be load tested. They also do not need to be marked with a SWL. Such lifting points need to be made to a design

and / or drawing, and visually inspected, however they should be marked and tested.

Lifting Tackle:

Normal Engineering Approach To The Design Of Runway Beams: Strength design is according to SANS 10162-1.

According to DMR18, lifting tackle does not require load testing after being put into service. It does however need to be inspected prior to first use and thereafter every 3 months; by a LTI (Lifting Tackle Inspector). LTI’s are appointed by the user of lifting tackle, who needs to be trained, experienced etc., but doesn’t need to be a LMI.

Account is taken of the combined long and cross flange bending (which is not specifically covered in SANS 10162-1) by checking that the stress resulting from the factored loads is less than 0.9 times the yield strength of steel used for beam.

The resulting design is then also checked against BS28531957, for strength only.

Lifting tackle includes but is not limited to slings (webbing, chain, steel wire), shackles, spreader beams and lifting beams (classification of lifting beams as lifting tackle is inferred in the current version of DMR.)

The “un-factored” load on which the strength check using a chain block, is based on the (weight of the crawl) + (chain block plus 1.25 times the SWL of the chain block).

Note: Spreader beams used for the first time would probably need to be inspected prior to next use by a competent appointed person. It would make sense to use the services of a LMI or train site mechanical supervisors or safety officers and appoint either to carry this out.

Requirements for Marking SWL (Safe Working Load) Onto Runway Beams, Lifting Beams And Spreader Beams:

The SWL can be marked onto runway beams, lifting beams and spreader beams, based on their engineering design, combined with a visual inspection and maybe a NDT (non-destructive test), like MPI (magnetic particle inspection)

Deflection Testing:

Deflection tests carried out on lifting machines are always carried out at the SWL, not the proof load. At the first load application some “settling in” of the structure will take place. Deflection measurements should be taken only on the second or later applications of the SWL. The deflection measured must be for the lifting machine only. Deflection of the supporting structure (namely compound deflection) has to be appropriately deducted from the total measured deflection.

“Spiking or shocking” of the deflection can occur and has to be compensated. Deflection readings will differ between: ● Manually operated chain block, lever hoist or wire rope puller • Forces induced on the beam to lift the proof load are limited (low torque). One has to rely on the pulling effort of a reasonable person (limited by manufacturer) ● Electrical operated hoist • Forces induced on the beam to lift the proof load are not as limited (high torque). One relies on the torque setting of a motor (limited by the manufacturer)

Deflection criteria is typically as per: “Design Criteria for steel structures”, being L/300 between supports (allowable 1mm deflection per 300mm span). This is checked for the SWL only, and applied to the beam. Deflection from other members in the support system can be compounded.

Reference Documents: • • • • • • • •

BS 2853:1957 — Crawl beam design and testing. (Including deflections) BS 2853:2011 — Crawl beam design and testing. (Including deflections) SANS 10160-6:2011 — Basis of structural design and actions for buildings and industries. Part 6: Actions induced by cranes and machinery SANS 10162-1:2005 — structural use of steel; Part 1: Limit state design. Deflection. (This covers the use of I beams in buildings) SANS 2001-CSI:2005 — Construction works – Structural steelwork SANS 500 — Inspection, examination & testing of manually operated chain blocks & chain lever hoists in use.

SANS 10375 — The inspection, test & examination of overhead cranes in use.

SANS 1599-1 — Cantilever/slewing jib cranes.

Unresolved concerns;

• Some of the points raised by “others” can only be resolved by a directive from in the law or in an incorporated dedicated SANS standard.

• The law says that the complete installation shall be tested therefore is this applicable to runway beams?

• Does a crawl attached to beam become a crane? If so when?

• Maybe these items need to included in SANS 10375 to give direction to the LMI’s.

• Some of these items are covered to a degree in SANS1599-1

Application Of Test Loads:

Should runway beams be tested by applying a load by means of a beam clamps or a trolley (crawl), other than the trolley for which the beam has been designed, the application of the load should correspond to how the trolley for which the beam was designed would load the beam. Particularly the extreme position of the load should correspond with the centre of the trolley for which the beam was designed, when positioned against the beam end stops.

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Under the Hook Machines Bar tong (Generally to EN 13155) These tongs are specifically designed to lift round or cylindrical loads such as pipes, tubes and bars.

A conformal leg engages below the centre-point of the load where not only is the load cradled by the legs, but also securely clamped on the outside diameter.

(EN 13155 - non fixed lifting attachments)

Mechanical, electrical or hydraulic devices, manual or remote

Container handling spreader beams Driven by hydraulics, this automatic spreader provides high efficiency, especially for large container loading and unloading yards.

Lifting Points or lifting rings

For every job, there is the correct tool and lifting coils are no exception. A coil grab is basically that – a rig that allows you to safely and easily lift a coil of wiring or tubing.

The coil grabs use telescopic legs that will fit snugly over the coil to ensure that it won’t drop once being hoisted. Also, many of the coil grabs let you rotate the coil while hoisted – meaning you can spool cabling or tubing on or off the coil while it is in the air.

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Lifting beams are beams which actually pick up the load from one or more lifting points under the beam which are positioned in such a way so as to hold the load in a specific or balanced position.

The beam in turn is usually lifted from a single point or set of points on the top of the beam. These lifting points are connected to the crane hook.

Each tong is designed for a specific size range and some tongs use multiple legs for lifting long, slender materials, thereby reducing deflection and improving handling. It is also possible to lift multiple cylindrical components as either stacked bundles or in parallel.

Coil grabs (Generally to EN 13155)

Lifting beams

The practice of using lifting points instead of eye bolts or eye nuts is increasing rapidly. These units are manufactured from Grade 8 or 10 alloy steel and all have one thing in common, namely that they can be bolted on, or welded permanently on to a load. The units can rotate 360 degrees and swivel in the direction of the sling leg to which it is attached. The units are made to stringent quality standards such as EN 1677 and in accordance with European Directive 2006/42/CE Various brands are available with conformance certificates and these items should be regarded as lifting tackle and inspected accordingly.

It is important that OEM guidelines for incline loading and relevant reduced WLL according to a specific angle be observed.

Vacuum lifters Vacuum lifters consist of a below-thehook frame with a large vacuum pad or several smaller suction cups for grabbing large sheets, rolls, plates, or other smooth-surfaced products. They are driven by pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical power. Pneumatic or airpowered vacuum lifters are equipped with air cylinders or motors that provide lifting action.

There are many different types of vacuum lifters. Choices include heavy-duty lifters, vertical-horizontal lifters, coil lifters, battery-powered vacuum lifters, and products with mobile attachments.

Battery-powered lifters are similar to electrically-powered devices, but have a rechargeable battery.

Magnetic hooks Magnetic lifters are versatile work handling devices that can be used to move a variety of ferrous metals, ranging from small bundles of rod or scrap to large, heavy blocks. When used to replace slings and chains, lifting magnets can improve overall productivity by allowing a single person to lift a load that may have required two or more people the old way. Magnets eliminate the need for drilling and tapping holes in parts so that eyebolts can be attached to move them. In many cases, these holes need to be filled and the surface needs to be refinished, adding cost to the product.

There are two basic types of lifting magnets: permanent magnets and electromagnets. Permanent magnets are exactly that; permanent. These magnets use permanently magnetized material to build up the magnetic field. One disadvantage is that permanent magnets have a restricted lifting capacity.

Electromagnets employ electricity to charge the magnet and hold the material to the magnet face. Unlike permanent magnets, electromagnets require a constant power source.

Crane Hook, Hoist Hook and Lif ting Sling Hook Requirements Following the recent failure of a 5 ton “crane hook” at a mine, there have been various reports, recommendations and instructions issued by various parties to mines and plants. As the Chamber of Mines have also issued a statement, LEEASA (Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa) have felt obliged to inform industry what the applicable standards are for hooks attached to cranes, hoists and slings, albeit these are viewed as separate equipment in industry.

T

he hook that failed was part of a 5 ton electric chain hoist and not part of a 5 ton crane as stated in reports. To clarify, there are different SANS and other International Standards that apply to hooks used on the different types of lifting equipment.

1.

Chain block and chain lever hoist hooks

Chain blocks and chain lever hoist hooks are covered in SANS 1594 - 2007 edition for Manually operated chain blocks and by SANS 1636 -2007 edition for Manually operated chain lever hoists, which are the relevant manufacturing standards. The requirements for “chain hoist hooks” in terms of yielding, markings, design, manufacturing process (forgings), method of marking by the OEM, safety latch design and testing to determine conformance to standards, are clearly stated in these Standards.

SANS 1638 – 2008 edition for Pneumatically powered chain hoists which covers pneumatic hoists, mostly used on mines have the same requirement as SANS 1594 -2007 edition Section 4.6 on hooks.

Spreader beams Spreader beams are compression beams which separate two slings (or similar devices), that are picking up a load.

2. Electric chain hoist hooks

There is no published SANS Standard for electric chain hoists. However, SABS TC 1020 is currently drafting a national standard for this equipment (SANS922).

Presently, ASME B30.10, ASME B30.16, JIS8815, EN14492-2 and DIN 15400 refer to the requirements for hooks on this type of equipment. It is strongly recommended that users confirm that all electric chain hoists comply with at least one of the abovementioned or similar standards.

a. The manufacturers name, trade name or logo or trade mark for traceability. b. The WLL/SWL c. The batch number to allow traceability

3. Chain sling hooks

The requirements for hooks that are attached to Grade 8 alloy chains are covered in SANS 1595 – 2003 edition and SANS ISO 8539. Another possible standard for consideration is EN 1677.

4. Crane hooks

The current acceptable standard for crane hooks is DIN 15400. ISO TC96 Cranes is currently developing a new standard. (ISO CD17440)

NB. Hook Colours.

There is no requirement for hooks to have any specific colour. The various OEMs paint their hooks the same colour as the body of the hoist, mostly, yellow, orange, blue or red.

NB. The latest editions of SANS standards are always the applicable standards.

Ken Greenwood, National Chairman, LEEASA

Keep up to date with monthly developments through “Bulk Handling Today” in print and online at www.bulkhandlingtoday.co.za

Usually the minimum requirements for markings are as follows:

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Safety in the Workplace Scaffolding – Erection and inspection Everyone in the workplace has work health and safety duties. A range of people have specific responsibilities when it comes to scaffolds and scaffolding Who is responsible under SA Law? • Designers; • Scaffolding contractors and workers who carry out scaffolding work; and • Principal contractors for a ‘construction project’.

Top 20 Scaffolding Safety Tips • Report defective or missing railings, toe boards, safety nets, or other fall restraint systems immediately.

