It is sometimes necessary to produce, maintain or transport oversized loads. This can involve moving the load throughout an industrial facility or even to a new location via the UK’s road network.
Oversized loads can vary in terms of material type and indeed size. But some of the common hazards associated with handling an oversized load include load instability, collisions, contact with overhead structures, ground structure overloading and equipment failure.
Here at Metreel, we install material handling equipment, including cranes, gantries and monorails to make lifting applications safer and easier to complete.
While not a substitute for a health and safety assessment, these are some of our top tips for handling oversized loads safely.
Thorough Planning And Risk Assessment
All lifting operations should begin with a thorough risk assessment. When planning to reposition an oversized load, there may be additional factors to consider depending on the specifics of the load and the route it needs to take.
Planning teams should identify and assess the route for height restrictions, width restrictions, weight restrictions, overhead obstructions, tight corners and bridge load capacities.
Conduct detailed surveys to anticipate clearance issues and ensure ground conditions are suitable. Ensure teams will be able to maintain generous clearances from obstacles, power lines and platform edges.
Transporting oversized loads will also often require special permits from the likes of local authorities or transport networks.
Proper Equipment Selection
Selecting the proper equipment in terms of the material handling type and its lifting capacity is also important when handling an oversized load.
Choose cranes or trailers based on lifting capacity, boom length, load distribution and manoeuvrability.
To ensure the load is secure, use rated chains, binders and tensioners suitable for the load’s size and weight. Check for balance, secure attachment points and potential weak areas.
Conduct pre-move load tests when possible, especially for irregular or critical loads.
If the load is to be distributed on the road network, specialist escort vehicles will also be required.
Personnel Competency And Communication
Anyone involved in the handling of an oversized load should be trained and certified to do so.
Competent professionals should also possess excellent communication skills, which are crucial for lowering risk. Use radios, hand signals and signage to maintain coordination among all parties.
Pre-lift briefings should also take place to recap any plans and ensure all parties are on the same page.
Environmental And Weather Considerations
Even with the best planning in the world, the British weather can be unpredictable. Therefore, it’s also very important to monitor the real-time weather forecast, as the conditions may impact the ability to transport or reposition the oversized load safely.
In particular, heavy rain, snow or unstable ground due to recent weather events may mean the lifting operation needs to be rescheduled.
Also, for nighttime operations, visibility will be reduced. Therefore, adequate lighting will be required to avoid misjudging clearances.
Documentation And Compliance
When handling an oversized load, and especially when looking to transport it through public roads, various regulations will need to be carefully adhered to. This is to ensure the operation not only minimises risk in terms of safety hazards, but also doesn’t pose legal issues.
The load itself will be subject to strict speed limits, and as mentioned above, if it will be moving through the transport network will require an escort. Coordinate with the road network bodies for road closures or diversions that will be required.
Also, ensure that any other applicable lifting regulations, i.e. LOLER or PUWER, are complied with.
Emergency Preparedness
During the initial risk assessments, all potential hazards related to the oversized load should have been identified.
It is good practice to put plans in place to mitigate the risk of injury, property damage or damage to the load, should any of the identified risks occur.
Also create plans for mechanical failures, route obstructions or environmental hazards.
Keep suitable gear on hand for re-securing or recovering a shifted or fallen load. Also, ensure that teams are equipped with first aid and firefighting equipment where applicable.
Metreel – Discover Our Material Handling Equipment For The Safe Lifting Of Heavy Loads
If you work on behalf of a company which undertakes heavy lifting applications, then you might be interested to learn more about the solutions that Metreel can provide.
As a leading UK supplier of cranes, including gantry cranes, jib cranes and portable cranes, Metreel can meet a variety of lifting requirements.
Contact us today to tell us more about your lifting requirements based on your industry and application type.
You can also give our Derbyshire HQ a call on 0115 932 7010.