Questions You Should Know about Electric Lifting Device

Ten Questions That Must Be Answered Before Attempting Any Lift

When attempting any lift, regardless of how small or seemingly insignificant, there is some basic information that must be known and confirmed before you begin. As an industry, we do a great job planning critical and super lifts. These major lifts are executed with precision and are successful if the plan is carefully followed. We don’t do as well on the everyday routine or standard lifts. In most cases there is little or no planning – and when things go wrong – accidents result. In my experience, the majority of crane accidents result from lifts that are classified as standard when in fact there is nothing standard about any lift.

There are ten questions that must be answered for any lift.  This list should be considered as the basics, i.e., a lift plan for standard lifts. The ten questions can be converted into a simple lift plan form. Then, require the crane operator to complete it before each and every lift. It only takes a few minutes and could prevent a costly accident. It has been shown that when a lift plan is required for every lift, the supervisors, operators and riggers catch mistakes before they happen.

For example: The lift could be at a high percent of capacity. Or, the crew may need to move the crane a few feet to reduce the radius which significantly improves the capacity and safety of the lift.

The Ten Questions that must be answered include:

1. WHAT IS THE “VERIFIED” WEIGHT OF THE LOAD? It is not possible to make a safe lift when the weight of the load is not known or verified. Many smaller loads can be easily calculated; such as a bucket of concrete or a steel beam. Most loads are shipped to the work site by truck; the trucking company weight ticket is a good source for weight information.In any case, the load weight is critical and must be known and verified.
2. WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM RADIUS? The radius is defined as the distance between the center of rotation of a crane and the center of gravity of a freely suspended load. The radius must be known and should be measured. At a minimum, a dry run should be preformed by placing the empty hook over the pick and set locations; measuring radius for each case. Calculate the lift according to the farthest distance.
3. WHAT IS THE RIGGING CAPACITY AND WEIGHT? Calculate the capacity of the rigging configuration. The system is only as strong as the weakest link. Consider the effect of sling angles on the rigging and try to maintain angles of 60 degrees, or higher, to horizontal. A sling angle of thirty degrees to horizontal results in a force of two times the force applied to a vertical sling. Calculate the effective weight of the rigging system and record it on the plan. The weight of the entire rigging system is deductible from the crane chart gross capacity.
4. WHAT ARE THE APPLICABLE CAPACITY CHART DEDUCTIONS? Once a crane is configured it is usually not changed often. A suggestion is to add all the deductible crane accessories and make a note of the combined deductions. Then all the operator has to do is add the weight of the rigging to the accessory total and subtract the combined total from the “gross” capacity to obtain the “net” capacity. Everything hanging under the boom top is considered part of the load. Don’t forget to include deductions for attachments that are mounted on the boom and not used; such as jibs or boom extensions.
5. WHAT IS THE CRANE “NET” CAPACITY AFTER DEDUCTIONS? (At the maximum radius and crane configuration) Very often accidents occur because the operator relies solely on the “gross” capacity from the crane chart. All deductible items must be subtracted from the “gross” capacity to establish the “net” capacity.
6. IS THE CRANE ON FIRM LEVEL GROUND? Ground bearing calculations and soils analysis are not practical for every lift made by small cranes. Matting should always be used; without exception. Due their small size, the manufacturers’ outrigger floats (pads) are not designed to stand-alone and do not provide an acceptable load distribution. Check to see if there has been a recent excavation in the set up area. A sure sign of trouble is when the crane tires sink into the ground while driving into position. A simple approach to matting size is to divide the crane rated capacity by 4. Then take the square root of the dividend. The result can be considered the length of one side of a square mat. This method is only a starting point and will not be sufficient in every case. Be sure to make the mat to strong enough to resist bending so as not to reduce the load distribution to the ground.Example: 50 ton crane / 4 = 12.5; the square root of 12.5 = 3.53 so your square mat should be a minimum of 3.5 feet for each side.
7. ARE THERE POWER LINES ANYWHERE IN THE PATH OF THE LOAD OR CRANE ATTACHMENTS? Search for power lines and sources of electric energy before moving the crane into position. Note the locations and record them on the lift plan. Discuss the lift plan with all persons evolved so that everyone is aware of a potential hazard. A designated spotter is required to warn the crane operator of an impending contact. Beware of power lines that are hidden within tree branches or behind buildings. Statistically, power line contact is most occurring crane accident worldwide. These accidents out number all other crane accidents combined.See the OSHA Power Line Rule found in the Subpart CC – 1926.1400 standard at www.osha.gov for more information and direction.
8. ARE THERE OBSTRUCTIONS ANYWHERE IN THE PATH OF THE LOAD OR CRANE ATTACHMENTS? Check the work area for obstructions. Make a dry run through the full swing path of the proposed lift and observe the boom clearance to any obstructions.
9. WILL THE LOAD CONTACT THE CRANE BOOM OR JIB AT ANYTIME DURING THE LIFT? Is the load long and can it contact the boom or jib during the lift? If a load contacts a loaded boom, the boom could collapse. Will there be room to turn a long load for alignment during the lift? Always use non-conductive tag lines to control the load.
10. WHAT IS THE RATIO OF CRANE CAPACITY TO NET LOAD? Calculate the percent of chart capacity by dividing the load weight by the net capacity. When a crane is nearing capacity everything has to be exactly right. If anything goes wrong it happens fast there is little chance to recover. Percent of chart often defines a critical lift and an additional, comprehensive, “Critical Lift Plan” may be in order. It is advisable to establish a definition and procedure for a “Critical Lift”. It is advisable to require the completion of a more comprehensive “Critical Lift” plan when the “Ten Question” plan indicates the lift has met the criteria for critical lift. It has been observed that when the ten-question lift plan indicated it is a critical lift; the crew will re-think the set up and lift parameters, there by reducing the percent of capacity to a more reasonable, lower ratio.