• Do not climb on bracing and support members to reach the platform.

• Never use a scaffold which appears to be defective, unstable, or missing guardrails. Call your supervisor immediately.

• Keep the number of tools, equipment and materials to a minimum on scaffolds to reduce slip, trip and fall accidents.

• Make sure the scaffold rests on stable level supports and surfaces. When using a mobile scaffold, make sure the wheels are locked before using it.

• Never move mobile scaffolds while they are in use or by pulling yourself along while standing on the top plank.

You can easily tip the scaffold causing serious injuries.

• Slippery scaffold platforms should be immediately repaired or replaced.

• If the supporting members, footing, braces, and platforms appear to be damaged or defective, do not use the scaffold. Contact your supervisor immediately.

• Do not use a scaffold unless you have received training and have been authorized by your supervisor • Do not work near energized electrical lines unless you are trained and authorized by your supervisor. Maintain at least ten feet distance from all energized lines.

• Always access and leave scaffolds in a safe manner, using ladders, stairs or ramps. Never climb the bracing or supports to access or descend from scaffolds.

• Secure materials to the scaffold before moving it.

• Do not ride on a moving scaffold.

• Hoist up heavy tools, equipment, and supplies. Do not carry them.

• Do not work on a scaffold in high winds or a storm unless a competent person says it is safe and you use personal fall-arrest or a windscreen.

• Wear proper equipment including sturdy shoes with nonskid soles, and hard hats, whenever a hazard of falling materials exists.

• Do not plank guardrails or use ladders or boxes on the platform to gain additional working height.

• Do not remove any component of a completed scaffold assembly except under the supervision of a qualified person.

Handing Over Scaffolding for Use An adequate handover procedure for transferring control of the scaffold from the erector to the user is an important part of managing scaffold safety. Both the scaffold erector and the user should be satisfied that the scaffold can provide a safe working platform and can carry the imposed loads safely.

An adequate handover procedure will include: • Clearly identifying the areas of the scaffold that have been handed over; • Clearly stating the maximum capacity of the loading bays and working platforms and the tie spacing; • Inspecting the entire area of the scaffold before it is taken into use. The scaffold inspection checklist or another suitable checklist may be used; • Removing “scaffold incomplete” warning notices from the finished scaffold; • Preparing a report of the inspection. A copy of the report should be retained on site; and identifying the person responsible for further modifications and inspections of the scaffold.

Overhead Cranes Operating the Crane properly is important for safety. The crane is a simple machine to operate, but it can be very dangerous if you do no follow the correct procedures. Operating the crane incorrectly can cause serious accidents, damage and injury. Careless operation can cause accidents and damage to the Crane.

Pre-Operation Checks It is very important to carry out the Pre Operational Inspection thoroughly at the start of every shift. This inspection prevents accidents, and accidents increase production costs, cause injury, and even death.

Visually check for obvious structural defects, obstructions, alignment, rust, cracks, damage, and loose nuts and bolts on the following components:

• Do not paint wood planks.

Bridge Alignment must be true (screeching or squealing wheels may indicate misalignment). There must be no structural cracks, bulges or flaking paint as this can cause rust and weaken the structure.

• Hard hats must be worn by all persons erecting, moving, dismantling or using scaffolding.

Rail Support (if applicable) must not be bent or broken. The cranes stability can be affected.

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Trolley End stop on trolley must not be loose, missing or incorrectly in place.

Damage can occur if the trolley overrides the end stop.

End Trucks Wheels must not be worn or cracked (this may be indicated by a bumpy ride). Axles must not be bent or cracked as this can affect the stability of the crane and load.

Spring Bumper Must not be loose, missing, or incorrectly in place. This can cause the end truck to bump into the fail stop and cause damage.

Fishplate/Bolts Must not be loose or missing as this can cause the crane to destabilise.

Rail Stops Must be correctly positioned and secure. This can cause the end truck to runoff the rails and cause damage.

correctly. The bridge should stop when you move the gantry beam and then release the control button / lever.

Rail Sweep Must not be broken, chipped or cracked. Objects lying on the rails will not be swept away and cause a danger to the cranes stability.

Rope on Drum - There must be at least 3 full turns of rope on the Drum when the hook is at its lowest point. The Inspection List will give you a full checklist for the Pre Operational Inspection.

Rail Alignment Must be true or the crane can de-rail.

Rail Obstruction The rail must be free from objects. An obstructed rail is dangerous and can cause instability or derailment.

Upper Limit Switch - With no load attached, “inch” the block into the limit and check that it automatically stops.

Seven Point Operational Checklists

Access Access to the crane and operators’ cabin must be free from obstruction and foot walks in good condition. You can be trapped if obstructed or fall if footwork’s are not in good condition.

The purpose of these checks is to test the operation of the mechanisms and the various control devices or limit switches.

Gearbox There must be no overflowing of lubricant on rails.

There must be no dirty cups. Lubricant on rails may indicate a leak as well as reducing braking effort.

2. Check the operation of the main and auxiliary hoists in turn.

1. Check that all controls are in the off position.

Coupling / Motors Must not be loose or worn. This can cause the load to fall and poses a safety hazard.

3. Lower - check that the area below is clear before commencing.

Isolator Switch Must be in good condition and operational with no tripping of power. Turn the switch ON to check operation.

• Check all speeds are operating correctly.

“On/Stop” Buttons Must be in good condition and operational with no tripping of power. Turn ON to check operation.

• Check the operation of the lower limit switch and the hoist brake.

Hooter/Siren Sound the hooter to check operation. Check operation of warning or signal lights.

Start-up Checks The purpose of these checks is to test the function of the controls. It should be done against a checklist to ensure an orderly procedure.

Lock Out Key - You must sign for the Lock Out Key and check that is works correctly.

Directional Operations - You must make sure that all the directional controls work correctly. You must be able to move the Crane in all six directions.

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4. Raise - check all speeds are operating correctly.

• Check the slow down limit and the cross-travel end limit.

• Check the operation of slow down limit (if fitted) and the upper limit and the hoist brake.

• Repeat the procedure in the opposite direction.

5. Cross Travel - Check the full cross travel.

• Listen for unusual noises.

• If the cross travel is equipped with more than one speed, check the operation of all speeds.

Make sure the cross-travel brakes are operating.

6. Long Travel - Check the operation of the long travel in all speeds check the operation of the long travel brakes.

• While travelling check the down shop leads for damage.

7. Test the operation of the Hooter.

Six Point Close Down Checklist Just as the Operational Checklist, it is equally important to follow the close down checklist to stow the Crane correctly.

A Crane that is incorrectly stowed is dangerous and will cause unnecessary wear and damage to the tackle.

1. Raise all hooks to an intermediate position well above head height.

• Commonly made of wire rope or welded link chain • Can be constructed from fiber rope, synthetic webbing or metal mesh • Most slings are assembled by sling manufacturers • Can be assembled at the job site

• On outdoor cranes secure the hooks to the side of the crane to prevent wind damage.

• Components of slings

2. Position the Crane in an area that is well away from any passages and thoroughfares.

• If there is one, always stow the Crane in the demarcated area.

3. Place all the controls in the OFF position.

4. Place the main switch in the OFF position.

5. On outdoor cranes apply the storm brake.

• Push the plungers in to secure the storm brake to the rails.

• Some cranes have a remote hydraulic or electrical storm brake control.

6. After you have stowed the Crane, you must lock it out and return the key to your Supervisor.

• Coupling Links

• Hooks • Fittings • Sling Legs

Advantage of slings • Can be assembled at the job site but must use recommended components and assembly procedures Important note to remember is that slings may also require some sort of weight test What should you remember when planning a rigging study • Determine the weight of the load • Calculating an allowable load

Basic Rigging and Slinging

• Locating the center of gravity of a load • Procedures to determine center of gravity include:

Questions that a Rigger must be able to answer • What is to be done with the load?

• What tools are needed?

• Do the tools have the capacity to handle the loads and forces involved?

• How can the hookup be made?

• What will happen when the load is first moved?

• What will be the travel path of the load to reach the desired location?

• How will the load be set down at the desired location?

• What other factors are involved (weather, electrical wires, sloping grades, visibility)?

• Are additional personnel needed to control the load safely during the process?

• Facts about slings • Main purpose is to suspend a load from a hoist

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• Connect slings and hoist based on estimate of object’s center of gravity • Take up slack in slings or hoist • Lift the load just enough to check stability • If stable, continue to lift • If unstable, lower load and adjust the rigging • Lift point should be moved closer to end that dips • Repeat until load is stable • Distinguishing the force components (horizontal and vertical) at work in a diagonal force (loads at some angles other than 90 degrees to the horizontal) • Determine the limitations of each component of the rigging system • Before lifting a load, check for any hazards.

Chain Blocks & Lever Hoists

Note: Ensure that you use the correct size of hook for the application.

These units, now referred to as hand-powered lifting devices, are portable lifting machines, as per DMR 2015 definitions.

These units are included in the DOL requirements for annual load testing and SANS 500 specifies the inspection and load testing requirements of these hoists in use, whereas SANS 1637 and 1640 apply to the reconditioning of chain blocks and lever hoists respectively.

SANS 1636 and SANS 1594 covers the manufacturing requirements for lever hoists and chain blocks respectively.

Chain blocks (SANS 500 and 1637) Chain blocks are normally used in a production environment in a work shop, plant or mine. Manufacturers recommend that chain blocks be used for vertical lifting only and the load must never be lifted with a chain block, at an angle.

In practice these unite are most often abused leading to damage and even failure. As these items are critical safety items It is essential that price must not be the deciding factor and that only proper certified, branded and superior quality chain blocks must be used Chain blocks must be supplied with certificates of test and conformance to a Standards, be branded with a unique serial number and other details as required by the Standard Modern chain blocks can be fitted with overload protection in the form of a slip clutch built in to the hand wheel to prevent overloading. Although regarded as lifting machines and therefore only legally required to undergo thorough six monthly examinations, it is highly recommended that these units be visually, inspected, at least at three monthly intervals Inspections should be recorded, by the appointed inspector, in a proper inspection register.

Lever hoists (SANS 500 and 1640/manually-operated lifting device)

Steel wire rope pullers (manually-operated lifting device)

Lever hoists are normally used for maintenance operations and on construction sites to lift, lower, drag or tension loads.

Lever hoists can be used for vertical as well as horizontal and incline lifting but the load must always be in a straight line from top to bottom hooks.

The steel wire rope puller has come a long way from its humble beginnings, which consisted mainly of blunt force by the operator. But with the advancement of technology, cable pullers are now offered in a variety of styles and range in capabilities. Easy to use, reliable and safe, cable pulling has never been more convenient.

