Lift And Move A Load On A Construction Site Training

Objectives:
• Understand the scope and importance of safe load lifting in construction. • Identify relevant legislation and SAQA unit standards. • Recognize common hazards and risks associated with lifting loads. • Explain the roles and responsibilities of team members. • Demonstrate awareness of personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Topics:
• Course overview and outcomes. • South African construction safety legislation (OHSA). • Hazard identification and risk assessment basics. • Types of loads and lifting equipment overview. • PPE selection and inspection. • Team communication and hand signals.

Objectives:
• Calculate load weight using formulas and estimation techniques. • Determine load centre of gravity and its effect on stability. • Assess load dimensions and shape for safe handling. • Identify load characteristics (e.g., fragile, hazardous). • Apply load assessment to select appropriate lifting methods.

Topics:
• Weight estimation methods (formulas, charts, scales). • Centre of gravity and balance principles. • Load stability and securing techniques. • Types of loads: uniform, irregular, liquid, etc. • Practical exercises in load assessment.

Objectives:
• Differentiate between various lifting equipment (cranes, hoists, slings, chains). • Select appropriate equipment based on load and site conditions. • Conduct pre-use inspections of lifting gear. • Identify defects and determine when to reject equipment. • Understand safe working load (SWL) and working load limit (WLL).

Topics:
• Overview of lifting equipment: mobile cranes, tower cranes, hoists, forklifts. • Slings: wire rope, chain, synthetic – applications and limitations. • Inspection procedures for lifting gear. • SWL/WLL and load rating plates. • Tagging and record-keeping for equipment.

Objectives:
• Demonstrate correct slinging and hitching methods. • Attach loads securely using appropriate hitches (choker, basket, etc.). • Balance loads to prevent tipping or slipping. • Use tag lines and guides for load control. • Apply safety factors in rigging configurations.

Topics:
• Types of hitches: vertical, choker, basket, multi-leg. • Sling angles and their effect on capacity. • Load balancing and equalizing techniques. • Use of shackles, hooks, and eye bolts. • Practical rigging exercises.

Objectives:
• Develop a lift plan for common construction scenarios. • Conduct a site-specific risk assessment. • Identify environmental factors (wind, ground conditions, obstructions). • Coordinate with team members for safe execution. • Document lifting procedures and emergency protocols.

Topics:
• Lift plan components: load details, equipment, personnel, route. • Risk assessment matrix and control measures. • Environmental considerations: weather, visibility, ground bearing capacity. • Communication plan and emergency response. • Case studies of lift planning.

Objectives:
• Operate a mobile crane or hoist under supervision (simulated). • Apply pre-start checks and safe operating procedures. • Control load movement: hoisting, lowering, slewing, and traveling. • Respond to hand signals and radio communication. • Manage load swings and dynamic forces.

Topics:
• Crane controls and functions. • Safe operating procedures: start-up, movement, shutdown. • Load chart interpretation. • Dynamic forces and load control. • Practical operation exercises in a controlled environment.

Objectives:
• Calculate forces in multi-leg sling configurations. • Rig complex or unbalanced loads. • Use spreader beams and lifting frames. • Perform tandem lifts (two cranes) with coordination. • Apply advanced load equalization techniques.

Topics:
• Multi-leg sling calculations (trigonometry). • Spreader beam design and use. • Tandem lift planning and execution. • Load equalization and leveling. • Practical advanced rigging exercises.

Objectives:
• Plan lifts in confined or restricted areas. • Use tag lines and guide ropes effectively. • Lift loads over obstacles (walls, equipment, personnel). • Manage limited visibility and communication challenges. • Apply safe lowering techniques in tight spaces.

Topics:
• Confined space lifting strategies. • Obstruction avoidance and path planning. • Communication methods in low-visibility conditions. • Controlled lowering and positioning. • Practical scenarios with obstacles.

Objectives:
• Secure loads for transport on site (flatbeds, trailers). • Apply tie-down methods: chains, straps, ropes. • Comply with road transport regulations for loads. • Inspect securing arrangements before movement. • Unload safely at destination.

Topics:
• Load securing principles: friction, lashing, blocking. • Types of tie-downs and tensioning devices. • Legal requirements for load transport (NRTA). • Pre-trip inspection of load security. • Practical securing and transport exercise.

Objectives:
• Identify potential emergencies during lifting operations. • Implement emergency stop and shutdown procedures. • Respond to equipment failure or load drop. • Administer basic first aid for lifting-related injuries. • Report and document incidents according to site protocols.

Topics:
• Emergency scenarios: load drop, crane collapse, power line contact. • Emergency stop procedures and evacuation. • First aid for crushing, falls, and struck-by incidents. • Incident reporting and investigation. • Drill exercises.

Objectives:
• Plan and execute a complete lifting operation from start to finish. • Apply all previous learning in a realistic scenario. • Work as a team under time and safety constraints. • Demonstrate competence in risk assessment, rigging, and operation. • Evaluate and debrief the operation for improvements.

Topics:
• Scenario brief: lift a heavy load over a building. • Team roles assignment. • Full lift cycle: planning, inspection, rigging, lifting, positioning. • Monitoring and adjustment during lift. • Debrief and feedback session.

Objectives:
• Complete written and practical assessments. • Review key concepts and address gaps. • Prepare for final certification. • Understand post-course responsibilities and continuous improvement. • Receive feedback and next steps.

Topics:
• Written assessment covering theory. • Practical assessment of lifting skills. • Review of critical safety points. • Certification requirements and documentation. • Course evaluation and closing.