Written By: SCAL Academy
Date: 22 April 2024
Topic: WSH Safety Guidelines
Construction lifting operations play a crucial role in Singapore's construction industry. These operations involve the use of heavy machinery and equipment to lift and move materials and structures. While essential for construction projects, lifting operations can pose significant safety risks if not conducted with utmost care and adherence to safety guidelines. In this article, we will explore key measures and best practices to ensure safety in construction lifting in Singapore.
One of the fundamental aspects of safe lifting operations is ensuring that workers involved are adequately trained and competent. Proper training equips workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate lifting equipment safely, identify potential hazards, and take appropriate preventive measures. Organizations like the SCAL Academy offer courses such as "Supervise Safe Lifting Operations" to enhance supervisors' competency in managing lifting activities.
Additionally, specialized roles like riggers and signalmen play a crucial part in safe lifting operations. These professionals possess expertise in ensuring loads are secure, communicating effectively with crane operators, and coordinating the lifting process. Courses like "Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks" provided by the SCAL Academy can enhance their skills and knowledge in this area.
Before commencing any lifting operation, it is crucial to understand the load capacities of lifting equipment and their associated limitations. Each lifting equipment has a specific safe working load (SWL) that must not be exceeded. Exceeding the SWL can lead to equipment failure, causing accidents and injuries.
It is essential to assess the weight and dimensions of the load to be lifted and choose the appropriate lifting equipment capable of safely handling it. By adhering to the equipment's limitations and load capacities, the risk of accidents and equipment failures can be significantly reduced.
Prior to any lifting operation, a comprehensive risk assessment must be conducted. This assessment helps identify potential hazards, assess the risks involved, and develop effective control measures to mitigate them.
Factors to consider during the risk assessment include the lifting environment, ground conditions, overhead obstacles, proximity to other workers or structures, and any potential impact on nearby utilities. By thoroughly evaluating these factors, appropriate safety measures such as the use of barriers, protective equipment, and proper signaling protocols can be implemented to minimize the risk of accidents.
Clear and effective communication is vital during lifting operations to ensure the safe movement of loads. Establishing standardized hand signals and verbal communication protocols between the signalman and the crane operator is essential for smooth and safe lifting operations.
It is crucial for the signalman to have a clear line of sight and maintain constant communication with the crane operator. The signalman must be trained to give accurate and timely signals, ensuring that the lifting process is executed precisely and safely.
Regular inspection and maintenance of lifting equipment are essential to ensure their safe and reliable operation. Any defects or signs of wear and tear should be promptly addressed to prevent equipment failure during lifting operations.
Construction companies should establish a structured maintenance program to regularly inspect and maintain lifting equipment. This program should include routine checks, lubrication, and necessary repairs or replacements. By ensuring equipment is in optimal condition, the risk of accidents and failures can be significantly reduced.
Construction lifting operations demand strict adherence to safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. By prioritizing training and competency, understanding load capacities and equipment limitations, conducting risk assessments, promoting effective communication, and maintaining equipment, construction companies in Singapore can ensure the safety of their workers and the successful completion of lifting operations.
For more information, please contact Mr Daniel at 67939020 or email weikit@scal-academy.com.sg
“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.””