In practice these unite are most often abused leading to damage and even failure. As these items are critical safety items It is essential that price must not be the deciding factor and that only proper certified, branded and superior quality lever hoists must be used Lever hoists must be supplied with certificates of test and conformance to a Standards, be branded with a unique serial number and other details as required by the Standard

The steel wire rope puller is ideal in a range of industry segments, from heavyconstruction all the way down the chain to DIY home projects. As with all lifting or hoisting equipment, the cable puller is available in a variety of sizes, and with different load capacities. Many of them are manufactured from heavy duty steel with an automatic or notch-by-notch release mechanism.

Modern lever hoists can be fitted with overload protection in the form of a slip clutch built in to the lever hoist handle to prevent overloading. Although regarded as lifting machines and therefore only legally required to undergo thorough six monthly examinations, it is highly recommended that these units be visually, inspected, at least at three monthly intervals Inspections should be recorded, by the appointed inspector, in a proper inspection register.

Did you know Registered Lifting Machinery Inspectors (LMI’s) are persons registered by the Engineering Council of South Africa in terms of the Engineering Profession Act, 2000 (Act 46 of 2000), for specified categories with a defined scope of competence.

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GOOD PRACTICE NOTE FALL PROTECTION CHAMBER

Report on Unit Standard 120362 1. Introduction

The Institute for Work at Height was formed in January 2009 being a merger of the Specialised Access Engineering Manufacturers Association (SAEMA) and the Rope Access And Fall Arrest Association (RAFAA) desirous of creating safety awareness and in turn “professionalism in the overall Work At Height Industry”. Its stated objectives and functions can be summarised as: • Provides a unified voice for suppliers and users of all types of work at height equipment and services.

• Sets and maintains Industry standards.

• Develops guidelines and frameworks for skills development within the Industry.

• Impresses on clients the professionalism, integrity and credibility of IWH members by adherence to a Code of Ethical Practice.

• Represents Industry views to Government Departments and the Private Sector.

• Provides information on all related work at height matters.

• Provides a regular forum for members to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest.

2. Background

During November 2012, a request was received to evaluate Unit Standard 120362 Monitor, report and make recommendations pertaining to specified requirements in terms of working at heights and comment on its suitability for use as a measure of competence for operators who conduct work at height using fall protection equipment including harnesses.

3. Discussion 3.1. Title and description of the unit standard

3.1.1. The title of the unit standard mentions skills that include ‘monitor’, ‘report’ and ‘make recommendations’. No mention is made of skills or scenarios that involve actual work at height. The title seems to highlight administrative skills rather than technical skills.

3.1.2. The recommendations that an operator needs to be able to make, once deemed competent to the unit standard, relates to ‘specified requirements’ associated with working at height. Therefore, it appears that such an operator would need to be able to interpret, implement and comment on a set of pre-compiled (not by the operator himself/herself) requirements that in some way relates to work at height.

Again, the skills that are required appear to be predominantly administrative.

3.1.3. The field of application of this unit standard is defined as Health Sciences and Social Services. Other unit standards in this field include medical, management, social development and related skills.

No other unit standards with technical work at height skills requirements could be found in this field.

3.2. Purpose of the unit standard

3.2.1. Only one purpose for the unit standard is provided: ‘People credited with this unit standard will be able to describe the requirements with regard to working at height’. The specific requirements referred to in the unit standard are: 3.2.1.1. Requirements relating to performing work in elevated positions.

3.2.1.2. Inspecting, caring for and storing fall arrest equipment effectively.

Temporary suspended platform

3.2.1.3. The safety, health and environmental principles regarding the safe construction and maintenance of working platform, ladders. Scaffolds and walkways in elevated positions.

3.2.2. It is notable that the unit

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standard expressly states that what is required is ‘knowledge and understanding of the requirements’ of certain skills and work systems and not the skills themselves. This is further highlighted by the provision of no less than five different fields of work at height for which the requirements should be known. Each of the five fields (fall arrest, working platforms, ladders, scaffolds and elevated walkways) that are mentioned have their own skills based unit standards or sets of unit standards in some instances. It is therefore inconceivable that unit standard 120362 requires or in any way guarantees competence in any of the five fields mentioned under its purpose.

3.3. Learning assumed to be in place

3.3.1. It is notable that two other unit standards are included under learning assumed to be in place. Both these unit standards relate to emergency response and care.

3.4. Unit standard range, outcomes and assessment criteria 3.4.1. It is notable that the list of site-specific requirements excludes Fall Protection Planning, although it includes risk assessment procedures.

3.4.2. All of the assessment criteria appear somewhat vague and ambiguous. For example, Assessment Criterion 1 under Specific Outcome 1 simply states: ‘The requirements to perform work in elevated positions are explained’; Assessment Criterion 3 under Specific Outcome 1 states: ‘The method used to conduct work in elevated positions is explained’. Such an open-ended requirement is prone to misinterpretation as there is a range of different methods, even in only the five fields of work at height referred to under the purpose of this unit standard.

3.4.3. Assessment Criterion 1 under Specific Outcome 3 requires ‘knowledge and understanding pertaining to the inspection of working platforms, ladders, scaffolds and walkways in elevated positions’. It should be noted that the requirement is only for knowledge and understanding of such inspections and does not include the actual skills to conduct such inspections. It is inconceivable that a thorough inspection of all the related equipment mentioned in those five fields is what is in view under this single assessment criterion.

3.4.4. Assessment criterion 3 under Specific Outcome 3 states, ‘The need to ensure correct record keeping is explained’. (Assessment criterion 2 under Specific Outcome 2 states virtually the same). Reference to any specific records or how such records are to be completed are absent and, again, the criterion is vague and ambiguous.

3.4.5. It is notable that no skills or even actual work at height per se were mentioned anywhere under the specific outcomes and assessment criteria of unit standard 120362.

3.5. Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO)

3.5.1. The unit standard CCFO identifying states: ‘Solve problems by working at heights [sic], the individual will be required to embark on remedial action, which requires problem solving’. This is the first mention in unit standard 120362 of actual working at height. However, the grammar is confusing and non-sensual. Either way, it seems a rather strange critical cross-field outcome to expect from an individual who is not required to have any practical skills related to working at height.

3.5.2. Actual work at height is again referred to under the unit standard CCFO collecting. Again, a rather strange critical cross-field outcome to expect from an individual who is not required to have any practical skills related to working at height.

3.6. Qualifications utilising this unit standard

3.6.1. The qualifications that are listed as utilising this unit standard are Construction Health and Safety (national certificate) and Occupational Hygiene and Safety (national certificate). In the context of safety related occupations, it seems reasonable for learners to have knowledge and understanding of some work at height facets, without requiring them to be competent in the skills that are required to actually carry out work at height. As such, this unit standard may form a valuable addition to those occupations, without serving as a measure of competence for conducting actual work at height.

3.7. Accredited providers

3.7.1. It is notable that only three accredited providers are listed for unit standard 120362, all three of which are mining firms. This seems to affirm the notions that were made under 3.6.

4. Conclusions

4.1. Having studied the unit standard, it is concluded that: 4.1.1. Unit standard 120362 does not seem to be intended to be used as a measure of competence for conducting work at height.

4.1.2. Unit standard 120362 does not require or specify any particular skills for working at height.

4.1.3. The context in which unit standard 120362 exists or occurs appears to relate to general health and safety management, particularly in the mining sector.

4.1.4. In light of the findings of this report, the Institute for Work at Height strongly advises against the use of unit standard 120362 as a measure of competence for working at height.

Acknowledgement: The Institute for Work at Height www.profbody.co.za www.ifwh.co.za

FAQ’s

“How does industry combat the importation of inferior quality equipment?”

“The user is protected by the OHS Act in this regard. Section 10 of the act clearly indicates that the importer of goods has to ensure that the goods are of an acceptable standard.”

Is the DoL aware of companies sending people out to do tests and an office bound LMI then signing the test certificate documentation off at the office?

This is illegal and should be reported.

Does there have to be a load test each time the ropes on a crane are replaced?

The answer is a definite yes in order to check the rope as well as correct installation procedures.

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Lif t Trucks

(Supported by SANS 10388)

All forklifts including attachments & special equipment

Counter balance The counter balanced forklift is probably one of the most commonly used tools in the materials handling market. It can be found in just about any storage facility or factory. The forklift carries its load on the outside of its wheelbase and relies on a counterbalance weight and the weight of the engine to stop it from tipping over its front wheels.

Large lift trucks All rough terrain forklift trucks

Ruggedized for outdoor conditions and difficult-to-traverse surfaces, these models transport loads that might exceed 7 000kg. They can also be used as the transportation interface between a storage yard and warehouse.

Many forklift trucks are available, each one designed to suit a certain application and to carry a certain load. The trucks vary from a 1-tonne pallet handler to heavy-duty 40 tonne diesel trucks used for large sea containers.

Pallet trucks Powered Pallet Trucks (PPTs) are sometimes referred to as a Walkie, Walkie-rider or Rider motorised truck.

They are basically motorised versions of the pallet jack. The PPT is designed for the operator to walk along with the truck as he or she moves loads. The PPT also includes a platform on which the controller can stand.

PPTs are great for the frequent moving of loads over extended distances within warehouses and manufacturing operations. They are fast and highly manoeuvrable. Minimal controls result in short learning times although precision turning does take some practice.

Large lift trucks

These trucks are available in capacities ranging from 5 000 to 60 000kg.

They are commonly used for container handling and very heavy loads. Types of trucks in this category include: Counterbalanced FLTs; Reach stackers; and Straddle carriers.

Pedestrian controlled lift trucks

Order picking lift trucks including all models This truck is designed specifically for the manual handling of less-than-pallet-load quantities in racking. The order picker design has fixed forks attached to a platform which elevates the load and the operator to facilitate manual loading and unloading from racking.

Order pickers can operate in narrow or wide aisles. These forklifts are also very useful in cycle counting and physical inventory.

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These forklifts are very common in warehouses and factories. They are designed to be a highly efficient method of storage as they operate in fairly narrow isles.

Admittedly, they are not as robust or as fast as their reach truck counterparts, but their manoeuvrability makes them an ideal choice for many applications.

Truck-mounted forklift Handy for deliveries, this lift truck offers flexibility and portability for on- and offloading on site. It’s “piggy-backed” on the rear of any truck or trailer combination.

The pedestrian stacker is commonly used to handle pallets with no bottom stringer. This is because the outrigger legs would get in the way of a pallet with bottom stringers.

Reach trucks Reach trucks are most commonly used for the storage and retrieval of pallets in a warehouse.