CASE STUDY – MASSIVE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

The project experienced three major crane accidents during the first month of construction. After consultation with the author, the Project Manager created a ten question lift plan and made it mandatory for every lift and required a critical lift plan for any lift over 85% of chart. The critical lift plan had to be approved by the Project Manager or the designated Lift Specialist. The 10-question lift plan for every lift was a condition of employment and strictly enforced. The project was completed, in three years, on time and under budget without an additional crane related accident or incident. The project management team observed that all craft supervisors with crane related responsibilities became creative about how they set up the cranes. In many instances they were able to effect minor changes to the crane set up locations, improving the lift parameters resulting in lifts rated well below the critical lift criteria.

It should be understood that there are many things that affect the safety of a lift. The ten-question lift plan is intended to inspire creative thinking and assure the most vital parameters are considered. It does not, in any way, relieve the crane operator or rigging crew from their responsibilities to consider everything that may affect the safety on any lift.

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Lifting equipment is a must in almost any warehouse or factory. If you need to lift heavy loads from the floor onto shelving or into working position you will want to rely on more than just the muscles and backs of your employees.

Our team knows that choosing the right lifting equipment can turn a job that is hazardous to the health and safety of your employees into an easy task with virtually no risk to anyone involved.

The biggest question you need to ask is what type of lift equipment you need, hydraulic or electric?

Benefits of Hydraulic Lifting Equipment

Hydraulic lifting equipment has the obvious benefit of providing lifting ability without risk to the operator, while not requiring the additional expense of battery charging stations. These units are also much smaller than their electric counterparts, which can allow them to access tighter areas where lifting needs to occur.

Here are some of the manual hydraulic lifts that Douglas Equipment can offer to fit your needs:

1. Hydraulic Lite-Lift Model LLHF

This small manual winch model stacker from Wesco has a capacity of 500 pounds with a hydraulic pedalift jack encompassing over 35 years of proven quality.

The foot operated hydraulic pump will lift a small skid to a height of 54”, and the foot release allows for easy lowering.

Casters include wheel locks and the unit has an overall dimension of width 20”, height 70.5”, depth 30” and a weight of 139 pounds. This model is great for smaller applications.

