Code of Practice - Workplace Safety and Health Council

persons from coming under the suspended load. Such measures could include deployment of more
signalmen to guide the load or installing audible alarm to warn workers about the on-going lifting
operation.
2.4.5 Environment – this refers to the weather conditions such as heavy rain, haze or glaze which
impact the visibility of the lifting crew. Other weather conditions which could directly impact the stability
and safety of the lifting operations include strong winds, thunderstorms or lightning situation. It is
important to note that wind speed is stronger at higher grounds. During the planning of any lifting
operation, the anticipated wind speeds at the site must be considered and made reference to the crane
manufacturer operation manual on the wind speed limit. It is always advisable to stop all lifting
operations when the weather condition deteriorates.
2.5 Man
Investigation into past accidents revealed that human error is the most common causes of accidents
involving lifting operations. Therefore, it is paramount that every single member of the lifting crew
(operator, rigger, signalman and lifting supervisor) is adequately trained and competent to carry out his
duties properly. They must also be fully conversant with the actual lifting procedures applicable for that
lifting operation and not just the generic procedures. The following are some of the factors that should
be considered:
2.5.1 Fit for duty – besides the pre-requisite of competency (such as ability to read load capacity
charts), the fitness of the personnel, such as any existing medical conditions or length of working hours
that could adversely affect his ability to discharge his duties must also be considered.
2.5.2 Roles and Responsibility – these must be clearly spelt out to the individuals involved in the
lifting operations. There must be clear leadership within the lifting crew such that instructions are
appropriately relayed. In addition, all personnel must be empowered to stop work if they see or believe
that the operation is or has become unsafe.
2.5.3 Communications – this refers not only to the provision of communication devices such as
radio walkie-talkie or application of standard hand signals, but also ensuring that there is common
understanding between members of the lifting crew. Employers must consider the composition of the
lifting crew taking into consideration that the local workforce comprises workers from various countries
with different languages and cultures.
Further explanation is provided in Section 5 of this CP.
2.6 Method
Most general type of lifting operations rely on established procedures after taking into consideration
factors such as Machine, Medium and Man as previously discussed. These types of lift are typically
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