Packing, Marking, Shipping and

Storage Procedure for Overhead

Crane
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Purpose
1.2. Scope
1.3. Terminology
2. RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1. Station head
2.2. Competent Authorised Person
2.3. Supervisors
3. PERSONNEL
3.1. Specialists (personnel certified to carry out the work)
4. INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION
5. HAND TRUCKS
6. FORK LIFT TRUCKS
6.1. Operations
6.2. Parking Operating
6.3. Areas
6.4. Attachments
6.5. General Operations
6.6. Rough Terrain
7. CRANES
8. SIGNALS
9. GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
10. LIFTING ACCESSORIES
10.1. Chains
10.2. Fibre Slings
10.3. Rope and Wire Rope Slings
10.4. Sling Angles
10.5. Wire Rope
10.6. Shackle
10.7. Plate Clamps
10.8. Eyebolts
10.9. Hooks
10.10. Chain Blocks
10.11. Load Binders
11. LOAD SECURITY
12. MATERIAL STACKING AND UN-STACKING
12.1. Stacking
12.2. Un-stacking
13. PALLETS
14. TENSION STRAPPING
15. CONTAINERS
16. MANUAL LIFTING TECHNIQUES
17. CRANE SAFETY CHECKLISTS
18. INSTALLATION OF WIRE ROPE CLIPS OR DOUBLE SADDLE CLIPS
19. RISK CONTROLS
20. REFERENCES
1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide procedures to assist the safe handling of materials
(manual handling and mechanical handling).

1.2 Scope
This document describes the requirements for the following
• Responsibilities in materials handling.
• The requirements for specialist personnel.
• Lifting equipment requirements, ranging from a fork lift truck to a heavy lift mobile crane to
a simple eyebolt.
• The requirements for the safety of materials in transit and in store.
• This document does not override any other company regulations, international or local
regulations.
• Regulations relating to lifting equipment.

1.3 Terminology
Abbreviations terms and references used frequently in this document are defined in the Tata
Power Cos Procedure for material Handling
Definition
Banks man: The person who is responsible for giving directions to a crane operator
Anti-two-blocking device - a device that, when activated, disengages all crane functions
whose movement can cause two-blocking.
Competent person - one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable deficiencies in
mobile cranes and boom trucks.
Emergency operations - operations that include fire, power line contact, loss of stability, or
control malfunction.
Health-care professional - any licensed/registered/certified health-care provider working
within his or her license/registration/certification and providing medical services to employees.
This includes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses.
Mobile crane - a crane that is self-propelled. This includes crawler cranes, wheel-mounted
cranes, and any variations thereof. Overhead cranes, gantry cranes, side boom tractors,
trolley boom cranes, and cranes with a rated capacity of one ton or less are specifically
excluded.
Periodic inspection - detailed safety and maintenance inspection performed by a qualified
person to verify compliance with the provisions of local/country standards
Qualified person - one who,by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or
professional standing, or certified government body or who by extensive knowledge,
training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve
problems relating to mobile cranes and boom trucks.
Two-blocking - the condition in which the lower load block or hook assembly comes in contact
with the upper load block or boom point sheave assembly. (Condition under which the load
block or load suspended from the hook becomes jammed against the crane structure
preventing further winding up of the hoist drum)
SWL - Safe working load
SLI – Safe load indicator, it is a system which cut-off all the unsafe crane operations if
overloaded and anti two blocking comply.
Safe access route to the place for the crane set up shall be checked with SS or SFE. Ensure
that ground can carry the load of the crane. If soil is soaked with water the loading capability
is significantly reduced. Check for underground cables and pipes as well as vicinity to any
above ground obstructions like fire hydrants, firewater valves and pits. Ensure that trailer
bringing the load also has a safe access, not blocked by the intended set up of the crane.
Load: Weight of load can be from equipment data sheet, marking on packing, marking on pipe
spool, calculation (add 15% allowance for inaccuracies) or weighing. Guessing the weight of
the load is not allowed. Crane user shall maintain record of how the weight was derived until
the lift is successfully completed.
Length x Width x Height (LxWxH): Is required for bigger equipment for deciding lifting radius
and lifting height. For bigger surface, say above 25 m2, also wind loads need to be considered.
For small pipe spools, valves etc. this data is not required.
Lift Radius: Maximum horizontal distance between the point at which the centre of crane
rotation meets the ground and the vertical centreline passing through the load lifting
attachment.
Lift Height: The height above the setting of the crane that the load must be lifted to. To derive
at the boom height the length of hook, slings and load must be added as well as some free
space above any equipment the load will be slew over.
Eccentric Load: Load centre of gravity does not correspond to the geometrical centre, e.g. an
unevenly loaded container. In case of eccentric load for heavy loads, say above 2 T, centre of
gravity should be calculated and lifting points defined accordingly. For light loads the most
practical is to determine the centre of gravity by trial and error without lifting the load completely
off the ground.
Ground for crane set up safe: Can the ground support the point load from outriggers or
crawlers? Ground loading capability must be established. Underground cables and pipes
exposed to the load of the crane shall be identified and if required protected by spreading the
load by e.g.applying spreaders under the outriggers. Experiences at site and elsewhere have
shown that paved areas are not necessarily having the loading capability as per design.
Safe workload at lift radius will be derived from the selected Crane Load Chart for the
calculated lift radius and boom length. Adjustment shall be done in relation to valid load test
and only 90% of the load test value shall be considered as safe workload.
Weight of hook block, slings and attachments shall be derived from crane load chart and
tables for slings.
Total weight is the sum of the weight of the load and weight of hook block, slings and
attachment.
Capacity loading will be calculated by dividing the total weight with the safe workload at lift
radius. It shall not exceed 85%. For capacity loading above 85% a lifting plan is required. No
capacity loading above 100% shall be allowed, equal to 90% of load test. If Safe Load Indicator
is not installed the capacity loading shall not exceed 60%; if above a lifting plan is required.
For lifting personnelthe capacity loading must be below 50%.
Attachment description: List type of slings; belts, wire ropes, chains, shackles etc. to be used
to attach the load, if required make a simple sketch under lift description.
Standard lift: If load to be lifted weighs less than 15 ton, it is a standard lift. The crane user is
required to complete “Mobile Crane Planning & Risk Assessment Checklist”.
Standard lift in non-hazardous area: If the lift is carried out without any risk to damage lines
or equipment containing hydrogen, hydrocarbon, H2S, corrosive or toxic chemicals, steam,
instrument air and nitrogen it is in a non-hazardous area. If it is carried out in a hazardous area
a risk assessment for the risks related to possible damage of these system must be done
together with SS or SFE before the lift will be permitted. The lower section of the “Mobile Crane
Planning & Risk Assessment Checklist” shall be used; “Risk Assessment for Crane Operation
in Running Plants”
Dunnage: Packing material usually made of wood.

