Lifting Equipment

Lifting equipment

In an industrial setting, it is easy to identify lifting equipment but it is less obvious for churches, charities and not-for-profits. Follow our risk management guide to help spot what lifting equipment you might be using and how to manage the associated risks.

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Legal requirements

If an employee or volunteer is injured during the process of lifting, you may need to show you have met your duty of care. You should check relevant health and safety laws including the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.

You need to ensure lifting equipment is:

Sufficiently strong, stable and suitable
Positioned or installed to prevent people being injured
Clearly marked with appropriate safety information
Examined before use and checked periodically by someone with the required expertise

Example hazards

People or their clothing coming into contact with pulleys and chains
Sharp edges or points and rough surfaces
Damaged parts
Overloading
Slip and trip hazards
Poor or no maintenance

Example precautions

Here are some examples of precautions you can take.

Check all equipment is complete with all necessary safeguards fitted and free form obvious defects
Check that surrounding areas are kept clean and tidy, free from obstructions or slips and trips and well lit
Maintaining the equipment properly
Arranging the required examinations to be completed
Ensuring that anyone who uses the equipment is provided with any necessary information and training

Key steps for lifting equipment risk management

Identify all the lifting equipment that is used on your premises
Check the precautions you have in place are satisfactory and if not, add additional precautions. Identify who will be responsible for implementing new precautions
Ensure existing and new precautions are being taken and remain effective. Record any checks or inspections you make

Provide adequate information and training to anyone involved in using lifting equipment. Make a record of this
Document your arrangements and responsibilities for the safe use of lifting equipment on your premises

Lifting equipment risk management

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