TBT 10th December
TBT 10th December
Routine work can dull alertness and a relaxed attitude can replace the caution that existed
when the job was new and interesting. In many jobs the same route is traveled daily over
the same roads or the same tasks are repeated with little conscious thought. Without some
periodic reawakening to the ever-present hazards, lethargy deepens and the odds of an
accident occurring can increase.
Workers may not always recognize the importance of safety training or think of it as
unnecessary because they’ve "been doing it for years." But an important benefit of periodic
safety training is the reminder that a danger can exist and the no one is immune to
accidents. Therefore, it is important for workers to understand the purpose of the training
session, why it will be useful to them, and what can result from not following safety rules
and procedures.
The safety training should be organized so that the order in which the material is presented
will match the steps that should be taken on the job. Make sure every worker understands
the training material; not just that they were present or a test was given. Insist on questions
from trainees after a session to tell you what did or didn’t sink in. This will let you know what
has to be reviewed again. If there’s a general lack of understanding of hazards or safety
rules and practices, schedule another safety meeting or plan a refresher course for a later
date.
Employees should be able to immediately practice and apply new knowledge and skills. If
workers don’t understand safety training information well enough to use it on the job, the
training has not been effective. There should be immediate feedback if workers are doing
their job safely or not. Supervisors should watch employees do their jobs and question them,
to identify what they do, or don’t, know.
Most of these tips are relatively simple and inexpensive solutions, but the safety payoff can
be enormous. Remember, training is only effective when workers understand, and use, what
they’ve learned. It takes less than a second to lose the rest of your life.
Hoisting Safety
Hoisting is used to lift and lower loads using a drum or wheel with ropes or chains wrapped
around it. Hoists can be powered manually, electrically, or pneumatically. Hoists effectively
move heavy and/or awkward equipment, but they require training and safe work
procedures.
To operate a hoist, you must be properly trained. Know the rated capacity of your hoist; it
should be clearly labeled on the equipment. Read the manufacturer’s operating instructions
and warnings. Get training in how to use the hoist machine and how to properly rig and
safely maneuver loads. Perform regular maintenance on the hoist and lifting rope/chain.
Conduct daily hoist inspections using a check sheet for recordkeeping. Guards on moving
parts should be in place. Inspect hooks for deformations or cracks. Before lifting a load, test
the brake stop, and upper and lower limit switches. Watch that the hoist operates smoothly;
grinding sounds or vibrations indicate a problem. All operating switches should be properly
labeled. Hook travel should be in the same direction as it is labeled to avoid mistakes.
Check ropes and chains for wear, stretch and twisting. Look for areas that have a thinner
diameter, frayed fibers/strands or a “bird-cage” where the fibers/strands are lifted away
Properly set up your hoist so that it is on stable ground or a secure structure. You may need
to use outriggers, cribbing, or other devices for stability. Survey the work area so that the
load will not run into obstacles, equipment, or workers. Never exceed the rated load
capacity; this could cause the hoist to fail, tip, or collapse. Take into account wind factors
that may add stress to the hoist. Use properly rigged tag lines to keep the load stable and
straight during movement.
When you start to hoist the load, take up the slack slowly and carefully. Hold the load in
action for a moment while you watch for stability and balance. Keep the load centered under
the hook. If the load sways or looks unstable, lower it to the start position and reconfigure
your rigging. Communicate when you are hoisting so that others in the work area know.
Don’t hoist loads over workers or let them ride slings or loads. Hoists can’t be used to
support working surfaces.