2 RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Station Head
The station head is responsible for ensuring that:

• A competent authorised person is appointed to control the inventory of lifting equipment

and arrangements
• Its periodic examination in accordance with relevant standards and procedures.
• All supervisors involved in materials handling understand the requirements of this
standard.
• A system of review and control is established to ensure that the implementation of this
standard is assessed on a regular basis as appropriate to the requirements of the
operation.

2.2 Competent Authorised Person (CAP)

The Competent Authorised Person (CAP) is competent by virtue of training, experience and
qualification and is appointed to examine lifting equipment on behalf of the Station Head. He
is not only competent to inspect for damage, deterioration or other defects, but is also capable
of assessing and advising what effect such defects will have on the strength and function of
the lifting equipment. CAP qualifications must be assessed and verified.

The CAP must supervise the examination and maintenance of all loose lifting equipment within
his area of responsibility every six months and must ensure timely inspection and test of other
items of lifting equipment requiring inspection and testing by third party.

The CAP must maintain a register and keep a copy of certificates for each piece of lifting
equipment under his control.

This information must include: Date received

• Serial number
• Description
• Safe working load
• Date last inspected / certified
• Colour code
• Date destroyed
This record is to include permanently attached slings on equipment under his responsibility,
and will be available for inspection by Safety Advisors.

2.3 Supervisors
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that persons under their supervision who are
involved in, or are within the area, where materials handling operations are being conducted:
 • Are trained in the techniques required for the safe execution of their work.
• Only use equipment which has been inspected and certified in accordance with
requirements.
• Do not try to manually handle an article which is beyond their physical capability to
manage.
• Are aware of the hazards associated with, and on the perimeter of, their work area.
• Understand and comply with the requirements of this standard.

3 PERSONNEL
All company staff and contractors receive basic instruction in manual lifting and
handling techniques during their induction. This basic instruction must be emphasised at safety
meetings with supplementary material such as training packs, posters and booklets. The
correct technique for manual lifting is shown in section 16.

3.1 Specialists

Materials handling involves a number of specialist activities which are carried out by people
either as their full-time occupation or as an additional part of their job. These activity related
tasks include:

• Riggers and Slingers

• Banks men
• Pedestal crane operators
• Mobile and Crawler crane operators
• Fork lift truck operators
• Self-load (truck mounted loading arm) truck drivers

All personnel shall be selected, trained, appointed and managed in compliance with local
legislation.

4 INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

All materials handling equipment (e.g. fork lift trucks, cranes and lifting accessories)
used must be inspected, tested and certified in accordance with the Tata Power Cos checklist
for the above Equipments.

5 HAND TRUCKS
Hand trucks are for moving loads over short distances (typically less than 100m), and
shall be specially designed for lifting and moving packages or pallets e.g. hand pallet trucks.
In the latter case, the facility to jack up the truck shall be incorporated. Hand pallet trucks are
suitable for loads up to 1500kg.

