14
Nov
Can you do your own Lifting Equipment Inspections?
Australian Standards make frequent references to competence and competent persons. A competent person will have acquired thorough training, education and experience, or a combination of these, in addition to the knowledge and skills enabling that person to safely and effectively perform the task required.
Competency isn’t achieved through simply working around equipment for a long time or applying theories based on experience alone. Ranger personnel have heard it said on site that someone believes himself or herself to be competent because they have been using lifting equipment to rig loads for a long period of time. However, they have never received the training and education to know what the safe use criteria actually are.
While DIY inspections might seem like a good idea, there are a lot of risks and costs associated with inspecting and managing lifting equipment in-house. Have you carefully considered the position of your employees and your business if something goes wrong?
1. Follow Procedures
Follow the procedures included in the Standard
2. Complete Training
Complete an established competency-based training course.
3. Maintain Documentation
Maintain documentation of competency standards and procedures.
EVERY BUSINESS IS UNDER PRESSURE TO MAXIMISE EFFICIENCIES AND CUT COSTS BUT WHAT COULD IT COST YOU IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?
Are you confident that you and your team can:
- Identify which Australian Standard is relevant for Chain Slings?
- Correctly calculate the tension on your load?
- Correctly list the discard criteria of a wire rope or synthetic sling?
- Consider the D/d ratio and apply it to your calculations?
- Correctly conduct a pre-use check of a chain block prior to your lift?
- Identify and reference the Australian Standard applicable to lifting beams?
- Consider the side-loading in shackles and apply the correct deration?
- Tell the difference between Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain?
As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that all care is taken to provide a safe workplace.
ARE YOUR STAFF KEEPING ACCURATE RECORDS?
Keeping accurate records of your lifting equipment and inspections is essential. All of your equipment in use needs to be fully certified and traceable. Documentation of competency standards and procedures must also be maintained.
Many of our clients use out online register client system Ranger Inspection Gateway (RIG). RIG is a real-time online portal and data management system that provides total peace of mind for the management, operational efficiency, and traceability of all your height safety and lifting equipment.
LEARN HOW TO SAFELY USE LIFTING EQUIPMENT AND CONDUCT PRE-USE INSPECTIONS
At Ranger, we take safety seriously. You’ll often hear us say, ‘Don’t gamble with your lifting gear” and we mean it. Using lifting gear can often have a high risk of injury, and the cost to your business can be significant when something goes wrong.
That’s why we’ve developed an industry-first, online end-user training course designed to teach you how to safely operate lifting equipment and conduct pre-use inspections.
Our training modules cover topics including Chain Slings and Components, Wire Rope, Shackles, Lifting Beams, Chain and Lever Blocks to name a few. Upon completion, participants receive a LEEA accreditation and a certificate of completion.
WHO IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR
Lifting equipment is used daily by employees in the mining, construction, civil, rail industries as well as many government sectors. Some workers who use lifting equipment regularly as part of their role are either a qualified Dogman or Rigger however most have no qualification or training whatsoever.
Due to the increased focus on safety, compliance and continued professional development in Australia, there is an immediate need for a new end-user course for the Australian market.
Anyone using lifting equipment as part of their role should be suitably trained to do so.