Posted By AlB
Another problem which I could do with tapping into some others' experiences.

We provide office and welfare units to construction sites. These are usually the modified container styles. We commonly double-stack the units due to space constraints.

The problem is, the current practice is to access the top of the office units with a ladder and then walk freely on the top to connect the lifting hools to the lugs. Obviously this is ludicrous and unacceptable.

Using a ladder is not practicable as the person hooking up the cabin would need both hands free to attach the hook, and as such would not be able to maintain 3 points of contact (although the guidance on this 3 points of contact by the HSE is contradictory to say the least!). A cherry picker would be too costly, and a fall arrest harness and lanyard would be a problem due to the risk of falling and colliding with the ground before the deployment of the lanyard to its full effect.

Has anyone found a simple and practicable solution to this issue?

AlB

Posted By AlB
Single stacked units are manageable and the use of a ladder is the common sense approach to it, I agree.

It's when they are stacked in twos is where the problems come in. It would be easy for me to say to the services team that they must use a ladder, maintain 3 points of contact at all times and never get on top of the containers, but as you know, there's saying and there's doing.

There must be a straightforward and safe solution. Has anyone got experience of overcoming a similar problem using cost effective methods?

Posted By Salus
If you are having to unhook maybe six hooks from each corner of 3 sets of double stacked containers, so I am allowing for a set up of 6 containers / portacabins double stacked per day.
Max. height probaly 5 Mt's high, I would personally recommend that this is light work of short duration and still use the ladder with a stabilizing device.

Posted By Mitch
We use ratchet straps to "spread" the chains, allowing personnel to fix the hooks at each corner from working platforms. Having extensively researched this problem, we access containers daily all aorund the world on sites we do not control, if platforms are not available then ladders are used for the short duration it takes. We decided against using harnesses as it takes as long to secure one correctly as it does to carry out the task! All our personnel have been trained in Working Safely, carrying out site specific risk assessment etc but all know that if working on an isolated site no risk should be taken and the work postponed until they are confident that steps have been taken to allow the work can be carried out safely.

Posted By Ross Hunter
Have you thought of modifying existing units to have lifting points on the bottom rather than the top of the units, removing the need for any ladder work. Any double stacked units will then only require the use of a footed ladder high enough to comfortably reach a max height of the first unit (approx 500mm) to free lifting equipment.

Ross

Posted By Glyn Atkinson
Adding information in favour of Peter's method, I have seen and assessed the method of use of the crane as the man's safety harness holder whilst accessing the roof space on containers.

This method in our case - the crane was used to first place a unit in a different location, and then for a roof repair that needed hot work, hence the location change prior to work.

The hire company brought in their risk assessment and method statement, and I watched the complete operation, then asked the guy doing the repair how safe he felt.

His reply was that since they had changed to the crane/harness method, no one had been hurt on roof jobs, and they all felt a lot safer with the harness in place.

The crane driver was skilled in his execution of the operation to keep the harness taut while the guy was climbing up, and on the roof, then climbing down.

The crane was then used to replace the unit back from where it came and services were restored to the unit once in place - a very competent method, in my opinion, well executed.

Seemed from observing the full operation that this is a sensible, safe and practical method that I will allow in the future on our sites.

Posted By Mitch
I think if you complete a detailed RA you would not use the hook as an anchor point! Lack of control etc.. No different to a forklift cradle, talk to your local HSE office about the implications of that one. On a more positive note one of our neighbours is a leading manufacturer of ISO containers, they build anchor points in the centre of the roofs.

Posted By AlB
I have spoken to Jackie of the association. At present they are working closely with the HSE to develop a CoP but this is some time off. In the meantime the HSE are continuing to pursue their Working at Height blitz (and rightly so) but it's something else to find a practicable, cost-effective solution to the problem.

I also have severe reservations with attaching fall prevention or fall arrest equipment to cranes and HIAB. There has to be an other alternative.

AlB

Posted By Robert K Lewis
Ultimately the best answer is the use of lifting frames that match the cabin size, or are adjustable to match, and lift from the base of the cabin. In actual fact this is the best strengthened area and less damage occurs to the cabin structure. Roof access is never needed in this situation.

My last visit to a manufacturer of these cabins used the frame method to move everything round the factory.

Bob

Posted By Barny
Jac

You have mail.

Regards

Posted By AlB
We have had a demonstration of the Safe Post but the feedback has been lukewarm. It takes 10 minutes to set it up.

But I obviously take that criticism with a slight pinch of salt as any change that requires additional work is never welcomed.

Has anyone else had any experience of this system?

Posted By Nigel Timmins
I am having the same problem,i have considered harnesses , forks mounted man cages and mobile towers.
I used many moons ago on piles a quick release shackle. This was a spring loaded lifting device that sprung open when you pulled on a cord , are they still available , or compliant.
This would reduce the need to climb.
But firstly can you lift by the cabin support legs , suppliers will not confirm.

Posted By Chris Pope
I saw a unique and safe way of handling containers last night and this is the manufacturer's reply to my email about this query :

May I suggest if you are looking to show your friends how our Sidelifters operate, point them towards the animation on our homepage www.containerlift.co.uk - it’s much easier to see it happening rather than describe it.



Containerlift Sidelifters are designed to lift ISO containers (20ft, 40ft, 45ft and 30ft containers) from the bottom corner castings and not the top. This not only provides a more stable lifting process, easier and safer connectivity to the container and quick and easy loading but it also allows us to lift weights up to 30 tonnes safely. These machines can double stack containers, load other vehicles and even load train wagons.

Our lifting shoes are designed specifically to fit into the bottom corner castings of ISO containers



Your IOSH colleagues may also like to know that in the UK we provide a full contract lift service whilst lifting and we usually find that when comparing the cost of a separate crane and truck option to a Sidelifter – the Sidelifter option can often work out at the fraction of the cost.



As a company we use Steelbro Sidelifters which are made in Australia. Internationally coverage does vary but in many countries Sidelifters are commonplace.



FYI we currently have a fleet of 18 of these trucks operating in bases across the UK. And we pretty much the only people operating these machines. Across the UK. We have partners across Europe and we are pretty much the only company that can help you will fill UK to rest of world shipping with a full Sidelifter service at each end.



If you would like to find out more about our service feel free to call our traffic office at any time (8am-6pm UK time) on +44 (0)1371 879 479



Regards

Chris Osborne

Posted By Delwynne
All our site stores containers are 'preslung' and the lifting accessories stay in place permanently (4 leg chain, one leg to each corner). The chains are long enough to hang to the side of the container avoiding the need for operatives to access the roof area.
Of course you would still have an issue with connecting the accessories when double stacking but the principle may be of some assistance to you.