They differ from the standard counter balanced forklift in that they contain the load within their wheelbase. This ultimately results in them being able to operate in smaller spaces while at the same time, being able to lift to great heights.

The main advantages of reach trucks is that they are very efficient in small spaces, are commonly available and are relatively simple to use.

Tele handlers A telescopic handler, or tele handler, is a machine widely used in the lifting industry. It is similar in appearance and function to a forklift but is more a crane than forklift, with the increased versatility of a single telescopic boom that can extend forwards and upwards from the vehicle.

On the end of the boom the operator can fit one of several attachments such as a bucket, pallet forks, muck grab, or lift table. In some cases, it can even be converted into a crane.

Tail Lif ts (SANS 1055)

Side loaders The side loader and four-way reach trucks are forklifts that are designed to carry their loads parallel to their direction of travel.

They come in handy when long loads need to be transported – such as pipes, and lengths of timber.

Diesel side loaders are often used in rough terrain whereas the electric powered models are used indoors on smooth surfaces.

The new tail lift picture. A tail lift is a mechanical device fitted to the back of a van or a lorry, which is designed to facilitate the materials handling of goods from ground level or a loading dock to the level of the load bed of the vehicle, or vice versa.

Tail lifts are hydraulic in operation, although they can be mechanical, and are controlled by an operator using an electric relay switch.

The use of a tail lift can obviate the need to use machinery such as a fork lift truck in order to load heavy items onto a vehicle, or can be used to bridge the difference in height between a loading dock and the vehicle load bed. There are four main types of tail lifts available, namely column lifts, cantilever, tuck aways, and underslider lifts.

MEWP

(Mobile Elevating Work Platform) (Supported by SANS 50280, 16368 & 18893.

Also BS EN 61057 & Ansi A92.2)

A mobile elevating work platform is a mechanical device used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height. MEWPs are designed to lift limited weights (usually less than a tonne), distinguishing them from most types of cranes.

They are usually capable of being fully operated (including setup) by a single person. MEWPs may provide additional features beyond transport and access, including being equipped with electrical outlets or compressed air connectors for power tools.

There are distinct types of MEWPs, the key difference is in the drive mechanism which propels the working platform to the desired location. Most are powered by either hydraulics or possibly pneumatics.

Boom type (cherry pickers) A cherry picker (also known as a boom lift, man lift, basket crane or hydraladder), is a type of aerial work platform that consists of a platform or bucket at the end of a hydraulic lifting system.

It is often mounted on the back of a large vehicle such as a truck (in which case it may also be called a bucket truck).

It can also be mounted on a flat-back pick-up van known as a Self Drive, or sometimes on a stand-alone trailer or self-moving platform.

Cherry pickers were originally designed for use in orchards where they are still heavily used. It lets the picker pick fruit high in a tree with relative ease. Similar devices, also known as ‘cherry pickers’, are used to service telephone, cable television and electrical equipment on utility poles.

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MEWP Scissor lifts (mobile or fixed) A scissor lift is a type of platform which can usually only move vertically. The mechanism to achieve this is the use of linked, folding supports in a criss-cross ‘X’ pattern. The upward motion is achieved by the application of pressure to the outside of the lowest set of supports, elongating the crossing pattern, and propelling the work platform vertically.

The platform may also have an extending ‘bridge’ to allow closer access to the work area (because of the inherent limits of vertical only movement).

Contraction of the scissor action can be hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical (via a leadscrew or rack and pinion system).

Suspended Access Platforms (SAE) (SANS 51808 & 10295 part 1 & 2)

Units that are hung from suspension anchors/points

Building Maintenance Unit (Permanently Suspended Platforms) Building Maintenance Units or BMUs are permanently installed units for maintenance workers to safely access all areas of a building’s façade for window cleaning, regular maintenance and minor repair work.

BMUs can be manual, semi- powered or fully powered and are generally installed onto a tracked runway system that is in turn fixed back to the roof structure.

Depending on the design of the BMU, either a dedicated cradle or a separate cradle set can be suspended from the jib.

Temporary Suspended Platforms A temporary suspended platform is much the same as a building maintenance unit except for the fact that it is easily attached or detached from the building.

They usually consist of aluminium cradles of various sizes from which the workers can lower themselves down the building’s side. This cradle is attached to the building via ropes.

Specially insulated aerial platforms An electrically-insulated aerial platform assembly is for use by a lineman on or around utility poles.

The assembly usually consists of a work platform presenting an elongated, substantially flat upper work surface where a lineman may stand, sit or kneel, together with means for temporarily attaching the platform to the utility pole with the platform being electrically insulated from the pole during normal working conditions.

Please refer to (17) Suspended Platforms under the Construction Regulations.

Industrial Lif ting Devices / Jacks (SANS 687 as well as others)

All special industrial applications (usually heavy lifting devices) Hydraulic lifting machines have been in use for many years. Originally driven by water, hydraulic equipment has found endless uses in industry today.

Because of the nature, versatility and compact nature of hydraulic equipment,

Working at height has the biggest number of fatalities while the lifting industry comes a close second. It is not the fall that kills, but rather the sudden stop, especially when using a static line or lanyard to arrest a fall of more than 3 metres.

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more and more demand for special applications have arisen. To make things work more efficiently in small places and to develop the same or more force, hydraulic pressures have increased to normal working pressures of 700 bar.

10 Tips for Better Mobile Crane Operations 1 Never override the mobile crane’s computer.

2

Be aware of all overhead hazards – specifically close-by buildings and any power lines that are within the zone of operation.

3

Read the load charts – prior to turning the key in any new mobile crane.

4

Cell phones in the cab – while the crane’s key is on the cell phone is off.

5

Always note the changing conditions on the jobsite – from personnel to weather to surroundings.

6

Sometimes in a working situation, the crane operator needs to stop, evaluate, and find a safer lift plan.

Nobody should be economical with the truth, the salesperson has to convey hook size and capacity clearly while the end-user must be cognisant of the fact that they cannot specify a crane which is then expected to work beyond its capacity as the business needs change. It is then expected to ‘keep going’ at all costs in a production environment.

Although cranes can be fitted with automatic data loggers, they are not standard. It appears that the vast majority of cranes don’t have a logbook making the promulgation of mandatory data loggers an industry imperative.

7

Check ground conditions – before crane setup, ensure that the site is suitable to support your mobile crane and the future suspended loads.

8

Use appropriate pads & cribbing – mobile crane operators need to make sure they are using correct pads or cribbing to avoid having an outrigger fail or sink when they are making a lift.

9

Before starting your crane, always double check the oil, gas, and other fluid levels.

10

At the beginning of your shift, walk-around your crane checking for mechanical, electrical, structural, and hydraulic issues (MESH).

Please note:

Where multiple lifting beams are installed, have an engineer check the effect of simultaneous use on the building structure

Also remember your lift plan rigging study (including a site specific risk assessment) and ensure qualified supervisors are present. www.iti.com

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Crane Selection A decision about the type of crane to choose will be heavily influenced by where it is to be installed. There are three main situations: • an indoor crane for a new building, • an indoor crane for an existing building, • an outdoor crane.

If an indoor crane is to span the whole width of a building, the most likely choice will be a top running overhead crane.

This type of crane can be designed as an integral part of the building structure. If the crane is to span only part of the width of the building, there are other options.

Whichever option is chosen, it is essential that it is decided on early in the building design process so that the required capacity, span, travel and height of lift are provided for •

The first is a semi-goliath crane. This is only suitable if the crane span is to reach one side of the building. Consideration must be given to the possible hazard arising from the crane leg and the floor-level track.

•

The second option is a goliath crane, again consideration must be given to the possible hazard arising from the crane legs and the floor-level tracks.

•

Finally there is the option of a top running gantry crane with one or both sides supported on a free standing gantry. This has the disadvantage of the gantry obstructing part of the floor but may be suitable if a short travel run is required.

Whichever option is chosen, it is essential that it is decided on early in the building design process so that the required capacity, span, travel and height of lift are provided for.

The loadings imposed by the crane on the building, gantry and ground must be determined and allowed for. It is also essential that the building designer is familiar with designing structures for use with electric overhead travelling cranes.

The design must incorporate the facility to accurately adjust the line, level and span of the gantry rails or crane tracks.

Many buildings will be subjected to movement over time which will make it necessary to re-align the gantry or tracks.

If the operator is slinging the loads as well and needs the control to be within easy reach, then pendant control may be the best option The type of building structure is also important. Many modern building are a portal frame design. These can flex considerably under the influence of wind, rail and even hail and other imposed loads such as internal services, water tanks, solar panels, etc.

This flexing can result in an unacceptable variation of span. It is possible to introduce ties to limit the effect but this should preferably be done at the design stage.

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Existing building

Turning now to an indoor crane for an existing building, clearly much will depend upon the design of the building and whether there is an existing gantry. If there is, it will be necessary to establish its loading capacity which may require a design review. Also it may need to be surveyed for accuracy of alignment and adjusted if necessary.

In any event, there are four critical dimensions which need to be taken into account: • the span between the centrelines of the gantry rails • the distance between the centreline of the gantry rail and each side of the building • the headroom above the gantry rail and, • the height from the floor to the top of the gantry rail.

These dimensions should be taken at several points along the gantry and particular at any transition points such as where the building or gantry has been extended. There are other more detailed dimensions which may eventually be needed to ensure the crane will fit, but these are the basics.

These options remain essentially the same as for a new building.

However if the building was not designed to accommodate an electric overhead travelling crane, it is highly unlikely that it will withstand the loads imposed without considerable strengthening or the installation of an independent gantry on new foundations. Also the available headroom may not accommodate a crane of the required capacity spanning the full width of the building. These factors may limit your options. Another common situation is where an outdoor crane runs alongside a new or existing building.

The materials used are selected to provide corrosion resistance and the thickness of structural elements may include an allowance for corrosion The main options are a top running gantry crane and a semigoliath crane. The decision mostly depends upon whether the building will support a gantry on that side and the length of travel required. For the length of travel, it is a balancing act between the more expensive semi-goliath crane and the cheaper ground level track. Consideration must be given to the possible hazard arising from the crane leg and the ground level tracks.

Having considered the type of crane most suited to the location, it is time to consider those matters influenced by the applications the crane is intended for. These will determine the choice of the following: • Duty rating • Hoist and travel speeds • Type of control system The duty of the crane is a measure of how frequently it is used and the amount of load it lifts relative to its maximum capacity. Clearly a crane required to lift the maximum load every time and working continuously on a 24 hour shift system is doing a lot more work than one used only a few times

a day, only occasionally lifting a load close to its maximum capacity. The duty for which the crane is rated must therefore be appropriate for the application. If the crane is subject to a duty higher than it is designed for, it will affect the safety and reliability of the crane, require more frequent inspection and maintainance and ultimately shorten the life of the crane.

crane, consideration should be given to integrating the control system, particularly if the application is a frequent one.

