Written By: SCAL Academy
Date: 22 April 2024
Topic: WSH Safety Guidelines
Ensuring workplace safety and compliance with the Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Act requires a diligent pre-lift inspection of cranes. These inspections are vital for identifying and addressing potential hazards, thus safeguarding the working environment and preventing accidents.
Pre-lift inspections are crucial for maintaining the operational integrity and safety of cranes. They serve several important functions:
Identification of Mechanical and Structural Issues: Inspections help spot mechanical failures, structural weaknesses, or worn-out components that could compromise the crane's stability or operational capability.
Prevention of Accidents: By detecting and rectifying issues before lifting operations begin, the risk of accidents and injuries is significantly reduced.
Regulatory Compliance: Regular inspections ensure compliance with local safety regulations, helping businesses avoid legal penalties and enhancing their safety records.
Safety Culture Promotion: Systematic safety checks demonstrate a company's commitment to protecting its workforce and cultivating a proactive safety culture.
A comprehensive pre-lift inspection should be methodical and thorough, involving several key steps:
Visual Inspection
Exterior Check: Begin with a visual assessment of the crane’s external condition. Look for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion on the boom, hoist lines, hooks, wire ropes, and sheaves.
Component Check: Examine for leaks, loose bolts, missing pins, or absent safety labels that might indicate negligence or impending failures.
Documentation: Record all observations, especially any anomalies or defects that could affect the crane's operation or safety. This documentation is crucial for follow-up actions and future audits.
Structural Assessment
Integrity Checks: Evaluate the structural integrity of critical components like the boom, jib, and outriggers. Check for bending, stress marks, or fatigue.
Connection Points: Inspect welds, bolts, and other connections for signs of failure or weakness.
Compliance Verification: Ensure that all structural parts comply with manufacturer’s specifications and are within service limits.
Mechanical Systems Inspection
System Functionality: Review the crane's mechanical systems including the engine, hydraulic systems, and controls for any signs of malfunction or degradation.
Operational Testing: Test operational components like brakes, clutch, and steering for responsiveness and reliability.
Safety Mechanisms: Confirm that all safety devices, including limit switches and emergency stops, are operational and accessible.
Load Handling Equipment Examination
Condition Check: Inspect hooks, slings, shackles, and other load-handling gear for wear, tears, or structural damage.
Compatibility and Securing: Verify that all lifting accessories are appropriate for the load and crane type, ensuring they are properly secured and in good condition.
Load Rating Compliance: Confirm that the equipment’s load rating matches or exceeds the requirements for the intended operation.
After completing the inspection, any identified issues should be addressed before the crane is approved for use. This might involve repairs, replacements, or further testing. It's crucial that no crane should be operated unless it has passed all inspection points satisfactorily.
To ensure proper execution of pre-lift inspections, individuals involved in supervising lifting operations should undergo specialized training. The Supervise Safe Lifting Operations course offered by SCAL Academy in Singapore provides comprehensive knowledge and skills required to supervise lifting operations safely and effectively.
Individuals performing rigging and signalman tasks should complete the Perform Rigger and Signalman Tasks course. This training equips individuals with the necessary expertise to carry out rigging and signalman duties, ensuring that lifting operations are conducted in accordance with safety regulations.
Conducting a pre-lift inspection is an essential aspect of ensuring safe crane operations in Singapore. By following a systematic inspection process and addressing any identified issues promptly, the risk of accidents and injuries can be significantly reduced. It is crucial for businesses and individuals involved in lifting operations to prioritize safety and comply with the necessary training requirements to maintain a safe and productive working environment.
For more information, please contact Mr Daniel at 67939020 or email weikit@scal-academy.com.sg
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