Key Principles

This document sets out at a management level OGP’s recommended practice (RP) for mechanical lifting and hoisting. The RP is not intended to be a comprehensive and technical set of lifting procedures.

The RP considers eight key areas that control lifting and hoisting safety. For each area, essential principles are listed below:

Planning

• A lift plan is required for every lift. If the lift deviates from the plan, make safe and stop the job.
• Hazard identification and risk assessment are an integral part of planning a lift.
• An assessment of the lift and determination of the lift method, equipment and number of people required are critical to planning of the lift.

Control

• One person in the lift team shall be designated as the person in charge of the lifting operation (referred to as PIC).
• The PIC shall review the lift plan and ensure that the required controls are in place and the lift is carried out following the plan.
• The PIC ensures that the lift team has tested and understood visual or radio communications prior to the lift.
• All personnel involved in the lifting operation shall have their individual responsibilities clearly allocated.
• All people shall be kept clear of overhead loads and areas of potential impact.
• Manual load handling shall not be used to stop a swinging load and shall only be performed below shoulder height.

Competence

• All persons involved in planning/performing lifting and maintaining lifting equipment shall be trained and competent for their role.
• Refresher training and periodic assessment is necessary to assure competence.

Equipment

• Equipment shall be fit for its intended purpose and operating conditions and shall be designed to a recognized standard.
• Equipment shall be fitted with appropriate safety devices.
• Any safety devices installed on lifting equipment shall be operational and not over-ridden.

Inspection, Maintenance and Certification

• Equipment integrity shall be maintained, supported by an equipment register.
• Lifting devices and equipment shall undergo detailed/thorough examination by a competent person at least every 12 months, and at least every 6 months for equipment used to lift people.
• All lifting devices and equipment shall be visually examined before use.

Load Integrity and Stability

• Load shall not exceed dynamic and/or static capacities of the lifting equipment.
• The integrity and stability of loads shall be verified before lifting.

Lifting of Personnel

• Lifting of personnel shall be avoided unless the risk has been demonstrated as being as low as is reasonably practicable.
• Lifting of personnel shall be according to a specific personnel lift plan for that lift.
• Lifted personnel shall be properly secured with lanyards unless written procedures and risk assessment require otherwise.

Management Systems

• Lifting operations will be conducted in accordance with a documented Management System.