General Requirements

• Hand pallet trucks must be clearly marked with their SWL and have an in-date
certificate of inspection / test from a third party competent person as per Factories Act
& Rules.
 • Hand trucks must not be used on sloping steel surfaces such as ramps and particularly
not on long inclines (maximum recommended gradient 1:15). If there is no alternative,
consideration should be given to using trucks fitted with brakes.
• Hand trucks must not be used on uneven or soft surfaces. Such surfaces, e.g. cracked
concrete, distorted tarmac, sand and grassy areas, increase both the physical effort
required and the risk of toppling.
• Special care must be taken when using hand trucks in split level areas, e.g. loading
bays, especially where no guard rails are fitted.
• Hand trucks must have all their wheels in contact with the working surface at all times
during their use.
• Users of hand trucks must report any mechanical defects to the appropriate supervisor.

6 FORTLIFT TRUCKS

Fork lift trucks used in plant premise shall include industrial and rough terrain types.

6.1 Operations
Only fork lift truck operators who have been properly trained and certified (valid license from
RTO) shall operate a fork lift truck.

Before using a fork lift truck, operators must check the truck and associated equipment to
ensure they are in safe and proper condition. Operators must ensure audible and visual
warning equipment is working correctly by carrying before using the fork lift.

6.2 Parking
When unattended, fork lift trucks must be left with the fork arms tilted forward and lowered to
rest on the ground. The engine must be switched off, the key removed and the handbrake
applied.

Ignition keys must be kept in a safe place and only issued to authorised operators for the
duration of the duty period or task. When not in use, fork lift trucks must be parked in secure
areas.

6.3 Operating Areas

• Care must be taken at all times during fork lift truck operations to avoid pedestrians, other
vehicles and hazards within their area of operations. Fork lift truck operators must only drive
in areas where they are authorised to do so.
• Fork lift trucks must only be used in areas where there is enough room for safe operation.
Particular care must be taken to ensure that fork lift trucks used in aisles have enough room
to circulate and manoeuvre either loaded or empty.
• Sharp bends and overhead obstructions must be avoided as far as possible. Special care
must be taken to avoid hazards such as loading bays, excavations, columns, pipe work,
racks and other plant.
• Industrial fork lift trucks must only be driven on suitable surfaces; road humps and rough or
soft surfaces are to be avoided.
• Fork lift trucks must not be operated on excessive gradients. (In general, fork lift trucks
should be driven forwards up a slope, backwards down a slope and in line with the incline.
It shall be necessary to raise the forks slightly at the bottom of a slope to avoid grounding.)
• Fork lift trucks must not be operated across gradients.

Stability of Fork Lift Trucks

Loads and Handling
• Fork lift trucks must only be used to lift loads within their certified capacity.
Loads must be correctly placed and secured on the forks to avoid tipping forwards or
sideways.

• Wherever possible, fork lift trucks must be driven with the forks in the lowered position and
with the mast slightly tilted back. The forks should be so adjusted that the fork heels should
never touch the ground.
• Movement with loads in excessively raised positions must be avoided to minimise the
danger of toppling, especially on uneven surfaces and while cornering.
• Fork lift trucks must only be used for loads which can be carried safely on the forks or
attachments fitted. Non-standard, un-packaged and excessively wide loads must be
avoided wherever possible. In particular, long tubes must be carried using appropriate
attachments.

6.4 Attachments
• Fork lift trucks must only be used with attachments which have been specifically designed,
constructed and certified for it and the intended load, and attachments must only be used
as prescribed.
• Attachments must be produced by a recognised specialist manufacturer and must be
certified in accordance with IS standards.
• Care must be taken to ensure that where attachments are used, any consequential de-
rating of lifting capacity is not exceeded.

6.5 General Operations

• Operators must not carry passengers anywhere on the fork lift truck.
• Operators must not allow pedestrians to walk underneath the load.
• A load must not be picked up if someone is standing close to it.
• Fork lift trucks must only be driven in a direction where visibility is not blocked.
• Stacking and un-stacking on inclines must never be attempted.
• Rapid acceleration, hard braking and sharp cornering which increase the risk of load
tipping must be avoided.
• Operators must exercise caution and drive slowly on slopes, uneven and damaged
surfaces.
• Particular care must be taken when operating in proximity to pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Operators must obey site traffic regulations or, in their absence, must keep to the left.
• Operators must be aware of hazards in and at the perimeter of their areas of operation.
6.6 Rough Terrain
The operation of rough terrain fork lift trucks involves special hazards which require additional
care and consideration:
• Care must be taken at all times to ensure that traction is retained. Loss of traction due to
the nature of the terrain or weight transfer taking load off the driving wheels is to be avoided.
• Care must be taken and speeds minimised to reduce the risk of load toppling caused by the
imbalance induced when operating on rough terrain.
• Operators must ensure that the parking brake is capable of holding the fork lift truck
stationary on an incline. (Some rough terrain vehicles are capable of climbing inclines
steeper than those on which the parking brake will hold the vehicle.)
• Checks for overhead obstructions must be made before lifting and transporting loads.
• Special care must be taken near power lines and other materials handling vehicles such as
mobile cranes.
• Driving rough terrain fork lift trucks on public roads must be kept to a minimum. When public
road travel is necessary, fork arms must be removed, folded or protected in some way so
that they do not present a hazard to other road users. Where this is not possible, forks must
be painted or otherwise made highly visible.
• Rough terrain fork lift truck operators must wear seatbelts while operating their vehicles.

