Programme-Based Engagement

Technical Advisory for

Safe Operation of
Lifting Equipment
Contents

1. Introduction and Background 03

2. Case Studies of Accidents Involving Lifting Equipment 05

3. Common Systemic Failures of Accidents Involving Lifting Equipment 08

4. Essential Safety Principles for Lifting Operation 09

5. Summary 15

6. Useful References 22
 1. Introduction and Background

Fatal accidents involving lifting equipment include the collapse of cranes and workers struck
by fallen or swinging objects being lifted (see Figure 1)

Number of Fatal Accidents

12
11
8 8
7
6
5

2002200320042005200620072008

Figure 1: Fatal accidents caused by lifting equipment for the period 2002 to 2008

Cranes alone accounted for five fatalities in 2008 (see Figure 2), including the tower crane collapse
that killed three workers.

Fatalities Caused by Work at 19

Heights
Fatalities Caused by Confined Spaces
7
Fatalities Caused by 5* * Accountedfor 8 % of the total 67 fatalities in 2008, includin
Cranes

Number of Fatal Accidents

Figure 2: Top accident agents for fatal workplace injuries in 2008

3
 There is an increase in the number of Dangerous Occurrences (DOs) involving cranes from 2007 to
2008. Such collapses could potentially lead to serious injuries for both workers and the public.

2007 17

2008 19

Number of Crane-related Dangerous Occurrences

Figure 3: Dangerous Occurrences (DOs) involving cranes

Lifting operations are considered to be high-risk activities that require thorough risk
assessment and careful planning prior to commencement of work.

Past cases had proven that serious injuries can be inflicted during lifting operations involving even
light or small loads.

Hence, a proper lifting plan should be developed for all lifting operations which comprises
risk assessment procedure, permit-to-work system, selection of safe and proper equipment as well
as assignment of competent personnel.

This technical advisory emphasises the following:

That ALL lifting operations have the potential for serious consequences;
That having a proper lifting plan that emphasises risk assessment, selection of equ
That it is mandatory to have Permit-to-Work system in place for lifting operation

4
2. Case Studies of Accidents
Involving Lifting Equipment

Case Study 1
Worker Crushed by Dislodged Electrical
Distribution Board
1 2
The Incident
The worker and a lorry crane operator were
unloading scrap metal materials using a lorry crane.
While the worker was on the deck of the lorry
guiding a scrap electrical distribution board (DB)
which was hoisted by the lorry crane, he accidentally
slipped and fell to the ground. The hoisted scrap 1 New hook with narrow throat opening and
electrical DB was then dislodged safety catch
2 The widened throat opening on the
fromtheliftinggearandcrushedtheworker, whowasbelow defective hook
it. The worker was immediately rescued and sent to
the hospital. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries
the following day.
1

Investigation Findings
• The lifting hook used to hoist the scrap electrical DB,
was not fitted with a safety latch.
• The hook was also found to be defective, as it had
deformed beyond its original shape.
• The occupier was unable to provide any
documentation to prove that the lifting gear used 1 Lifting gear used for the hoisting of the scrap
electrical DB at the time of the accident
to hoist the scrap electrical DB, was examined by an
authorised examiner, prior to the accident.
• The occupier did not appoint any lifting personnel
such as lifting supervisor, rigger or signalman to
oversee the lifting operation.
• The improper rigging of the DB was performed by the
worker who was not a trained rigger.

5
 Case Study 2
Worker Killed by
Falling Prefabricated
Cage
The Incident
A rebar cage weighing about 1,200kg, meant for the
construction of a wall structure, was fabricated on 1

site. A 2-legged chain sling fastened with shackles, and

a 2m T25 rebar were used to rig the cage. The T25 was
slotted through the cage and the shackles and tied by
steel wires at both ends of the cage before it was
rigged up by the chain slings. The cage that was being
hoisted suddenly dislodged from its lifting gears and
1 Rebar cage involved in the accident
dropped to the ground. A worker who was working
below was pinned by the falling rebar cage and was

killed on the spot. 1 Sling

2 T25 rebar

Investigation Findings
• The T25 rebar was found bent after the accident and
one of the shackles of the chain slings was still attached
to it. There was no design calculation to show the
adequacy of the rigging method. Improper rigged
load could have led to imbalance in load distribution
and caused the load to fall.
• There was no procedure implemented on site to
prevent any person from standing underneath the
suspended load during the hoisting operation.