It is therefore essential that the current and foreseeable duties of the crane are carefully considered. The hoist and travel speeds are equally important. If the crane is to be used for applications requiring precision placements of the load, a variable speed or slow speed is required. Equally if high lifts or long travel distance are involved, productivity may depend on the availability of high speed. There are options which can provide for both situations giving an optimum combination of precision and productivity.

Other considerations

It is highly unlikely that it will withstand the loads imposed without considerable strengthening or the installation of an independent gantry on new foundations Control system The type of control system will depend upon where the operator needs to be, and how far he or she must travel. If for example, the work involves frequent long travel distance, cab control may be the best option. If the operator needs to stand back and get a broader view of the work area or needs to operate from different levels, then remote control may be the best option. If the operator is slinging the loads as well and needs the control to be within easy reach, then pendant control may be the best option.

In tandem Electric overhead traveling cranes are sometimes used for tandem lifting operations where the load is shared between two cranes that operate in unison. Each crane must have a safe working load equal to or in excess of its share of the load taking into account any possible variations.

They must also be able to operate at the required distance apart, taking account the load rating of the gantry or tracks at that proximity.

The speeds of the cranes should be compatible particular if the operation involves particularly if the operation involves long travel movement, in which case the long travel speeds must be matched.

When purchasing new cranes for this application the two cranes should be regarded as a single machine. There should be the facility to control both cranes from one control station using a single set of controls. The crane system should be linked so that when any motion command is given, they communicate to verify that both cranes are executing the same movement.

An integrated control system of this type will eliminate the potential risks arising from a malfunction of one of the crane control systems and lack of coordination between two crane operators. This arrangement does not prevent the cranes from having the facility to be used independently.

It is often possible to carry out tandem lifting operations with two cranes which are separately controlled, but this will involve careful planning, training and procedures to control the associated risks.

Environmental Environmental conditions should always be provided to a potential supplier. Cranes designed for use outdoors incorporate features not usually found on those designed for indoor use.

They are designed to withstand the forces of nature and have weather protection for critical components.

The materials used are selected to provide corrosion resistance and the thickness of structural elements may include an allowance for corrosion. Storm anchors are required to prevent the crane from being blown along the gantry or track by high wind. These points should be considered when purchasing a second-hand crane for outdoor use or relocating an indoor crane for this purpose.

Power Electric power must be supplied to the crane. For cranes running on a gantry or high level track, the usual choice is an enclosed conductor system. However, for short runs, a festoon cable feed, or cable feed, or cable reeling drum are viable options. For goliath type cranes running on ground level tracks, a popular solution is a powered reeling drum which lays the cable into a ground level trough.

Collision For obvious safety reasons every crane gantry or track must have end stops or buffers to prevent the crane from running off. Nevertheless collision at speed is potentially dangerous as is collision with another crane on the same gantry/track.

Modern control systems can incorporate anti-collision features and these should be considered.

An integrated control system of this type will eliminate the potential risks arising from a malfunction of one of the crane control systems and lack of coordination between two crane operators Maintenance Finally once installed, the crane will need regular maintenance and inspection, both of which require close-up access to all parts of the crane. Cab controlled cranes will require access for the driver and the provision of suitable walkways across the crane bridge will extend this facility for maintenance and inspection.

However as driver access is not required for pendant and remote controlled cranes, they are not normally fitted with such walkways unless specially requested. Furthermore the position of the hoist on single girder cranes is not conductive to walkway access. If site conditions permit, the best solution may be the use of a mobile elevating work platform or a portable scaffolding tower.

An additional crane When purchasing an additional crane to partner an existing

Written by Ken Watridge

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Guidance for Crane Users and Customers Each OEM has its own technical and product information respectively that is shared with crane users and customers representing their own product’s qualities and manufacturing capabilities, however, there is some basic critical information that the crane users and industry customers has to obtain, irrelevant of the name brand or country of origin (where the equipment is manufactured).

Such CRITICAL information and questions asked by the customer to the supplier would have to include the following for example: ▪

How many years has the name brand/crane and hoist manufacturer been in existence (actual years of manufacturing experience)

▪

Is the customer dealing directly with the OEM or through a reseller and if through a reseller, does the customer have direct access through the supplier to the OEM if needed, which is with whom the product liability ultimately lies (too often the resellers will refer to the OEM in cases of warranty claims, problem solving etc, trying to avoid their responsibility towards their customers after having received the order and the pleasure of supplying new equipment, now ‘washing their hands’ and avoiding the required after sales service commitment expected by the customer).

▪

▪

▪

Does the OEM have product liability insurance in place (this is different from contractor’s insurance) and if so, what amount does it cover? This is to ensure that the customer will not suffer any financial or production losses in cases of purchasing inferior equipment from resellers or third parties that import such inferior equipment.

The manufacturing experience of the exact type of equipment that the crane user intends to purchase (a customer needs to establish that should he for example require a specialised or purposely built crane or hoist, obtains this from a supplier that can provide a reference of a similar type of project previously;y completed successfully, locally or internationally and be able to provide the back-up service for such type of equipment).

What is the name brand’s ‘operational performance and longevity/life expectancy’ experienced by other crane users in the industry, based on actual references provided by the supplier to the customer for verification?

a new model crane/hoist in its range will there be spare parts available for the current cranes/hoists in service (in many instances there are suppliers that have only been in existence for short period of time in the industry and importing unfamiliar and low cost manufactured equipment, and when the customers need spare parts, they are informed that the equipment is now obsolete, rendering the customer in a difficult position however, was ‘initially sold’ based on lower pricing structures but now lacking in product longevity/availability in which cases unfortunately ‘the damage has been done’ without any recourse by the customer to the supplier).

▪

What international manufacturing standards are applied and what OEM certification is provided with the equipment supplied.

▪

In cases where cranes/hoists are supplied by a reseller or third party, how long has this reseller or supplier’s company been in existence, what quality system and maintenance certification can the reseller provide in general; if the supplier/reseller can provide a valid confirmation certificate from the OEM stating that they are trained and proficient with the equipment supplied and what OEM backup is provided etc.

▪

What are the spare parts availability (lead times)?

The above are only a few basic examples for the customer to ask when confronted with decisions to make when purchasing new equipment, assigning new maintenance service providers.

▪

How long after a crane/hoist manufacturer has implemented

Acknowledgement to Steven Claase

T&C apply

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Mobile Cranes Aerial Crane Aerial crane or ‘Sky cranes’ usually are helicopters designed to lift large loads.

Helicopters are able to travel to and lift in areas that are difficult to reach by conventional cranes. Helicopter cranes are most commonly used to lift units/loads onto shopping centers and high-rises.

They can lift anything within their lifting capacity, (cars, boats, swimming pools, etc.). They also perform disaster relief after natural disasters for clean-up, and during wild-fires they are able to carry huge buckets of water to extinguish fires.

(Supported by SANS 19)

All mobile cranes and fixed adaptations of the superstructure of a mobile crane

Carry deck cranes Carry deck cranes are designed for both indoor and outdoor jobsites and feature telescoping booms and a load deck for materials handling. Because of their low profile, they are able to clear many overhead obstacles. Furthermore, their compact design allows for easy manoeuvrability in tight spaces, and they are thus the perfect alternatives when other cranes cannot fit.

Some aerial cranes, mostly concepts, have also used lighter-than air aircraft, such as airships.

All terrain cranes All terrain mobile cranes are used for lifting very heavy items, or for lifting items over great heights or large reaches.

These are not for carrying, stationary operations. All terrain cranes can travel long distances at reasonable speeds conforming to axle loading requirements.

Once on site, the crane can negotiate rough terrain similar to construction sites and open cast mines. They use telescopic boom configurations which can include lattice boom luffing fly jibs.

The job does not come to them, but they go to it.

Fixed or truck mounted - loader crane, knuckle boom cranes A knuckle-boom crane or articulating crane is a hydraulically driven articulated arm fitted to a truck or trailer, and is used for loading/unloading the vehicle.

The numerous jointed sections can be folded into a small space when the crane is not in use. One or more of the sections may be telescopic. Often the crane will have a degree of automation and be able to unload or stow itself without an operator’s instruction.

Unlike most cranes, the operator must move around the vehicle to be able to view his load; hence modern cranes may be fitted with a portable cabled or radiolinked control system to supplement the crane-mounted hydraulic control levers.

Crawler lattice boom cranes Crawler lattice boom cranes are used for heavy lifts, mostly on sites where there are short distances between lifts, for example, at construction sites. They are slow moving, but can travel with loads.

They are fitted with lattice booms consisting of lacings and stringers which are lightweight and strong. Another feature of the crane is that it travels on crawler tracks which makes set up quick.

Lattice boom cranes on tyre wheeled carriers Lattice boom cranes on tyre wheeled carriers are similar to crawler cranes and are used for lifts including heavy lifts. After dismantling these cranes, they can be moved by their carrier, which is similar to an all terrain crane on normal high speed roads. They are fitted with lattice booms consisting of lacings and stringers which are lightweight and strong.

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Mobile harbour cranes Traditionally, a cargo ship docks at the container terminal and off-loads the containers. Once these have been removed, the ship disembarks and re-docks at another berth, where the hold hatches are opened by more conventional cranes, and then the cargo is discharged into the hold with specialised devices. When this process is complete, the hatches are closed and the ship disembarks and re-berths at the container depot. Docking fees are paid to re-load its containers.

The mobile harbour crane does all three functions in one, reducing docking time, money and turnaround time.

Mini crawler crane The mini crawler crane range extends to nine different models, starting from the MC104 with a capacity of .995 ton and 5.5m lift height to the larger LC1385B with a capacity of 6.0 ton and a lift height of 16.70m. With this range of cranes, some narrow enough to fit through a standard doorway and others large enough to lift up to 6.0 ton, work can take place safely both indoors and outdoors without compromise.

Adding to the versatility of the units is their power source with the option of petrol, LPG, diesel and electric. A further advantage in some models is the diesel/ electric alternating power source.

Stacker Crane A crane with a forklift type mechanism used in automated (computer controlled) warehouses (known as an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS).

The crane moves on a track in an aisle of the warehouse. The fork can be raised or lowered to any of the levels of a storage rack and can be extended into the rack to store and retrieve product. The product can in some cases be as large as an automobile. Stacker cranes are often used in the large freezer warehouses of frozen food manufacturers. This automation avoids requiring forklift drivers to work in below freezing temperatures every day.

