Safer use of lifting accessories

DELIVERED IN person by qualified instructors at SMB College, the course, which takes place on Wednesday 2^nd July, focuses primarily on the practical aspects governing the safe use of lifting accessories.

The course includes a guide to pre-use inspection of the accessories and the rules and techniques of safe lifting when using chains and slings. Safe Working Load (SWL), mode factors, slinging angles and estimation of load and centre of gravity will all be explained.

The importance of lifting plans and the relevant legislation, including LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) are also covered.

The course is targeted at forklift technicians and other personnel who use chains, slings and other accessories for lifting loads both for maintenance and assembly purposes. The course should also be of interest to supervisors and managers responsible for planning and overseeing these lifting operations.

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Verify the safe condition of lifting accessories.
• Identify and select appropriate lifting accessories for different tasks.
• Apply factors to determine actual capacity depending on lifting configuration.
• Recognise the health and safety considerations associated with lifting operations.
• Demonstrate awareness of relevant legislation.
• Apply safe working practices when slinging and lifting.

UKMHA technical director David Goss, says: “The importance of safe lifting procedures cannot be overstated. Lifting with chains and slings is fundamental different from handling unit loads on forks and it is critically important that personnel carrying out such operations fully understand what they are doing and what the implications are should anything go wrong.

“This course is being delivered by qualified instructors experienced in apprentice training for material handling equipment (MHE) and has been designed to improve safety in the workplace, a fundamental goal of the UKMHA.”

The one-day course will be split into four 90-minutes sessions and places are limited to 10 participants. Further details on the course are available on the UKMHA website