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RobF  
#1 Posted : 25 September 2024 11:39:44(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
RobF

Hi all - Need some advice / guidance please.

We move 500kg concrete blocks around site with a telehandler with forks, however when positioning them we use the telehandler in a static lift with an adjustable fork mounted hook, a lift chain and a lifting clutch which connects to attachment device set in the concrete block. This lift is only to put the block into its final position.

I should also tell you that the team moves around to various construction projects and not at just one location.

We have a lift plan in place, a telehandler driver with additional training for underslung loads (NPORS N138 or CPCS A17E for example), and CSCS Slinger/ Signaller. The lift has been approved by an in-house AP.

My question is, with this set-up and experience(s) in team, do I still require a Crane Supervisor to be present while the lift is being undertaken?

Thanks, in advance.

M.cooper.99  
#2 Posted : 25 September 2024 12:47:57(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
M.cooper.99

HSE ACOP L113 Safe use of lifting equipment paragraph 229, covering the LOLER regulations, gives guidance and defines the requirement of appropriate supervision as:

"‘Appropriate supervision’ means that it should be proportionate to the risk and take into account the personnel involved in the particular lifting operation such as those with disabilities and the inexperienced. Levels of supervision are determined by the nature of the work, and the competence of those involved in using the equipment and assisting with the lifting operation. It does not mean, for example, that an experienced forklift truck driver will have to be under direct supervision every time they carry out a routine lift (but they may need to be supervised if they are required to lift an unusual load), or that an occupier of an office block has to provide a person to supervise the operation of a passenger lift."

A person experienced in that task might not need supervision for every lift. Your risk assessment, the hazards present and the competence of the drivers at each of the different sites and areas should set the requirement for this.

Regards

Mathew

Edited by user 25 September 2024 12:54:13(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

thanks 2 users thanked M.cooper.99 for this useful post.
peter gotch on 25/09/2024(UTC), RobF on 25/09/2024(UTC)
peter gotch  
#3 Posted : 25 September 2024 14:41:20(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Hi Rob

Is there something that you might not be telling us?!?!

As example has some Principal Contractor asked you why you haven't got a designated "Supervisor"?

I think Mathew has neatly summarised HSE's expectatations in terms of compliance with "LOLER".

However, there might also be CDM issues to consider. May be a Principal Contractor has set some Site Rules which demand more than what LOLER would indicate as being needed.

Then it might be time to 

(a) argue that the Site Rule is not "reasonable" AND/OR

(b) decide who should be the "Supervisor" - perhaps the telehandler operator or slinger?

thanks 2 users thanked peter gotch for this useful post.
M.cooper.99 on 25/09/2024(UTC), RobF on 25/09/2024(UTC)
RobF  
#4 Posted : 25 September 2024 15:23:22(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
RobF

Thanks Mathew & Peter for your quick responses.

We have been on many sites and have never been asked for a crane or lift supervisor before. It is a repetitive, low-level lift, perhaps lifting and turning the concrete block no more than 200mm and 1 meter radius to position it in its final location, and yes, a PC has requested that we have a lift supervisor present.

From your responses I think we need to revisit our risk assessment and lift plans, and to cover the PC’s that require lift supervisors undertake additional training for team members.

Thanks Again

KaranIOSH  
#5 Posted : 26 September 2024 10:55:12(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
KaranIOSH

Hello!

I'm going to advise you ''DO NOT'' use a Telehandler, use a Standard Excavator and Experienced Slinger it will also help  if the Black Hat Supervisor is there to make sure everything runs smoothly and possibily a Logistic Team Member who would know exactly where the blocks will need to be place. I hope this helps :)

peter gotch  
#6 Posted : 26 September 2024 12:54:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Karan

On what possible grounds would you advise against using a telehandler for what the OP is talking about?

Do you realise that excavators used ss cranes has created enough issues for the HSE to have published a Guidance Note to deal with some of the common poor practices? [AI might not find that Guidance Note]

thanks 1 user thanked peter gotch for this useful post.
John D C on 26/09/2024(UTC)
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