The fast growing construction industry cannot afford to go out of date in its choice of equipment to be used in lifting equipment. Knowledge of the various types of lifting gear and their uses is especially critical in the construction environment to avoid risks associated with unsafe equipment as well as to conform to various requirement at the construction site.
As discussed above, there are many types of these mighty machines, each of them is specialised to perform certain lifting tasks. Fixed jib cranes or tower cranes are popular concrete structures in the UK, used for the construction of tall buildings that require immense vertical mobility and lifting capability. Mobile cranes, on the other hand, offers flexibility and mobility due to its portable nature and is suitable for the low level lifting support or congested areas.
Selection criteria for a crane will depend on the project they intend to be used for construction and the factors that should be considered include lifting capacity, boom length and ground condition. Last but not least, do not overlook checking whether your crane operator has all the relevant licenses and whether the training provided was in compliance with the laws regulating operations in the United Kingdom.
Although cranes can be more noticeable it’s slings and rigging equipments are the working horses of construction lifts. These come in handy devices which are mainly helpful for tying and lifting equipment or goods to avoid accidents during transportation. In the UK the most utilised sling accessories are wire rope, chain and synthetic- which are polyester and nylon.
While selecting slings and rigging equipment, the best policy should be, to go for products that conform to British Standards (BS) or European Norms (EN). These factors include WLL, and the ability to withstand abrasion and chemical damage for the material used. There are certain things to consider with regards to slings and rigging gear and one of them is these need to be checked and maintained often.
Material Handling Made Easy: Forklifts and Telehandlers
Proper material handling is an essential step in the right direction with regard to maximising the efficiency of construction sites. Forklifts and telehandlers are but essential equipment that are used when there is a need to transfer, escalate or handle palletised stock, construction products and machinery. It is designed in a manner that has forks in front to enable it manoeuvre in small spaces and also for placing loads on taller structures. Telehandlers or also known as telescopic handlers include and have added feature of telescopic boom which adds reach factor to the equipment.
Generally, the use of any equipment on the construction site in the UK requires compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation (PUWER). Make sure that the operators are well trained on how to operate the equipment and that equipment maintenance is well done and inspected as frequent as the manufacturer recommends.
It is essential to use the right kind of lifting equipment which is necessary. A brief review of key rigging tools including cranes, slings and forklifts can help shed light on how to carry out your business in a safe, efficient and regulatory-compliant manner in today’s construction site. Please always bear in mind that in choosing your equipment, it is wise to use the best and most reliable suppliers because procurement of equipment down the line is an investment on your project and your people’s safety.
When you are dealing with construction lifting, try as much as possible to remember the highlights of this piece as you make your various choices. By applying the appropriate equipment profile and dedicating attention to the proper construction techniques, you will ensure your progress in lifting your construction game to a whole new level.