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Control of Lift Operation
Summary of Requirements of BS7121 Parts 1 and 3
Control of the Lifting Operation: The code recommends the appointment of a responsible person as the Appointed Person to plan and control the lifting operations. Their duties include:
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Familiarity with the relevant legislation and any project Health and Safety Plan
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Assess the operation to enable planning, selection of the crane and lifting equipment, and the instruction and supervision for the operation to be undertaken safely
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Ensuring that adequate inspection, maintenance and testing of the equipment has been carried out
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Taking responsibility for the organisation and control of the lifting operation
The code designates three categories of lifts; basic lift, standard lift and complex lift, each having slightly different requirements for the safe system of work.
Crane Hire and Contract Lifting: BS7121 makes a clear distinction between Crane Hire, where the Hirer has responsibility for the planning and organisation of the lifting operations and Contract Lifting where the main responsibilities of planning, organizing and supervising the lifting operation are contracted out to the Crane Owner. A summary of the respective responsibilities are:
Crane Hire: The Hirer must:
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Plan the lift and operate a safe system of work
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Supply the Appointed Person
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Carry out all work in accordance with BS7121
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Ensure all equipment used is tested and certified and free from any visible defects
Contract Lift: The Crane Owner must:
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Plan the lift and operate a safe system of work
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Supply the Appointed Person
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Carry out all work in accordance with BS7121
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Ensure all equipment used is tested and certified and free from visible defect
Of importance but outside the scope of BS7121 are the different insurance arrangements within Crane Hire and Contract Lifting. Under Crane Hire the Hirer must insure the operator and crane under third party liability and hired in plant policies. With certain exclusions these are covered under Contract Lift terms.
Planning of the Lifting Operation: The code requires that all lifting operations are planned and that foreseeable risks have been taken in to account. Planning of the lift should include:
General:
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Taking in to account the load, its characteristics and the method of lifting
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The selection of a suitable crane
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The selection of suitable lifting equipment
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The position of the load before, during and after the lifting operation
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The site, including space available and proximity hazards
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Environmental conditions e.g. inclement weather