As for the operation of lifting any item of cargo or anything to do with shipboard operations – hatches, gangways etc, what is the definition of lifting equipment? Well, according to LOLER, “Lifting equipment” means work equipment for lifting and lowering loads. This includes lifting accessories and attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting the equipment.
I would like to add that this includes any item of equipment that is used for opening and closing of hatches on vessels. So, we can take it that it is not only the actual slings and shackles that are used but also how the equipment is secured.
As part of this article, we look at some of the issues surrounding the actual lifting operations. Apart from that we can give some thought as to what and where is the involvement (if any) of a cargo surveyor in a lifting operation, especially when the cargo is worked with the gear and crew of the ship.
One of the things that was discussed in the first article was (apart from the legislation in the UK is the enforcement of the current regulations) that normally on land-based sites or within the confines of a UK port, the lifting operations are under the control of the Health & Safety Executive. As mentioned, this changes when a foreign vessel is loading or discharging cargo with its own gear, then the responsibility for enforcement rests with the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
As a working cargo surveyor, the author is involved in lifting operations, albeit, at a distance. That being said, the author believes it is good working practice to:
• Visually inspect the lifting equipment, check the load ratings and the general condition of all the equipment and accessories to be used. Below is a photograph of a wire sling used in a recent lifting operation clearly showing the SWL. This was one of a pair of slings used in the lift of an item from a ship’s hold which weighed 15 T - more than adequate capacity for the lift.
If possible review the test certificates to ensure that all the equipment is in test and up to date. One further thing (if possible) is to have a look at the “Risk Assessment and Method Statement” (RAMS) produced by the Port staff, or those responsible for the lifting operation. Visual inspection of the lifting equipment, checking of test certificates and, where possible, a review of the RAMS, will give an indication as to the competency and the level of planning that has gone into the impending operation.
It could be argued that surveyors without heavy lift expertise may not have the necessary skills or experience to review all the documentation that is involved in the planning of safe lifting operations. However, it is an extra set of eyes assessing the plan and will provide an indication of the level of planning that has been undertaken for the operation. In the majority of instances, as mentioned earlier, lack of or poor planning has been a major contributory factor in the accidents mentioned above and many others too. Remember that when accidents occur with cranes involved in heavy lift operations they are rarely, if ever, minor. As a surveyor, if you spot something around a heavy lift operation that looks awry or requires further clarification to meet your satisfaction, you should bring it to the attention of the Appointed Person, or other senior personnel involved on site.
82 | ISSUE 109 | SEP 2024 | THE REPORT
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