In the construction industry, the safety of lifting operations is of utmost importance to prevent accidents and ensure a secure working environment. Lifting equipment, such as cranes, hoists, and forklifts, play a critical role in these operations. Regular inspections of lifting equipment are essential to identify potential hazards and ensure their proper functioning. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive inspection checklist for lifting equipment in the construction industry, adhering to the Singapore workplace safety and health standards.
Perform a visual inspection of the lifting equipment before each use. Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or deformities in structural components. Ensure that safety labels and markings are clearly visible and legible. Inspect wire ropes, chains, and slings for signs of wear, corrosion, or distortion. If any defects are found, the equipment should be taken out of service immediately and reported to the relevant authorities.
Check all operating controls, such as buttons, levers, and switches, to ensure they are in proper working condition. Test safety devices, including limit switches, emergency stop buttons, and overload protection systems, to ensure they are functional. These safety devices are designed to prevent accidents and protect both the operators and the surrounding workers.
Verify that the lifting equipment has a load capacity rating that is suitable for the intended load. Check the load capacity markings and ensure they are clearly visible. Exceeding the load capacity of lifting equipment can lead to catastrophic failure, endangering the lives of workers and causing property damage.
Inspect wire ropes and chains for signs of wear, corrosion, or distortion. Look for broken wires, kinks, or birdcaging in wire ropes. Ensure that wire ropes are properly lubricated and adequately tensioned. Inspect chains for any elongation, cracks, or excessive wear. Replace any damaged or worn-out wire ropes or chains immediately to prevent accidents during lifting operations.
Check hooks and attachments for any signs of wear, cracks, or deformities. Ensure that hooks have safety latches and that they are in proper working condition. Inspect shackles, slings, and other lifting attachments for any damage or wear. Faulty hooks and attachments can result in load slippage or detachment, posing a significant risk to workers.
Test all controls, including brakes, clutches, and steering mechanisms, to ensure they are functioning correctly. Check alarms and warning systems, such as audible alarms and flashing lights, to ensure they are operational. These alarms are crucial for alerting workers to potential dangers during lifting operations.
Regular training and certification are essential for workers involved in lifting operations. SCAL Academy offers courses such as Supervise Safe Lifting Operations and Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks, which provide comprehensive training on safe lifting practices and equip workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out lifting operations safely.
By following this comprehensive inspection checklist and ensuring proper maintenance of lifting equipment, construction companies in Singapore can minimize the risk of accidents and promote a safe working environment. Prioritizing the safety of lifting operations is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial responsibility for all stakeholders involved.
“The training provided by SCAL’s experienced and knowledgeable trainers has equipped me with an excellent grasp of construction safety and allowed me to enhance worksite safety in Woh Hup”
“The course content is very relevant to my daily work and I will definitely recommend this course to my colleagues with design background at SCAL Academy.”
“SCAL Academy has a good understanding of how the industry works and the training is much better aligned with practical needs. The trainer also exhibited fantastic content knowledge and this enabled me to apply the concepts to my work.””
