Different kinds of lifting equipment are essential at any worksite. These are types of material handling equipment that makes it easier for workers to transport, lift, and maneuver materials onsite. Without lifting equipment, it will be difficult to execute any construction project, especially those that involve lifting and lowering loads. Loads can either be any construction material or people.
Without lifting equipment, the carrying, moving, putting down, and lifting loads will be done through manual labor. Manual handling of loads can be inefficient and, at times, poses a risk in safety. It is crucial that in any form of a construction project, whether large or small, lifting equipment such as block lifting cages, baskets, material hoists, passenger hoists, loading platforms, and pallet trucks is readily available.
That being said, it is essential to always prioritize safety when operating with lifting equipment. The efficiency and performance of your construction machinery can depend on how you maintain it. And when your lifting equipment is in optimal condition, safety can be ensured.
Risks Of Manual Lifting
As previously mentioned, without lifting equipment, manual labor is required to perform tasks that involve loads, and there are safety risks associated with it. The level of risks depends on the task at hand, the characteristics of the load ( its weight, size, and composition), the site environment, and the worker. Loads can be too heavy or too big for manual labor, and the worker can be inexperienced or untrained.
Furthermore, manual labor of lifting loads can cause serious injuries that can cost not just the worker but also the business. And even if loads are smaller in size or are relatively lighter, handling these loads without rest may result in lethargy or fatigue, ultimately causing poor work performance.
Risks Of Lifting Equipment
While lifting equipment aims to provide ease and efficiency, safety hazards can be evident without proper maintenance. Risks can include collapsing structures, failing lifting platforms, improper fixation of block lifting cages, material hoists, skips, and poor quality of fork attachments.
Lifting equipment maintenance serves as a preventive measure to ensure that they work efficiently, are in good condition, and exhibit optimal performance. Additionally, lifting equipment should be examined thoroughly before use, and complete inspection should be conducted every six months.
Maintaining Lifting Equipment
To begin with, it is crucial to purchase equipment that’s in standard with basic safety requirements. When buying such equipment, make sure to have the necessary safety documentation that goes along with it. Construction equipment providers offer service support when purchasing machinery- this involves maintenance and repair whenever needed.
Maintenance of lifting equipment should be done regularly. Daily maintenance involves inspecting the equipment’s structure, including potential rust, dents, cracks, or loose parts. Daily inspection mitigates any problems that could arise during operation.
Periodical Inspection
Part of comprehensive construction equipment maintenance is a periodical inspection that can also be conducted by equipment maintenance providers- as per manufacturer manual or advice. This is central to any construction operation. Through periodic inspections, contractors and business owners can ensure fully functioning equipment that’s vital for a successful and profitable operation.
Conclusion
For a successful project, the quality of construction machinery should be a top priority. Along with this is ensuring the safety of workers that are involved in handling them. Regular construction equipment maintenance is indispensable for any business owner or the contractor. Speak to our experts at Modena Machinery today to learn more about lifting equipment safety and maintenance.