Westminster Abbey - Risk Assessments

Lifting Operations using a Mobile Crane

WA RA11
Significant Hazards

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Unplanned release or dropping

of load
Overturning of crane
Persons crushed between load
& fixture of vehicle
Striking by falling objects
Persons trapped between
fixture & moving part of crane
Striking or arcing from
overhead power cable
Damage to equipment or
property

Insignificant

Low

Med

High

a
a
a
a
a
a
a

ACTION ALREADY TAKEN TO REDUCE THE RISKS

Compliance with Provision and Use of Work Equipment

Regulations 1998, Factories Act Construction (Lifting Operations)
Regulations 1961, Factories Act 1961 Lifting Plant & Equipment
(Records of tests, examinations etc) Regs 1992 British Standard
7121:1982, Part 1 - Safe use of cranes BS 1757:1986 Power driven
mobile cranes CP 3010: Safe use of cranes (part superseded)
HSE Guidance Note HS(G)30 - Training of crane drivers and
slingers HSE Construction Information Sheet 19 - Safe use of
mobile cranes on construction sites Lifting Plant, & Equipment
(Records of test and examination etc) Regs 1992 Construction
(Lifting Operations) Regulations 1961
Planning All lifting operation will be under the control of an
appointed person; where contract, the contract will require the
work will be carried out in accordance with BS7121 Part 1 under
the control of a person nominated by the contractor. Planning
will consider the weight of the load, radius of lift, overhead
clearance, ground conditions, positioning of the crane and lifting
equipment required. Relevant test certificates or copies will be
kept available for inspection, and be present before the work

starts. Sufficient trained banksmen/slingers will be available.

Physical Cranes will be positioned on firm ground with stabilisers
extended. No person will enter the crane operating area without
permission, and loads will not be swung over personnel, site huts,
buildings or public areas. Lifting equipment will be selected
considering the weight and stability of the load. Guide ropes will
be used on large loads to guide and steady the lift. All personnel
involved with lifting operations will wear safety helmets, gloves
and safety footwear. Telephone/radio communication,, or the
system of hand signal specified in BS7121 will be used between
the driver and slingers/banksmen. The table of Safe Working
Loads for various radii will be clearly visible to the driver. Alarm
audible signals will be functioning correctly at all times when the
crane is in use. Safety helmets will be worn by all those within
the swinging radius of the crane.
Managerial/Supervisory Manufacturers information on weight,
centre of gravity and slinging arrangements for the load will be
obtained in advance where practicable. Lifting operations will be
under the control of an appointed person. Banksmen will be used
when the drivers vision of the load is obstructed. Wind
conditions will be monitored and work stopped if the stability of
the load is affected. The area within the arc of operations will
be cleared of personnel, and the personnel will not be allowed to
stand beneath a suspended load. All the equipment used will be
in date for servicing and statutory inspection.
Training Operators, crane drivers and slingers will be trained to
standards contained in HSE Guidance Note GS39. Supervisors will
be trained to the same standard, and in requirements of BS7121
in addition, also the appointed person will be trained in the
theory and practice of crane lifting operations and equipment
used.