7 CRANES

Cranes used in the plant include wheeled and tracked mobile units with fixed or telescopic
booms, self loading truck, loading arm type units fitted to trucks and diesel hydraulic excavators
when they are fitted with lifting attachments.

Please refer Mobile Crane Safety Procedure No. P-008 available in Sangam / click attached
PDF file.

8 SIGNALS

Prior to any lifting operation being made a banksman is to be appointed and identified to the
crane operator. This applies without exception in cases where:

• The load exceeds 50% of the rated capacity of the crane in the configuration used for the
lift.
• The lifting is of heavy or large loads.
• Any portion of the load or load lift route is obscured from the crane operator’s direct line of
sight.
• Lifting operations are to or from a boat or offshore platform.

In cases where the lift is small, routine, less than 50% of the rated capacity of the lifting
appliance, within visual contact of the crane operator at all times and has the authority of the
work site supervisor, this requirement may be waived.

Banksmen are to wear a luminous orange or green waistcoat, must always be in a position to
have a good view of the whole operation, and are to establish clear visual or radio
communication with the crane operator prior to the commencement of any lift. If two banks
men are required, the crane operator must be aware of the division of responsibilities between
the two. Only one banksman must give signals to the crane operator at a time. The banksman
is the only person permitted to pass instructions to the crane operator, and the crane operator
is not permitted to follow instructions from persons other than the banksman. The banksman
must direct lifting operations and signal to the crane operator using standard hand signals

A crane must not be operated unless:

• The banksman has a clear view of the load, lifting assembly and crane operator to give
signals.
• The banksman has checked that Riggers and all other personnel are clear of the vicinity of
the load.
• The crane operator has a clear view of the banksman to receive signals.

Banksmen, Riggers and other personnel involved in crane operations must wear safety
helmets and other relevant personal protective equipment. The crane operator is exempt from
this requirement while he is in the crane cab, operating the crane. Crane activities must cease
in the event of any emergency or potentially dangerous situation and the crane operator must
immediately obey all emergency stop signals.

9 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
1) Cranes must not be left unattended whilst suspending a load. When not in use and left
unattended, crane cabs and control compartments must be kept closed with controls
or power-packs locked off and the vehicle parked without obstructing normal access.
2) Cranes must not be used for any purpose other than for lifting in a vertical plane.
3) Crane booms must not be used to apply sideways force to an object, for example during
demolition, tree felling or pushing materials and boxes.
4) Cranes must not be used as winches to drag materials or equipment.
5) Cranes must not be used if they are not fully rigged or are in a defective condition, e.g.
if outriggers do not fully extend, there are hydraulic fluid leaks or controls and safety
equipment are defective.
6) Lifting operations must be conducted cautiously without hoisting, lowering or slewing
at excessive speed.
7) Load swinging and snatch loading must be avoided.
8) On completion of crane operations, the crane boom and hook must be properly secured
before the crane operator leaves the crane. The crane boom must be left on any fitted
rest, with the hoist rope slackened, or pointing downwind with the boom angle lower
than 45.
9) Any defect or damage to the crane or its structure affecting the safety of the crane or
personnel must be reported to the Asset Holder. The crane must be taken out of service
immediately the defect or damage is detected and not used until it has been rectified,
and re-certified if necessary, or clearance to use the crane has been given in writing by
the CAP.
10 LIFTING ACCESSORIES

Any piece of equipment used to attach a free or contained load to a crane hook, or hoist a load
by hand, or put load restraining ropes under tension is classed as a lifting accessory.

Lifting accessories are listed and defined. For many of these items (e.g. swivels, elevators,
trolleys, runway beams, etc), there are no specific definitions for their use and operation.
All lifting accessories must be:

• Stored in a suitable, secure location under cover and dedicated to the purpose. The location
must be under the direct control of the CAP.
• Colour coded in accordance with the HSE Standard and Colour Codes. Lifting accessories
which are incorrectly colour coded must be stored in a separate clearly marked area.
• Checked before they are used to confirm their correct rating for the work to be done.
• Visually examined for defects and damage prior to use. Equipment in unacceptable
condition must be tagged and set aside for repair or disposal in the same place as
incorrectly colour coded accessories.
• Used only within their certified safe working load ratings.
• Loaded progressively without shock loading.

Removed from service for inspection, testing and re-certification if it is suspected they have
been subjected to loads in excess of their rated capacities, including the effect of shock loading
by snatch lifting.

Chain Wire Metal Mesh Synthetic

10.1 Chains
The chains used in chain slings, chain block hoists and to secure loads must not be:

• Hammered to reshape distorted links.

• Joined together using bolts and nuts.
• Shortened by twisting or knotting.
• Subjected to load if the chain is kinked or twisted and the links cannot move freely.

10.2 Fibre Slings

Also known as webbing and flat belt slings, fibre slings are made of synthetic material and may
have a round or flat cross section. Their use must be restricted to lifting items such as coated
pipe and turbine rotors which could be damaged by lifting with conventional chain or wire rope
slings.

