[WRE ADVISOR | PROJECT]
As with every heavy lift project, there are specific risk elements and logistical challenges to overcome. Te aim is to provide a safe and secure environment whereby both personnel and products can work in harmony to achieve the intended goal. Investment in an effective safety culture is paramount to not only ensure the safety of those working onsite, but to also ensure that an efficient and well-budgeted project is executed. Tere are no short cuts when it comes to safety, and trying to cut corners can sometimes cost dearly. Unfortunately, from time to time, we see examples of where compliance hasn’t been observed—by way of negligence in practice and misuse of products—much to the detriment of the company involved. Below is a list of the most common bad practices when it comes to using spreader beams, and how best to avoid them. While not every situation results in an accident, there is always the risk that something can happen when best practices, and even common sense, are ignored.
GETTING THE LENGTH AND CAPACITY
OF THE ANGLED TOP SLINGS WRONG: If the top slings are too short, the base sling angle could be too shallow and cause a much increased compression force to pass through the spreader beam. Also, the forces in the top slings are higher than the vertical force at one end of the spreader beam; therefore, if the slings are not sized properly, they will be under capacity.
HANGING LOADS OFF A SPREADER
ALONG ITS LENGTH: Spreader beams are not the same as lifting beams. Lifting beams are designed for bending; spreader beams are designed for compression. If loads are hung from the body of the spreader beam, this induces bending, which will almost certainly result in a significant failure.
NOT CONSIDERING THE OFFSET
CENTER OF GRAVITY: Loads often don’t have a central center of gravity (COG). Te spreader beam could be overloaded on one end if the offset COG has not been considered. Te load will tilt and hang at an angle if the sling’s lengths are not appropriately calculated.
CUTTING INTO THE SAFETY FACTOR: Safety factors are there for a reason, but corners are being cut by using slings, shackles, and spreader beams above their stated safe working load. Safety factors must not be used to get more out of the equipment.
USING EQUIPMENT THAT HAS NO
MARKINGS OR CERTIFICATION: If equipment is not marked with its safe working load, it is impossible to know what its true capacity is. It is also the
76 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015 WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE
case that the equipment may be used in a configuration that requires de-rating to a safe working load, and for this to be established, it is essential that the appropriate user instructions are referred to. If there is no unique serial number marked on the equipment, it cannot be linked to any certification, and therefore it is impossible to know if it has been recently inspected according to local legislation. Sometimes equipment is marked, but doesn’t possess a certification to go with it. It would therefore be a risk to use the equipment—especially if it is damaged and has not been looked after in an appropriate inspection regime.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO HELP
ELIMINATE MISUSE: Make sure all spreader beams are always accompanied by user instructions. If user instructions are not present, then ask the manufacturer for a copy. Additionally, make sure all equipment has the appropriate certification in compliance with relevant legislation, and has been part of an inspection regime. And, of course, make sure a competent person has planned the lift, and the onsite riggers are fully trained and understand the lift plan prior to carrying out the lift. Furthermore, the lifting rig should be thoroughly checked, and a competent person should supervise the lift. Te USA and Europe have some of the most stringent inspection and testing legislation guidelines in the world dealing specifically with the legal requirements for both new equipment when supplied, and the safe use of that equipment on an ongoing basis. In Europe, the implementation of European Directives by member states has meant that, in the case of the Machinery Directive—which includes lifting equipment—each member state has incorporated the requirements of the Directive into state legislation. Te result of this means that lifting equipment supplied by a company, such as Modulift, will bear a CE marking to indicate that the item complies with the provisions of the Directive. In terms of documentation, an EC declaration of conformity will be issued for the equipment. Tis undoubtedly helps to ensure that new lifting equipment is safe and fit for purpose, and is recognized and accepted not only in Europe, but in many other countries around the world. In the U.S., standards including ASME B30.20 come
into force, and all Modulift components comply with this— and a Certificate for Conformity is issued for confirmation. If there are any additional local or project-specific requirements that need to be adhered to, these are also addressed and complied with. Modulift is leading the way by going a step further, obtaining DNV Type Approval as standard on their main range of Spreader Beams. DNV is a world-recognized third- party verification society specializing in the maritime and energy sector. As a result, Modulift’s designs have been fully scrutinized to give piece of mind to end-users, and assurance that these are some of the safest products in the world. y
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