2. Four Wheeled Hydraulic Pedalift with Steel Frame

Steel frame model hydraulic pedalifts from Wesco come with two front casters for additional maneuverability with the loss of the front tip touching the floor. These pedalifts are available in painted steel or 304 stainless steel frame construction.

A foot operated hydraulic pump and foot release operate the platform or forks and are also available on the two wheeled models. Due to the extra wheels the platform or forks sits 5.75” above the floor when lowered. All models have a capacity of 750 pounds.

Wheels are 8” by 2” on .75” precision ball bearings and 3.5” diameter polyurethane ball bearing front swivel casters.

Five models exist for the painted steel option:

• Platform 20” X 16” with lift height of 40”, width 22.5”, height 48.5”, depth 32”
• Platform 22” X 22” with lift height of 54”, width 22.5”, height 60.5”, depth 32”
• Platform 30” X 22” with lift height of 54”, width 30”, height 60.5”, depth 32”
• Forks 3” X 18” with lift height of 40”, width 22.5”, height 48.5”, depth 32”
• Forks 3” X 18” with lift height of 54”, width 22.5”, height 60.5”, depth 32”

3. Manual High Lift Pallet Truck

This standard 27 X 44.5 pallet truck incorporates a scissor lift mechanism that allows the unit to lift a pallet onto a low shelf or into working position. The unit has a steel construction that weighs 228 pounds with 6” steering wheels made of mold-on polyurethane.

Dimensions are Width 27”, Height 48.5”, Depth 63” and a capacity of 2200 pounds.

Benefits of Electric Lifting Equipment

The biggest benefit of electric lift equipment is the ability to handle larger loads than hydraulic equipment. An additional benefit is that the electric power is not just limited to lifting uses, but can also power the equipment wheels and make moving the lift equipment easier with the load in place.

For larger loads that are harder to lift and move we offer a variety of powered lift equipment that should meet your unique needs, including:

1. Powered Telescoping Fork Stacker

This stacker from Wesco is made for lifting heavy loads onto shelving, and is almost like a small walk behind forklift.

Dimensions are Width 48”, Height 87.5”, Depth 68” with a steel frame and a capacity of 2000 pounds (which it can lift over ten feet into the air). The stacker weighs 1230 pounds and incorporates 8” Nylon drive wheels and 6” Nylon casters at the front.

2. Electric High Lift Pallet Truck

This Wesco 27X45 pallet truck incorporates an electric scissor lift that allows you to raise the pallet load onto a low shelf, or simply into working position.

Dimensions are Width 27”, Height 48.5”, Depth 60” and a capacity of 2200 pounds. The truck weighs 373 pounds and incorporates 6” mold-on Polyurethane wheels.

3. Pallet Truck Stacker

This truck from Wesco includes a narrow mast for tighter areas, but can stack a pallet on a much higher shelf than most pallet trucks.

Dimensions are Width 26.5”, Height 78.5”, Depth 65” with a capacity of 2200 pounds. The unit weighs 1036 pounds with a steel construction and has 10” polyurethane steering wheels.

4. Heavy Duty PowerStak – Model PPS3000-125AS

This versatile model is the big brother of the Presto PowerStak series of high-performance, fully-powered stackers that provide flexibility and versatility. The series has a low overall weight compared to equivalent stackers with a quiet operation and sleek design that allows the PowerStak to fit into a wide variety of work environments.

The heavy duty model has a 24 Volt drive motor with a 25 Amp internal charger to provide the power required to easily transport loads up to 3000 pounds.

The extended mast allows the stacker to lift loads up to 10 feet in the air. Tandem polyurethane load wheels and forged forks provide ease of movement and safe operation. Further safety features include an emergency stop switch and safety key switch.

Dimensions are height 86”, width 58”, length 77” and a shipping weight of 2000 pounds.

Need to Find Out More About Lifting Equipment?

If you are deciding which lifting equipment you need to suit your unique needs, Douglas Equipment would be happy to point you in the right direction. With over 60 years in the material handling business, we’ve picked up a large amount of knowledge that we use to help our customers each and every day. Contact us today.