A major feature of the mini crawler cranes is the boom construction. The pentagonal shape of the boom increases the strength and prevents unnecessary flexing in extreme conditions. The smaller units are fitted with a four stage boom while the larger units have an additional fifth stage.

Pick and carry cranes A pick and carry crane is usually fitted onto a rubber tyred vehicle with a built-in control station. Sometimes it is just too difficult or impossible to reach a spot, with conventional cranes. In such cases, a pick and carry crane can just be the right solution. Other features that make a pick and carry crane more powerful are its advanced hydraulic boom derricking and articulating operations of chassis. A pick and carry crane may also have a water-cooled diesel engine.

The amount of weight that a pick and carry crane lifts may range from 9-12 tonnes or even more, depending upon the model. They are sometimes called yard cranes.

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Truck mounted cranes

Rough terrain and/or centre mount cranes Rough terrain and/or centre mount cranes are cranes that have to be moved on low beds from site to site because they do not conform to road ordinance requirements. These cranes can work on rough sites in mud, snow and adverse conditions. They are highly manoeuvrable on site and are available up to 100 tonne capacities.

These are mobile cranes either fitted with a lattice boom or a hydraulic telescopic boom, mounted on a conventional truck chassis. They are used as jobbing cranes and are limited to accessing places where there are good flat surfaces.

They are not suited to rough terrain like construction sites.

Operator Training - A Legal Requirement There are a number of very real risks involved in operating a crane. Whether crane operators operate mobile or stationary cranes to lift, and place objects, potential danger is always present. Through proper training, crane operators will be able to operate a variety of cranes safely and efficiently. These range from gantry cranes used to move shipping containers, tower cranes mainly used on large building projects, overhead cranes in factories, or even mobile or truck-mounted cranes.

B

efore climbing behind the controls, the operator needs to make sure that the crane is ready for use by checking the instruments and gauges.

Training essential

The law requires all crane operators to be formally trained.

Training is carried out under the auspices of the Training Education Transport Authority (TETA). The training must meet education training quality assurance (ETQA) requirements for Provisional Accreditation, and have been recommended to the TETA Quality Assurance Standing Committee for approval of its status.

Operator training may only be given by accredited training providers who are registered with the TETA and the trainers have to be qualified facilitators or assessors also registered with the TETA.

The new generation of operators will need to have some basic computer skills and have the ability to read, and interact, with a computer screen Basic computer skills needed

With new technology, cranes are becoming more computerised.

Therefore, the new generation of operators will need to have some basic computer skills and have the ability to read, and interact, with a computer screen.

The operators must pass a theory and practical test before they receive a valid certificate of training, which entitles them to operate the crane on their own. They are required to be re-tested every two years to ensure they remain competent as crane operators.

Not simple

Although the work of the crane may look simple to the outsider, many aspects of this work are quite complicated. For example, if material is hoisted too quickly, the strain might result in a snapped rope or the sudden movement could cause the cargo to shift. As soon as the material is lifted from the floor, the operator has to manoeuvre the crane in such a way that the material is lowered onto a specific position.

In addition, some cranes run on rails. This means that the operator also has to regulate the forward and backward

Many LMI’s are unaware of the risks they run when signing off on a load test on a lifting appliance which has reached its safe working period. If the load test certificate is issued with no reference to the need for a general overhaul, then the LMI carries the responsibility in the event of a hoist failure.

movement of the crane on the rails. Moving a crane while it has a load suspended from its hook takes extra skill and good coordination.

Good hand-eye coordination

With an overhead crane, the bridge of the crane serves as a substitute for the boom on a tower crane. The hoisting platform and its suspended hook, can move backwards and forwards across the bridge. This means that line of sight has to be maintained to position the load right above the place where the load has to be picked up or deposited.

Where a mobile crane has to be brought to a construction site, the operator must check the condition of the ground before setting up the crane. This may involve placing timber blocks or steel plates under the outrigger pads (blocking).

Before attempting to lift a load, it is essential to check that the mobile crane is level on the outriggers. Every crane has a safe working load (SWL). The driver needs to be aware of what weight of material can be safely hoisted in each load and must check the crane’s cabin instruments to make sure that the load is within safe working limits. This has to take into consideration the crane's capacity and the weather. For example, high winds can pose a danger to a suspended load.

Working with ground crew

While operating, the driver must observe and follow the signals given by doggers who direct the moving and positioning

If the LMI has noted on the test certificate that the safe working period has been reached and a general overhaul is required, and the end user does not take heed of the OEM’s recommendation that a general overhaul should take place then the responsibility passes to the end user.

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of the loads. The operator has to position the crane and its hook so that doggers can attach loads by means of slings, shackles and chains.

perception to judge distance and heights accurately while manipulating a number of complex controls. This requires good hand-eye co-ordination.

At times crane operators may have less than a clear view of what is happening on the ground. In these circumstances, ground crew will assist with the process of loading and unloading. Often, because of noise and distance, the worker on the ground shows the crane operator what to do by means of hand signals according to SANS10296, or by using a two-way radio or telephone. Specialised accredited training is required for this.

A responsible attitude towards the work is also important.

Persons who easily become nervous or impatient can cause considerable damage by snapping cables or dropping material, thus endangering the lives of others.

Operators must have good depth perception to judge distance and heights accurately A varied skill set

Although modern cranes have comfortable cabins ensuring maximum protection, outside the lifting work has to continue in all conditions. For this reason, it is essential to maintain the equipment by inspecting it for defects or wear. Ropes and winches must be lubricated, and worn cables replaced.

Obviously, people who want to become crane operators should not be afraid of heights. They may be required to mount a vertical ladder to reach the cabin which is situated high above the ground. Furthermore, operators must have good depth

Prospective crane operators are also subject to a strict selection process prior to appointment. The minimum educational requirement is a Grade 7 to 10 Certificate. The Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Mine Health and Safety Act requires crane operators to be at least 18 years of age and in good physical health.

Training for persons doing legal compliance inspections and tests

Legal statutory 6 monthly and annual inspection and/or load tests have to be undertaken by people who are appointed for this function. Future Lifting Machinery Inspectors (LMI) will have to undergo formal training to be able to qualify prior to registering to obtain a licence to practice as a LMI. This is now in place and will become compulsory in the future. After the new generation of LMI’s has gone through this process, the quality and safety of lifting machinery should be better and improve the industry.

An overload test only proves that the lifting machine will lift the overload at that given point in time, it is no guarantee that it will continue to function properly for the next year.

Moreover by overloading the hoist, the safe working period is further eroded beyond the OEM design norm.

Very often by the time a crane has reached an age of 10 years, it has had a number of owners and a number of different operational conditions. The aspect of safe working period is of vital importance to be able to guarantee the continued overall safety of the lifting appliance.

This is particularly relevant when the lifting equipment being tested is 10 years old or more.

Critical parts have to be overhauled and old components destroyed. Warnings abound about using second-hand parts.

T&C apply

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Container Handling Cranes Containers With ISO containers weighing specified weights, lifting them manually is just not an option - no matter how many employees you have willing to show off their strength.

For lifting a container onto a truck you need a container lifter. There are many variations of these, some of them attached to trucks, and some of them freestanding.

The idea of a container handler is to move a full sized laden or full containers around a warehouse. These are found in the export and import materials handling depots.

(no SANS std. yet)

Cantilever or fixed or on rail/s either inland or at a harbour

Reach stacker (no SANS std. yet)

Mobile machines specially designed to move and stack containers, including the forklift counter balance types where a RCI must be fitted, whether the spreader is manual or automatic A Reach stacker is one of the most flexible handling solutions designed to operate in small or medium sized ports.

Reach stackers are able to transport a container over short distances very quickly and pile them in various rows.

Ship-to-shore crane A container crane is a large dockside gantry crane found at container terminals for loading and unloading of containers from container ships.

Container cranes consist of a supporting framework that can traverse the length of a quay or yard, and a moving platform called a ‘spreader.’ The spreader can be lowered down on top of a container and locks onto the container’s four locking points using a ‘twistlock’ mechanism.

Reach stackers have gained ground in container handling in most markets because of their flexibility and higher stacking and storage capacity when compared to lift trucks.

Straddle carriers RTG (Rubber Tyre Gantry) Rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTG) are the specialised equipment for yard handling of standard containers. They are the most common yard handling system at the world's largest container terminals and specialized container storage yards with annual capacity requirements up to millions of TEUs. RTG’s are an economical solution when straddling multiple lanes of rail/road and/or container storage, or when maximum storage density in the container stack is desired.

(no SANS std. yet)

All mobile self propelled tyre type machines similar to gantry cranes

Truck mounted side loading container carriers A truck mounted side loading crane is used for the loading, unloading and transport of ISO standard containers.

The truck is usually fitted with balancing arms to prevent it from rocking over in the process of loading or unloading the container.

A Straddle Carrier is a non road-going vehicle for use in port terminals and intermodal yards used for stacking and moving containers. Straddles pick and carry containers while straddling their load and connecting to the top lifting points via a container spreader.

These machines have the ability to stack containers up to four high and are capable of speeds up to 30 km/h with a laden container.

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Overhead, Gantry & Portal Cranes Free standing and/or permanently attached jib cranes Free standing jib cranes are engineered to stand by themselves on a concrete foundation without building support. They allow for 360˚ rotation and can be base plate mounted, foundation mounted, or sleeve insert mounted. Standard capacities are from 1/2 to 5 tonnes.

Other types of jib cranes include a mast type and wall mounted jib crane. Mast type is where the mast is supported at the top and bottom by the overhead building steel and floor. Wall mounted jib cranes only offer 200˚ of rotation and their design can be either cantilever or tie rod supported.

Gantry cranes A gantry crane is a type of crane which lifts objects by a hoist that is fitted in a trolley and can move horizontally on a rail or pair of rails fitted under a beam.

Workstation gantry cranes are designed to lift smaller items around a working area in a warehouse or workshop, whereas rail-mounted gantry cranes are commonly found in steel factory applications such as steel yards, paper mills or locomotive repair shops. The rail-mounted gantry crane functions similarly to an overhead bridge crane, but has rails installed on the ground and gantry-style legs to support the crane. The picture shows a wall mounted gantry crane.

(Supported by SANS 10375)

Goliath cranes Goliath cranes are adapted to applications where overhead runways would be very long, costly to erect, and difficult to maintain in alignment. Where the installation is only temporary, a Goliath crane can be moved to a new location with less trouble or expenses than an overhead crane and its runway. Also, it is comparatively easy and inexpensive to extend the length of the runway and thus, increases the working area of the crane. Most gantry crane installations are outdoors. The initial cost of a Goliath crane, which may be double that of an overhead crane, must be equated against the additional cost of an overhead runway. The picture shows a cantilever overhang crane.