Fibre slings must be protected from sharp edges, by sacking or similar padding, and from
chemical damage.

Lifts using fibre slings must always be vertical to avoid:

• Overloading the edge of a flat sling.
• The risk of tearing the sling.
• The risk of cutting a sling by lateral movement of the sling over sharp edges.

10.3 Wire Rope and Wire Rope Slings Wire ropes must be not be used when:

• More than five of the wires can be seen to be broken in any five diameter length, or three
or more closely-grouped wires are broken.
 • Permanent distortion such as bulging, crush damage, stranding and core protrusion is
visible.
• During materials handling operations involving wire rope slinging, ensure that:

• The correct sling or combination of slings for the load to be lifted is selected.
• Slings are not dragged along the ground or deck.
• Slings are kept well away from operations involving welding and flame cutting.
• Riggers and slingers wear protective leather gloves and that hands are clear of
slings before lifting commences. Wire rope should be passed from hand to hand
and not allowed to slide through the hands.
• Allowance is made for a reduction in the rated capacity of multi-leg slings due to
the angle between the legs of the assembly. Always consult a Sling Chart and Safe
Working Load Tables.
• Slings are not bent round sharp corners of a load.
• A sling is only connected to a shackle by passing the shackle pin through one eye
of the sling.
• When a reeving sling is used, the bight is not forced down onto the load. The included
angle formed by the sling must not exceed 120 .
• Tag lines are attached to long, heavy and awkward loads.
• All personnel stand clear before the operation commences.
• Spinning loads without tag lines or which cannot be stopped from spinning with tag lines
must be carefully lowered to the ground or deck to kill the spin.
• Loads are supported so that slings can be removed from underneath without damaging
them.

10.4 Sling Angles

For min/max of sling angles, refer to IS Standard Specification Wire Rope Slings and Sling
Legs for General Lifting Purposes
WLL for synthetic sling

Do’s and Don’ts

SLING SHOULD BE OF SUFFICIENT LENGTH TO ENSURE THAT THE CHOKE ACTION IS
ON THE SLING BODY - NEVER ON THE SLING SPLICE OR ON THE BASE OF THE SLING
EYE.

SLING SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM BEING CUT BY SHARP CORNERS, EDGES,

PROTRUSION OR ABRASIVE SURFACES

10.5 Wire Rope Clips

Wire rope slings and semi-permanent terminations of wire ropes are frequently made
using wire rope clips. These provide a quick and easy way to terminate wire ropes and when
properly applied including the insertion of a thimble in the eye of the sling, and the application
of sufficient torque to the securing nuts, provide up to 80% of the strength of the original rope.

U-Bolt clips must have the U-Bolt section on the short end of the rope, and the saddle on the
longer end of the rope. The incorrect installation of one clip can reduce efficiency of the
connection by 60%.
When making up a sling or termination, always ensure that:

• Never use fewer than the number of clips recommended in Table 4

• New clips are used; used clips do not have the full holding ability
• A thimble is inserted in the eye of the sling; this prevents the rope from wearing and
deforming
• The clips are fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• All threads and nut bearing surfaces are greased, unless manufacturer’s instructions
state otherwise
• Full recommended torque settings are achieved, e.g. 49Nm for 16mm diameter rope
 • A record is kept of measured torque values when terminations are first made and
during each subsequent periodic check
• Periodic checks of torque settings are carried out as specified below:

 as soon as the service load is hung on the rope

 after 24 hours in service
 after 7 days in service
 after 1 month in service
 at 6 monthly intervals from the date of installation Correct use of Wire rope slings

10.6 Shackles
Ensure that:

 Shackles are matched to the grade of sling in use.

 The correct shackle pin is used. Never replace a pin with a bolt and nut.
 Threaded shackle pins are secured in place with seizing wire prior to use.
 Pre-slung loads, e.g. containers and bottle racks, with slings permanently attached are
only fitted with “nut and cotter pin” shackles. The use of screwed pin shackles on pre
slung loads is forbidden.
10.7 Plate Clamps
Wherever possible, plates must be lifted using shackles inserted in holes near the edge
of the plate. If there are no holes in the plate, a plate clamp must be used and only one plate
at a time must be lifted. Packing must not be inserted between the jaws of the clamp and the
plate.

10.8 Eyebolts
• Eyebolts must be screwed down to the shoulder or until the threaded section reaches
the end. Shoulder type eye bolts are preferred. Care must be taken to avoid mismatching
of dissimilar threads.
• Ensure that eyebolts and lifting lugs supplied by equipment manufacturers are for the
whole of the load and not just for a particular part of the assembly, e.g. the top cover of
a horizontally split compressor.
• Eyebolts must only be used in combination with hooks when a shackle which comfortably
accommodates the hook is fitted between the hook and the eyebolt.
Slings must never be passed through eye bolts; use shackles with the eye of the sling attached
to the shackle.

