Lifting & Lowering Plant: Searching For a Safer Solution

Recent events have highlighted the ongoing struggle to find a fail-safe solution for lifting and lowering plant. With the number of infrastructure and tunnelling projects rising, both domestically and globally, the demand for large machinery is increasing. So, what are the challenges that manufacturers and contractors are facing and what is being done to combat them?

We have been engaging with various major contractors and lifting personnel to better understand the challenges presented from lifting and lowering heavy machinery and investigating the safety precautions required to carry out these lifts.

Could innovation hold the key to unlocking a fail-safe solution for all? We certainly think so.


Range of tunnelling equipment for large scale infrastructure project, Sydney Metro.

The Challenges of Lifting Plant

1. Balancing the Load

One of the key challenges for lifting heavy machinery is determining the centre of gravity. This varies from machine to machine which means there is no way to be certain whether the load is balanced before being lifted. Think of an excavator: where is the centre of gravity when the arm is extended compared to when the arm is in the locked position?

Most plant manufacturers provide the centre of gravity for their machinery, with some even marking the machine.
However, if this is not the case, should it be left to contractors to work out? Or should it be a legal requirement for manufacturers to clearly state this information on their plant and heavy machinery?

2. Securing the Load

Another challenge to overcome is the best method to secure the load. Whether this is using a tray/skid/platform or not, ensuring the load cannot move during transit is of paramount importance.

Ratchet load binders are commonly used but they can bend the metal tracks on excavators and damage machinery. Low rated (1-2 ton) ratchets used to secure large machines to a platform will not withstand the pressure if the load tips and will break.

Few excavators or machines are designed with certified lifting points. They are not part of the manufacturing process and will often be added afterwards. Could manufacturing plant with lifting points become a mandatory requirement? Would this be the solution to guarantee a safe and secure load? Possibly.

However, for lifting points to become a feature of plant, they will need regular load and compliance testing to ensure they are in good condition and, most importantly, safe to use.

3. Transporting the Load

Lifting and strap-down points on trays are often hindered by larger machinery snagging the binders used to secure the load. For example, the sharp edges of the tracks on excavators often cut into the binders, causing them to snap.

Space restrictions at the bottom of a shaft or other typical locations present challenges for loading and unloading skids, trays or platforms. Most options feature ramped access but this does not cover instances where limited space means side access may be required.

Another challenge with a platform, skid or tray is manufacturing one big enough to withstand the weight of larger and more heavier machinery, but small enough to allow for easy transit to and from site.

How can we improve the safety of plant lifts?

The importance of resolving the issues with current plant lifting methods has been highlighted in recent health and safety incidents. Safety is the most important challenge to overcome in the search for the best solution.

To avoid any repeats of these incidences then safety checks and procedures need to be strictly followed first and foremost. Following that, other ways to increase the safety of such lifts should be considered, such as:

  • What can or cannot be attached during a lift? For excavators, this could refer to the quick hitch, or buckets, which both impact the weight and the balance of the load.

  • How can excavators be prevented from rotating during a lift? A moving or swivelling excavator will remove stability and affect the centre of gravity as the weight distribution changes during movement.

  • How often should checks be made to ensure the lifting equipment is compliant and safe? Regular mandatory maintenance checks should be made on lifting points, lifting chains, tray/skid/platform condition and any other integral components.

  • Are tag lines necessary during lifts of this nature? Moving personnel away from the danger zone will only improve safety.

Why Innovation Is the Answer

There currently is not a solution in the market to ensure fail-safe plant lifts. Plain and simple. Something needs to change, or someone needs to offer an alternative. We have recently manufactured a tray that offers a safer way to transport excavators and other heavy machinery...

Introducing...the Excavator Lifting Platform


Design 1


Image

Our first design for this lifting solution comprises of a large, steel skid with a timber bed.  Adjustable telescopic I-beams protract from the platform when it is in use to ensure the lifting chains are straight for increased stability.  The beams can then be fully retracted when the platform is not in use.

Benefits:

  • Ramps at both ends make loading and unloading easier on sites where space is limited.

  • The handles on telescopic I-beams allow for quick and simple adjustment.

  • Large lifting capacity of 30,000 kg.

  • Removable pins ensure the telescopic I beams can be secured under the platform for easy transport to and from site.

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Design 2


excavator lifting platform

Our second design was produced in collaboration with a Joint Venture for HS2. It incorporated a steel frame above the platform to ensure the lifting points on the I-beams and and steel frame are directly aligned. This design keeps the chains completely straight and provides more stability when in use.

Benefits:

  • Lightweight for easy manoeuvre.

  • Chains directly above lifting points for extra stability.

  • Ramped access for easy load and unload.
     
  • Steel frame provides additional load support.

  • 4 lifting points on the frame ensure even weight distribution.

  • Working Load Limit of 30,000kg.

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Is this enough?


We believe we can create a product that overcomes both the logistical challenges and the safety issues - the ultimate fail-safe solution, just like our Crane Forks Cage.


Watch This Space!


...as we take this opportunity to work closely with leading lifting personnel and experts across major UK contractors to create a product that will hugely benefit the industry, improve the safety of site personnel and change the way heavy machinery is lifted and lowered for the better.