Rail mounted cranes Overhead cranes An overhead crane, also known as a bridge crane, is a type of crane where the hook-and-line mechanism runs along a horizontal beam that itself runs along two widely-separated rails.

Often it is in a long factory building and runs along rails along the building’s two long walls. It is similar to a gantry crane.

Overhead cranes typically consist of a hoist to lift the items, the bridge, which spans the area covered by the crane, and a trolley to move along the bridge.

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Rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMG) are specialised yard container handling machines.

An RMG travels on rails to lift and stack 20 or 40’ containers in the yard area.

The container is lifted by a spreader attached to cables. Rail mounted cranes come in a variety of models with different spans and overhangs.

This crane is specifically designed for

intensive container stacking due to its automation and less need for human handling. Compared to the Rubber Tyred Gantry crane (RTG), the RMG has the advantage of being driven by electrical power, it’s cleaner, has bigger lifting capacity, and higher gantry traveling speed with cargo. Rail-mounted gantry cranes are particularly effective for rail/ road transhipments of large quantities of containers.

V-type crane girder 17 percent lighter than regular crane girders, this girder can easily manage more than 500 000 load changes – over double the service life of a conventional boxsection girder.

The V-Type girder can be easily adapted to any building shape, and is the ideal solution both for existing buildings, as well as for new construction projects.

The girder allows 30 percent more light to pass through, enabling personnel to better see their surroundings, while brightening the workspace. It also has a shorter time cycle, helping to increase productivity and overall output. It boasts several lifting points for safer installation of the load and has more clamping and attachment points for lamps.

Tapered diaphragm joints accommodate pressure and tensile forces more effec-

tively to reduce resonant frequency by 30 percent. On average, the V-Type crane is 17 percent lighter than comparable cranes that have box-section girders.

This not only reduces the forces transmitted to the existing support superstructure and provides architects with greater freedom when planning new building

Wharfside Cranes Wharf cranes were the backbone of the materials handling lifting industry in years gone by. It is difficult to formulate an exact definition for these cranes because they have evolved

(no SANS std. yet)

In medieval Europe, crane vessels which could be flexibly deployed in the whole port basin were introduced as early as the 14th century. In 1920, the 1898 built battleship USS Kearsarge (BB-5) was converted to a crane ship when a crane with a capacity of 250 tonnes was installed. Later it was renamed Crane Ship No.1. It was used, among other things, to place guns and other heavy items on battle ships under construction.

Since then, ships cranes have come quite a way. Their applications are no longer limited to just placing weapons on battle ships,

The girder features bolted connections for gentler loads on the entire crane system, including the crane runway. Parallel alignment of the machined connecting surfaces forms the basis for secure connections with high-tensile bolts.

into modern state-of-the-art cranes. An example of this crane can be seen in the adjacent picture. They are used to travel on rails and load railway trucks which travel on rails underneath the cranes.

Their lifting capacity has been increasing, but when they were in abundance, they generally picked up relatively small loads compared to today’s standards.

(no SANS std. yet)

Ships Cranes

layouts, but also improves the relative deadweight-to-load-capacity ratio.

All ship cranes including Scotch Derrick cranes but are now also used in many major construction jobs around the world.

As a definition, a crane vessel, crane ship or floating crane is a ship with a crane specialised in lifting heavy loads.

The largest crane vessels are used for offshore construction.

Conventional monohulls are used, but the largest crane vessels are often catamaran or semi-submersible types as they have increased stability.

On a sheerleg crane, the crane is fixed and cannot rotate, and the vessel therefore is manoeuvred to place loads.

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Tower Cranes Tower cranes are a modern form of balance crane that consist of the same basic parts. Fixed to the ground on a concrete slab (and sometimes attached to the sides of structures as well), tower cranes often give the best combination of height and lifting capacity and are used in the construction of tall buildings.

The base is attached to the mast which gives the crane its height.

Furthermore, the mast is attached to the slewing unit (gear and motor) that allows the crane to rotate. On top of the slewing unit there are

(Supported by SANS 522)

All Top or Bottom Swivelling Tower Cranes

three main parts, namely the long horizontal jib (working arm), shorter counter-jib, and the operator’s cab.

The long horizontal jib is the part of the crane that carries the load. The counter-jib carries a counterweight, usually of concrete blocks, while the jib suspends the load to and from the centre of the crane. The crane operator either sits in a cab at the top of the tower or controls the crane by radio remote control from the ground.

Luffing crane

Bottom slewing cranes

Topless crane

Hammerhead crane

All of the end user’s responsible persons must question the lifting machinery inspector when a certificate is issued without any interrogation of the history of the lifting appliance being tested.

It is the responsibility of the lifting machinery inspectors to determine the remaining safe working life of the equipment he tests and to recommend the need for a general overhaul. It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that the overhaul is carried out.

Make sure you are using a LMI who understands the crane manufacturing industry’s design philosophy especially when moving away from standard cranes and tackle.

T&C apply

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When fatigue is reached on a crane, or it has been in operation for ten years as a rule of thumb, a general overhaul should be undertaken, although determining fatigue life can be problematic. Word on the street is that implementing the 10-year ‘rule’ strictly could result in the condemnation of many cranes still operating in the field.

Fatigue life assessment: an old crane should be stripped and if the machine’s history is unknown, the class of crane and therefore its duty cycle should be arrived at through making reasonable assumptions. Nowadays the DOC has to be displayed on the crane.

A big crane may have a 320 ton lift but that’s not to say it should be performing this task, all day every day.

Specialised Cranes Balance cranes Balance cranes can effectively handle bulk material, general cargo, scrap metal and containers, energy efficiently.

The balance crane is based on a unique counterbalancing principle. The boom, stick, connecting link and counterweight form a parallelogram. This ensures that the weight of machine and a portion of the lifted load are balanced at any point in the duty cycle.

As the lifting industry grows, more and more specialised machines are being added to the lifting machine list.

Production loader / Scrap metal crane / Cycling cranes Production Loader or Scrap Metal cranes are designed to operate efficiently, uninterruptedly and safely in continuous use, these cranes are designed for long operating hours and can be mounted on vehicle chassis or stationary mounted in a yard, these are equipped with a scrap grab which is designed specifically for this purpose.

Sugar cane loading cranes In the sugar and timber industry special mobile cranes are used to lift and transport sugar cane or timber bundles.

These cranes are often modified agricultural tractors with long booms or three wheel special cranes fitted with forks, grabs or booms.

Because the crane is so closely balanced about the slewing ring, foundation requirements are minimised. Cranes have routinely been mounted on a single large diameter pile or small cell. The crane is easily adaptable to crawler mounting or on railmounted undercarriages.

Timber / Forestry crane

Railway cranes These cranes are mounted on railway lines which are used as railway recovery cranes to clear the lines after a derailment and also for special track maintenance.

Timber cranes are specially designed to handle cut timber and are mounted onto vehicles used for hauling timber.

The crane is equipped with a timber grab which is designated specifically for this purpose.

Floating cranes A crane vessel, crane ship or floating crane is a ship with a crane specialized in lifting heavy loads. The largest crane vessels are used for offshore construction. Conventional monohulls are used, but the largest crane vessels are often catamaran or semi-submersible types as they have increased stability. On a sheerleg crane, the crane is fixed and cannot rotate, and the vessel therefore is manoeuvered to place loads.

Side cranes Most side cranes are lifting machines that are specially adapted bull dozers for pipe laying and similar operations.

They have become very popular over the years because they can work in adverse conditions. Some models can lift in excessive of 70 tonnes which is achieved by adjustable counter weights.

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Lif ting Equipment Hire When projects end, crane owners might need to sell off equipment that is surplus to their requirements.

These can be really good buys. However, keep your eyes open for the tarted-up piece of junk, being passed off as a good deal.

Hiring the answer?

Unlike 30 years ago, hiring companies are in a very competitive market. So the equipment they hire out is mostly quite new and should offer good reliable service with no downtime.

The big advantage of hiring is that instead of spending your capital all in one go, you can keep it in the bank, to be deployed more advantageously at some more opportune time.

M

aybe you need a crane urgently. Or you are planning to start a business in professional cargo handling using a mobile crane. Possibly, you are looking for an economical way to buy your first crane. Maybe due to uncertain economic conditions, you would like to keep the investment costs as low as possible.

Before you leap

Before rushing off to your new crane dealer, consider that used cranes have the following main advantages over new cranes: ► immediate availability ► shorter delivery lead times ► lower purchase costs Most cranes, because of the nature of their duties, have great

durability, dependability, economy and flexibility. However, to get the quality and service you expect, conduct a couple of simple checks. Start it up. Does the engine sound smooth and does it run without smoking? Do all the gauges and dials work? Check on the level of the engine oil and its condition.

You can tell much from the general condition of a crane. If the wiring is not neat and the hydraulics show signs of leaking after a couple of minutes of operation, the crane may well have many more hours on it than the salesman is letting on. Dents and scrapes tell of neglect and careless operation.

Smiles not miles

If it is a truck-mounted crane, the condition of the tyres will speak volumes about the age of the mobile crane, and the type of use it has been put through. Look at the controls – the levers and the foot pedals. If these are worn smooth, you might think twice about purchasing this crane.

The crane should have all its maintenance records as well as paperwork such as load charts. If the crane is a legitimate sale, then the salesman will not mind if you give the former owner a ring. Why did the former owner sell it?

Guarantees?

If you are buying an expensive capital item such as a crane, then there should be discussion about guarantees and over what period such guarantees should be in force. If you are not an expert in the field of cranes, then whatever you do, take a crane expert with you. He or she will at least be able to advise you whether you are buying the right machine for your requirements.

Please ensure that you use a reputable company which is conversant with all the latest standards and regulations.

Note:

Driven Machinery Regulations, 2015 - GNR.527 OF 2015 7(b) The owner and the lessor of leased equipment shall keep and maintain full service history records on their premises for at least 10 years.

No maintenance worries

For someone needing a crane for a specific project, hiring means not having to worry about maintenance, or finding the right technical skills.

It also means not having to layout large sums on spares.

If your lifting needs should change, by not being tied by ownership, the option to hire exactly the right lifting solution is almost immediately available.

All of this allows the person who needs to use a crane to concentrate on their core business, rather than trying to be a crane operating company.

Used crane

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The Rigger’s Role Much like the lifter, the rigger’s job is equally important. The rigger is responsible for load balancing, equipment inspection and the overall safety of other employees when moving equipment from one place to the other.