10.9 Hooks

Care must be taken during materials handling operations to ensure that:

• The safety latches on crane and sling hooks are in good working order and that the
latches close properly.
• Hooks are only used in conjunction with other lifting accessories such as rings and slings
which fit properly and are secure on the hook.
• Personnel are kept clear of the swing path of a hook.
• Personnel do not place themselves underneath a hooked load.

10.10 Chain Blocks

For operations involving the use of chain blocks or chain hoists, users must ensure that;

• The correct rating of chain hoist is used for the load to be lifted.
• Only one man operates the hoist and he is able to operate it with ease (otherwise a larger
capacity hoist should be used).
• Loads do not remain suspended for any length of time without securing the pull chain to
prevent the load dropping.
• The load chain is not run out to the point where the load is entirely dependent on the bolt
holding the dead end of the chain.
• The load chain is not used to encircle the load (a sling must be used).
• A load is not lifted or tilted with the tip of the chain block hook.

10.11 Load Binders

These devices, also known as chain tensioners, are used to tighten the chains used to
secure loads on trucks, trailers, etc. There are two types of load binder, one operating on the
eccentric lever principle and called a lever-type, the other operating on the principle of a bottle
screw and called a ratchet-type.
When using load binders, operators must ensure the following:
Use a binder only while standing on the ground; do not stand on the load being secured.
Position a lever-type binder so that the handle is being pulled down to tension the chain.

• Do not extend lever-type binder handles; if additional leverage is required, use a ratchet
type binder.
• After tensioning the chain, check that the lever handle is touching the chain and
secured in that position either with the free end of the chain or with soft wire.
• Take great care when releasing a lever-type binder after a journey; there may be stored
energy in the chain which could cause the binder handle to whip.
• When releasing a lever-type binder by hand, use an open hand palm upwards under
the handle; never grip the handle and always stand clear of the path of the moving
handle.
 • Levers which cannot be released by hand are to be prised open by using a steel bar
under the handle, with the operator standing clear to avoid injury from whip action.

11 LOAD SECURITIES
Inadequately secured loads present a hazard because they shall shift or fall and cause injury
or damage. Whatever the mode of transportation, e.g. truck, van, helicopter or ship, personnel
who load materials must ensure that loads are properly secured. The persons in charge of the
mode of transportation, e.g driver, pilot or Master, must satisfy themselves that the load is
secure before leaving.

During the loading of materials and goods onto any mode of transportation, the following must
apply:
• Where items have to be stacked; the heaviest ones must be placed at the bottom.
• Ensure a friction contact between the load and its platform; avoid metal-to-metal
contact, slippery surfaces and loose dunnage or packing material.
• Pack loads tightly before the load securing equipment is applied so that they do not
vibrate free during transit.
• Keep the load centre of gravity as low as possible and near the centreline.
• Distribute loads evenly over the load platform.
• Protect items that could be damaged by rain with covers.
• Load securing devices, e.g. load binders, must be used as designed and be in good
condition.
• Loads must be secured such that the failure of one leg of the securing system must not
result in failure of the others.
• Ensure that load securing material such as rope, chains and webbing straps do not
pass over sharp edges which could cut or weaken them.
• Rope used for securing loads must be steel wire greater than 8mm diameter,
polypropylene, polyester, sisal or manila. Nylon rope must not be used.
• Pipes of the same OD must be loaded together as much as possible. If pipes of different
diameters are loaded together, dunnage must be used to separate the different sizes.

12 MATERIAL STACKING AND UNSTACKING

12.1 Stacking
Stacking materials maximises space utilisation and facilitates materials control. When planning
materials stacking, the following points must be considered:
• The permissible floor loading and the design load-handling capability of storage racks
and bins.
• The site layout with adequate walkways and aisles.
• Materials routing in and out.
• Method of stacking to be used.
• Available or required materials handling facilities and equipment.
• Area lighting with avoidance of shadow areas.
• Pallet design and load bearing capacity.
Factors governing the size of stacks are volume and area available, and size, bulk,
weight, type, rigidity and fragility of materials to be stacked. Note that loaded pallets must not
normally be stacked more than three high.
Stability of stacks must be determined by:
 • A safe ratio of height to base area.
• Sound interlocking of the materials, either naturally or artificially.
• How much of the aggregate weight is borne by the components in the lowest tier of
the rack.
• Good placement of every component in a stack, with no overhangs.
Heavy items of equipment stored in custom-built crates or containers must not be stacked on
top of the other (only the bases of these containers are designed to bear the load of the
contents).

Stacks must be positioned at least 0.5m from walls or bulkheads and must not allow footing
for persons to gain access to unguarded machinery. Racks must be inspected periodically by
the CAP to determine its condition and confirm its continuing capability to support the loads for
which it was constructed.

