CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NOV 2018

LIFTING SAFETY

Full risk assessments are conducted with regard to climbing on and off mobile cranes.

the higher levels of safety, placing them potentially at a commercial disadvantage in the marketplace.” Continuous engagement Froneman emphasises that Johnson Crane Hire engages continuously with its OEM suppliers to find ways of better protecting the crane crew while they are on the machines. An example of what is now available are integrated horizontal lifelines on the booms of certain brands of newer machines. “It is important that these safety enhancements are made by the OEMs, as users are not permitted to simply modify mobile cranes in any way they see fit,” says Froneman. “The machines are built to strict safety and technical specifications, so any modifications need to come from the OEM.” Among the situations where the crane crew must be on top of the mobile crane are when counter-weights are loaded from a truck to the deck of the crane. The workmen, who must stand on the mobile crane to position the counterweight, are at risk of falling when they are attaching the slings or moving the counterweight into position. The crane hook is then often used by some to support the workers with a retractable lifeline, which is hazardous in itself and is not in line with the requirements of Driven Machinery Regulations 18 (8); “No user shall require any person to be moved or supported by means of a lifting machine unless that machine is fitted with a man-cage designed and manufactured according to an approved SANS standard”. Another potentially dangerous context is in the wash bay, when a cleaner must stand on a wet mobile crane deck while also holding a spraying device. “In compliance with construction regulations, Johnson Crane Hire has developed a fall protection plan specifically for mobile crane applications

training programmes, Johnson Crane Hire trains its operators in terms of fall-arrest practices and standards according to the relevant unit standard. The training must be done every two years, in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Construction Regulation requirements. “This level of compliance is vital for us and is a strict requirement of the many blue-chip companies we work with. We also share information and experience with our customers in the interest of continually raising the standard of safety during lifting operations,” concludes Froneman. b

and is constantly innovating new ways of protecting operators from the risk of falling,” says Froneman. “In the wash bay, for instance, we have installed a horizontal life-line to which cleaners must attach themselves.” Risk assessment The company has developed a full risk assessment with regard to climbing on and off mobile cranes, which includes a low body position, three-point contact, full body harness with adjustable lanyards, and the use of two anchor points at opposite sides of the operator. With its own accredited in-house

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS NOVEMBER 2018 26