Guidance on Lifting Operations in Construction When Using Excavators
The Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group (SFPSG) has released a new ‘refreshed’ guidance document entitled Lifting Operations With 180⁰ and 360⁰ Excavators which updates and expands the 2008 edition.
The SFPSG was formed to produce good practice guidance on plant safety-based topics. Chaired by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) with members including HSE and significant representation from a range of construction and contracting companies, plant hirers, manufacturers and training organisations.
The Guidance stresses that excavators are primarily designed for excavating and handling loose material rather than lifting suspended loads. The document advocates that an excavator should not be the first or only choice for lifting loads ahead of lifting equipment which is specifically designed for lifting operations e.g. cranes and telehandler