12.2 Un-stacking
The majority of incidents involving the collapse of stacked materials occur when a stack is
being taken down. During this activity, the following must apply:
• One person only is responsible for the manner in which the stack is reduced.
• If the person in charge had no part in the erection of the stack, he is to familiarise
himself before work begins.
• The stack is to be taken down tier by tier without “taking bites” out of it.
• Tubular or other fencing around the stack is to be reduced in height as the stack is
reduced.
• The area around the stack is to be kept clear of tripping hazards.
13 PALLETS
• Only purpose-built pallets in good condition and without loose or broken boards and blocks
must be used for transporting loads. Damaged pallets must be taken out of service and
returned for repair or disposal.
• Loads must be secured on pallets with tension strapping, plastic shrink-wrap, cargo netting
or, alternatively, using a box pallet.
• Pallets must be secured on the load platform. Webbing straps and binders, ropes or chains
shall be used providing the pallets and their loads are strong enough. The use of cargo
netting is adequate for light loads.
• If chains are used, their tension must be such that the load on the pallet is not distorted
and the load fastenings slackened. If pallets are to be loaded into a constrained area, e.g.
in a container or on a truck with side boards, then netting, ropes or chains shall not be
required if movement can be prevented by using chocks.
• Where pallets are stacked, each layer must be separately restrained from movement in
any direction.
• Lashings must not be attached to, or pass under, the strapping used to secure the load
on the pallet and each pallet in the top layer of a stack must be cross-lashed. Empty pallets
must also be secured during transportation.

14 TENSION STRAPPING

Frequent use is made of tensioned steel wire, steel banding and plastic strapping to secure
individual packages and boxes or to secure loads on pallets. The strapping is normally applied
with a hand operated tool and removed with side-cutters. During application and removal of
tension strapping, personnel must:
• Ensure that strapping tools are in good condition and properly maintained.
• Use strapping tools in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.
• Wear hand protection and avoid trapping fingers under the strapping.
• Beware of strapping “whiplash” when its tension is released for removal. Coil up removed
strapping and place it in a suitable waste bin or skip.

15 CONTAINERS

The containers referred to here meet the ISO 1496 specifications for freight containers of the
totally enclosed general purpose type for transportation by road, rail or sea.

Before loading a freight container with cargo, an internal and external inspection must be
carried out to ensure that:

• The container has a valid CSC plate showing tare weight, SWL payload, maximum gross
weight and ID number.
• The lifting bridle is within the specified inspection period and colour coded to this effect.
• There is no obvious damage such as distortion of floor/sides/roof, bent lifting eyes or
cracked welds.
• Any floor planking is in good condition with no broken or missing planks and no protruding
nails.
• The doors operate properly, can be easily opened/closed and secured, and sealing strips
are intact.
• The interior is clean, dry and free from vermin.
• Any labels or markings relating to previous cargoes are removed or painted over.
• Containers must be loaded in accordance with a load plan drawn up to ensure that:

 Cargo to be loaded does not exceed the SWL of the container.

 Cargo can be stowed securely with loose items bagged or crated to prevent transit
damage.
 Problems are not created for those who will unload the container at its destination.
 Heavy items are stowed as low in the container as possible.
 Lightweight items are packed on top of heavy ones.
 The centre of gravity of the loaded container is below the midpoint of its height.
 The centre of gravity of the loaded container is near the midpoint of its length and width.
 The load is evenly distributed over the floor area.
 No more than 60% of the weight of cargo is at one end, in less than half the length of
the container.
If a container is not fully packed across its width, cargo must be secured to lashing
points inside the container to prevent load shift during transit. Liquid in barrels, e.g. lubrication
oil must be transported with screwed caps for filling/emptying of contents uppermost. Where
there is the possibility of leakage of liquid cargo, precautions must be taken to minimise the
possibility and provide a means to absorb any leakage. Truck mounted containers must be
secured using twist-locks. When a container is received at its destination, it must be checked
for any warning signs, e.g. Dangerous Goods, Radioactive Materials, etc., before the doors
are opened. Container doors must always be opened carefully in case cargo has shifted during
transit and is liable to fall out of the open doors.
16 MANUAL LIFTING TECHNIQUES

Back injuries are one of the most common types of industrial accident and
although they may occur at a specific time, they are usually the result of
many years of incorrect manual lifting. Back injuries can be prevented by
proper lifting and the correct manual lifting technique is described below.

• Keep the chin in and do not let the head drop forwards or backwards.
• Take up a crouching or squatting position by bending the knees while
keeping the back straight; this does not necessarily mean vertical. The
important thing is not to bend the back.
• Take a firm grip of the object to be lifted, using the palm of the hands and
the roots of the fingers.
• Wherever possible, grip diagonally opposite corners of the load, one of
them underneath.
• Keep the arms as close to the body as possible allowing the body, rather
than the shoulders, arms or wrists, to take the weight.
• Straighten the legs and use the thigh muscles to achieve the lift. When
lifting from the ground, take up the squatting position and allow the legs
to do all the work. Lift in stages, i.e. from floor to knee and from knee to
carrying position. When lifting and in the carrying position, the leading foot
must be pointing in the direction of travel.
• Avoid standing with a heavy load; if you must stop, set it down by
reversing the lifting procedure described in the previous step.
• Do not carry a load which obstructs your view and always ensure that
your line of travel is clear of obstructions.
• Never attempt to change your grip while actually carrying a load. If a change is necessary,
set the load down on a firm support, change your grip and lift the load up again.
• If the object to be handled is too heavy or awkward, get help. The lifting method for two or
more people is the same as for one person. If mechanical lifting devices are available, use
them.
17 CRANE SAFETY CHECKLIST
Sr. Pre-operations Safety checklist Yes Remarks
No / No
1 Up to date test and examination certificates available
for site management to inspect.
2 Daily/weekly maintenance and inspections carried out.