R

igging comes from the days of sailing ships, when a rigger was a person who worked with rigging, that is, ropes for hoisting the sails. Sailors could put their rope skills to work in lifting and hauling. In an era before mechanical haulage and cranes, ropes, pulleys and muscle power was all that was available to move heavy objects. In time, rigging became a trade in itself, giving rise to modern usages with some original terminology remaining, with its roots all but forgotten.

There are a number of different categories of riggers working in several industries. In the military, riggers are responsible for maintaining and setting up things like parachutes or airdrop equipment. In the theater industry, riggers manage pieces of a stage set, moving props and changing production scenes.

Riggers in the marine industry are involved with setting up the pieces of equipment necessary to keep the ship functioning like ropes, pulleys, winches, and cables.

Most commonly, however, jobs are found within heavy construction, often in the oil or mining industry. This type of rigger is also referred to as a rig technician. In the oil industry there are several levels of rig technicians, ranging from motorhands to derrickhands to drillers, depending on skill level and job duties. Riggers in this industry are responsible for attaching pieces of heavy machinery, connecting the parts together and anchoring pieces to fixed structures with bolts and clamps. They also control and manage all the movement of the machinery while it is operational, and then take it all apart when the job is finished.

Some other specific job duties include:

• maintaining drilling rig engines and motors, including the fluid systems • managing hydraulic and mechanical systems for the whole drilling assembly • controlling and monitoring the safe movement of heavy equipment • mobilising the rig by setting it up • tearing the rig down when the job is finished • making sure all safety regulations are followed Heavy construction riggers also work with cranes, and are responsible for setting up all the pulleys and cable systems that are used to move large and heavy objects. They must

communicate with crane operators to guide them in moving objects and depositing them in the correct location. This can involve hand signals, radio operation or other communication. Working in a mine might involve setting up scaffolding and assembling equipment. Riggers are in particular demand during the shutdown and mobilization period, assisting with the safe tear-down of all the equipment and making sure it is all safely put back together again when operation resumes.

If a construction job needs a crane to move heavy concrete pipes from one side of the lot to the other, it’s not a simple operation. Done wrong, the pipes could slip free, or the crane could overbalance. A rigger has the expertise to see that the operation runs smoothly.

Heavy lifting knowledge

• The rigger knows how to attach cables or ropes to the load. That includes knowing the right hitches to tie, and the load they can support safely.

• Riggers can recognise any hazards associated with a lifting and moving job.

• A rigger can work out where the centre of gravity has to be on a load to keep everything stable.

• They can signal to communicate their meaning to other members of the crew.

• Riggers can use different types of rigging equipment such as slings, shackles, chokers and winches.

• They can move heavy equipment through confined spaces safely.

• A rigger can tilt, dip or turn suspended loads to avoid obstacles or hazards such as overhead power lines.

• Riggers dismantle, clean and store rigging equipment after use.

• A rigger must comply with all regulations and safety requirements. www.careerexplorer.com

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Rigging Safety Gear

S

afety is paramount to companies involved in rigging operations.

Workers in industries such as marine, engineering, oil & gas and manufacturing face many risks on the jobsite, which include heavy duty operations and unsafe working conditions. These conditions make work place injuries a common issue.

Keeping this in mind, many companies are now rearranging their priority lists

and making sure the workers operate in a safe and healthy environment.

Safety requirements of each company vary, depending upon their working condition and also the type of rigging hardware involved in the operation. For example, the safety gears used by marine riggers will be different from those used by construction workers. Thus it is important to consider the type of risks involved at a particular site before

Helmet

Protective clothing Every worker should use protective clothing or coveralls that protect their body from welding sparks, chemical splashes, hot oil, water etc. Flame resistant clothing is an important part of protective clothing. These should be taken into consideration where fire accidents are possible.

Helmets or hard hats are the most commonly used safety equipment in all industrial settings. These ensure safe covering for the head, and protect it from bumping into low ceilings or falling objects. A chin strap is provided with the helmet that keeps the helmet in place and keeps it from falling off.

Safety gloves are generally worn in industrial or construction settings where the workers need to deal with harmful chemicals or hot objects. Some of the gloves are heat resistant. Cotton gloves are used for all general operations, while some use welding gloves or chemical gloves.

Lifting Guide

Safety equipment includes personal protection equipment, fire detection, and lifesaving kits. These pieces of safety equipment are designed to protect the workers from various injuries like, cuts, burns, hearing or vision loss, falls and others.

Following are the six basic personal protection equipment that every worker should be provided:

Safety Glasses/Goggles Eyes are the most sensitive part of the human body and continuous exposure to harmful working conditions can cause serious eye injuries. These should be worn when, making or distributing chemical solutions, and also while welding.

The types of safety glasses vary on the nature of activity.

Safety Harness

Safety gloves

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investing in safety gear.

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Safety Shoes Grounds of many industries or construction sites are littered with cement, hot or hazardous chemicals or even sharp equipment that can cause cuts, burns, or bruises to the worker’s feet. Safety shoes are slip resistant, and provide a firm grip on the floor, that enables the worker to perform all tasks safely.

Construction or on-board rigging operations include maintenance operation, painting, hoisting, and other activities, which require the worker to work on elevated heights that involve a lot of risk. To avoid falls and ensure safety of the workers, safety harness is used.

This keeps the worker safely connected to the lifeline system.

Rigging Equipment Polyester Webbing Slings Lifting slings are available in a range of different designs and weight specifications.

Chain slings Chain slings offer a durable lifting solution, which comes with a hook system for easy attachment. Not only do these slings come in a variety of weight limits, they are also available in single, 2 leg and 4 leg designs.

Swaged sleeve A swaged sleeve is used in a mechanical splicing system to make an eye splice in a steel wire rope. The most common and useful type of end fitting for a wire rope is to turn the end back to form a loop. A thimble can be installed inside the loop to preserve the natural shape of the loop and protect the cable from pinching and abrading on the inside of the loop. The loose end is then fixed back on the wire rope by means of a swaged sleeve (ferrule). The thimble prevents disrupting of the wires.

Spreader Beams Spreader beams are a modular lifting solution which is designed to be used in a variety of configurations, depending on the requirements of the lifting operation. These beams can be used with both synthetic lifting slings and wire rope slings.

Turnbuckle A turnbuckle, stretching screw or bottlescrew is a device for adjusting the tension or length of ropes, cables, tie rods, and other tensioning systems. It normally consists of two threaded eye bolts, one screwed into each end of a small metal frame, one with a left-hand thread and the other with a right-hand thread

Wire Rope Slings

Steel Carabiners

Wire rope slings are available in a range of lifting capacities, providing users with a strong and flexible solution for performing lifting operations.

Steel carabiners are typically used for rigging instead of something like a running bowline. The best way to use a steel carabiner for rigging is to throw a half hitch around the limb or log first and then clip the carabiner around the log and back to the rope.

Round slings Polyester round slings stretch at half the rate of nylon rigging straps. Polyester round slings can be made in either an endless or eye and eye configuration.

Due to the manufacturing efficiencies, polyester round slings will generally be less expensive than nylon rigging straps.

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Tools Every Rigger Needs Podger for securing spanners

Podger ratchet

Tool Pouch

Tool lanyard of various lengths Enclosed Rope Thimbles

Multi-tool

Rope release

Rope

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Rescue Rigging Most people associate rigging with moving heavy equipment from A to B. However, rigging plays a very important role in rescue operations, whether it be during floods or at sea.

U

nlike heavy lifting where time can be spent on planning the lift, rescuers have to get to the scene as quickly as possible, decide on the best way to lift the patent out of harm’s way and get him or her to the hospital. There is little time to plan the rescue operation, so all equipment needs to be prepared beforehand.

A rescue instructor offers the following advice to those that want to become rescuers: Take the time, when there is no pressure, to pre-rig as much equipment as possible. It takes some of the pressure off when an emergency situation takes

Prusik

Pulley

place. Rather than spending some of the “Golden Hour” building an anchor plate with all of the tools (bar rack, pulley and load release), having it pre-rigged speeds up the rescue.

The same holds true with storing the pulleys with a carabiner and prusik attached, have it all in one package. This is not rope rescue for dummies, rather it is thinking ahead toward the solution, solving the problem as it is presented.

It gives a better opportunity to size up the situation and come up with a plan which (hopefully) leads to a successful outcome.

Carabiner

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Rigging Inspector Training

A

rigging inspector training program is specifically designed to upgrade the existing knowledge and skill levels of all levels of rigging inspectors. The information provided in the classroom is reinforced with hands-on application sessions.

•

Riggers will learn about the following: Applicable regulations and standards Effective inspection procedures and checklists Proper use of inspection tools Basic rigging gear maintenance Manufacturer’s recommendations Wire rope inspection Inspection of rigging hardware including • Hooks • Shackles • Hoist Rings

Testing

• • • • • • •

Six-monthly inspection

In the past, the requirement was simply that machines had to be inspected by a person of knowledge every six months. But in 2015 the law was amended and now all equipment must be inspected every six months by a competent person.

The law has also included the definition of ‘competent person’ and advises companies to familiarise themselves with this definition.

Every company and organisation will have a different definition of what comprises a competent person. For this reason, it is very important that from a legislative point of view, clarity

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• • • •

• Eyebolts • Turn Buckles • Load Blocks Inspection of slings including • Wire rope slings • Synthetic slings • Alloy chains • Web slings • Round Slings • Metal mesh slings • High Performance slings • Twin Path slings Inspection of below the hook lifting devices Sling protection and damage prevention Rigging inventory management Required records and documentation

be given and the law now does just that. Not just anyone in an organisation can carry out the six-monthly inspection.

Annual inspection and testing

The annual inspection and test has to be performed by an LMI, who in turn can only legally operate if he/she is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

Cranes are serious business and the testing of equipment is exceptionally important so having registered and competent people doing the job is vital.

If you have a crane on your site, please ensure that the company undertaking the testing - the Lifting Machine Entity (LME) – has a registered person – LMI (Lifting Machinery Inspector) - doing the testing.

THESE MACHINES HAVE BEEN ENGINEERED TO ENDURE

WORLDWIDE

Condra cranes and hoists are without equal in their quality, performance, reliability and overall lifetime cost. Operating data and the experience gathered from installations around the globe are today incorporated in all Condra products, the endurance of which has been proven in highly corrosive and abrasive environments, and under wide extremes of temperature, humidity and altitude. Technical support, service and spare parts delivery are guaranteed worldwide.

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Cranes & Hoists 11 Indianapolis Boulevard, Raceway Industrial Park, Gosforth Park Ext 4, Germiston, Gauteng. P O Box 752639, Gardenview, 2047, South Africa Tel: +27 11 776-6000 | Fax: +27 86 669 2372 e-mail: sales@condra.co.za | www.condra.co.za

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