3 Cab windows clean and screen wipers, where fitted, in

working order.
4 Cab and floor clean and free from obstruction.
5 Crane controls in neutral before starting up
6 Gauges and instruments reading correctly after
startup.
7 Safe load indicator fully operational and, where fitted,
the automatic overload indicator is working correctly
with the correct cam/program selected and fitted.
8 All other limit switches, e.g. "over hoist", operating
correctly.
9 All ropes free and without visible defects.
10 Where applicable, tyre pressures as recommended by
the manufacturer and tyres free from potentially
dangerous damage.
11 All tools and equipment checked and stowed correctly.

12 Fire extinguisher, if fitted, is fully charged, free from

visible defect and within periodic examination date.
13 Tracks in good operational condition.
14 No restrictions on access - check overall dimensions
of crane compared with operating area.
15 Work areas clearly visible and illuminated if necessary.

16 Ground capable of taking loads (outriggers, crane,

load, wind speed).
17 Approach and work areas as level as possible.
18 Adequate protections from overhead power lines.
19 If outriggers used, they are set in the correct position
as per crane manufacturer’s instructions, locked and
properly supported.
20 Ample room to swing and lift crane boom clear of
obstructions and rear of crane clear of obstacles.
21 Weights of loads known and correct
lifting accessories available.
22 Supervision of proposed lift available on site.
Sr. Checks during operation Yes Remarks
No / No
1 Loads lifted carefully within safe radius as per duty
chart.
2 Crane operating from planned/approved positions only

3 Banksman working in correct manner

4 Crane hook positioned directly over load.
5 Crane motions smooth and safe
6 Crane at safe distance from open excavations.
7 Safe load/radius indicators working correctly
8 All lifting accessories of correct type and serviceable.
9 Loads not slewed over people and persons not
standing or walking under suspended loads.
10 Crane boom remains clear of overhead power lines.
11 When travelling with load suspended, load carried as
near to ground as possible, level route followed and
boom radius changes made to accommodate load
movement on inclines.

18 INSTALLATIONS OF WIRE ROPE CLIPS OR DOUBLE SADDLE CLIPS

Amount Rope Turn From Thimble (mm) Torque in Foot-

Back Pounds

3 2 80 -

5 2 95

6 3 120 15

8 3 130 30

10 3 160 45

12 3 180 65

13 3 280 65

14 3 300 95

16 3 390 95

20 4 450 130

22 4 470 225

25 5 650 225

28 6 850 225

30 6 920 360

35 7 1100 360

38 7 1200 360
 40 7 1300 430

45 7 1800 590

50 8 1900 750

56 8 2100 750

64 9 2500 750

74 10 2700 750

Table 4 Installation of Wire Rope Clips

1 The manufacturer’s requirements must be followed for specialised or non standard clips.

Rope Diameter (mm) Thimble (mm) Torque

Minimum Unlubricated
Number of Bolts (ft-lb)
Clips1

5 2 1 30
6 3 100 30
8 3 130 30
10 3 130 45
12 3 160 65
13 3 280 65
14 3 350 130
14 3 400 130
20 3 450 225
22 4 480 225
25 5 920 225
28 5 1000 360
30 6 1400 360
35 6 1600 500
40 6 1700 500
19 RISK CONTROLS
Risks Control
 Excessive load: Don’t lift load, use suitable equipment
 Not correctly packaged: Re-package before lifting
 Incorrectly slung load: Correct slinging before lifting
 Load will fall: Use correct lifting equipment

20 REFERENCES
References Title
1. The Factories Act, 1948
2. The Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963
3. BS 4430 Recommendations for the safety of powered industrial trucks
4. BS 7121 Parts 1 to 10
5. Code of practice for safe use of cranes,
6. BS 6570 Code of practice for the selection, care and maintenance of steel wire ropes
7. BS 6521 Guide for proper use and maintenance of calibrated steel link lifting chains
8. BS 6166 Lifting slings, Part 3: Guide to the safe use of lifting slings for multi-purposes
9. BS 6210 Code of practice for safe use of wire rope slings for general lifting purposes
10. BS 6968 Guide for use and maintenance of non-calibrated round steel lifting chain and
chain slings
11. BS 6939 Recommendations for intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for dangerous
goods
12. ISO 3691 Powered trucks - Safety code
13. ISO 5053 Powered trucks – Terminology
14. ISO 830 Freight containers – Terminology
15. ISO 1496 Freight containers - Specifications for series 1 freight containers
16. BS 1290 Wire Rope Slings and Sling Legs for General Lifting Purposes