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Improper Rigging Method for Prefabricated
Reinforcement Cage
• Prefabricated reinforcement cages such as welded wire fabric and
prefabricated cages are widely used in the construction industry. The
use of prefabricated reinforcements has been known to raise
productivity, reduce site labour and shorten construction time.
• Most factory-produced prefabricated reinforcements adhere to design
table and fabrication details and usually include appropriate lifting
points. However, for prefabricated reinforcements produced on site,
the lifting details are usually omitted.
• Without proper lifting points and proper rigging method, lifting
operations involving these prefabricated reinforcements may lead
to accidents causing serious injuries or even death.

7
 Case Study 3
Collapse of Mobile Crane due to overloading
The Incident
A newly registered mobile crane operator took over the
operation of a mobile crane from another crane
operator after lunch break. He was to operate the
1
crane to lift a bucket containing sand from one location
to another. After the bucket was filled with sand, he
operated the crane to move it to the location for
unloading. As the crane was approaching the unloading
location, it toppled forward due to overloading.
Fortunately, no person was injured but the crane boom
was damaged in the process. 1 Damaged crane boom

Investigation Findings
• There was a daily lifting checklist used by the lifting
supervisorand both crane operators. The lifting
checklist, endorsed by the three lifting personnel,
was however completed with the wrong values of
both load’s weight and the safe working load for the
expected crane’s working radius.
• When taking over the duty, the newly registered
crane operator did not verify the load’s actual weight
nor refer to the crane’s load chart to verify the safe
working radius at the unloading location before
commencing the lifting.
• The collapse of the crane was due to overloading.

3. Common Systemic Failures of

Accidents Involving Lifting Equipment

• No risk assessment conducted for the lifting operation

• No implementation of the control measure identified even when risk assessment has been
conducted
• Lack of lifting plan and hazard analysis for each lifting operation
• Absence of management system for lifting personnel
• Failure to adopt a proper rigging method
• Poor control and maintenance of lifting machine and lifting gears

8
• Poor site control, i.e. workers were allowed to walk or work under suspended loads and lack of
barricades for the lifting zone

9
 4. Essential Safety Principles for
Lifting Operation

Lifting Plan
All lifting operations should have a lifting plan supported by a risk assessment. By
categorising a lifting operation in accordance with its risk level and complexity, suitable controls
can be applied to eliminate hazards or reduce risks. Frequent or routine lifting operations may
only require a generic lifting plan supported by an on-site risk assessment and briefing to related
personnel. High risk or complex lifts however, will need additional engineering design efforts to
ensure that the lifting is conducted safely (Please refer to Appendix 1 for a flow chart of a typical
lifting operation).

The lifting plan should, although not limited to, address the following:
• The personnel required;
• The personnel’s roles, responsibilities and competencies;
• Permit-to-Work system is mandatory for all lifting operations involving tower, mobile or crawler
crane, as specified in Part III of the WSH (Construction) Regulations;
• Nature and weight of load;
• Type and location of lifting points;
• Selection of appropriate lifting gears and equipment;
• Assessment of the need for tagline to control movement of suspended load;
• Means of communication during lifting operations;
• Factors detrimental to the lifting operations such as adverse weather and poor illumination; and
• Provision of a safe place of work for all personnel during lifting operations.

The lifting plan should include a set of written safe work procedures.
The occupier of a worksite has to implement a permit-to-work as specified in Part III of the WSH
(Construction) Regulations to ensure effective execution of the lifting plan involving tower, mobile
or crawler crane.
The lifting operation should be ordered to stop immediately, if it deviates from the plan. (Please
refer to Appendix 2 for an example of a lifting plan.)

A lifting plan is required for every lifting operation.

Hazard identification and risk assessment are integral parts of a lifting plan.
Permit-to-Work system is mandatory for all lifting operations involving tower, mo

1
Risk Assessment
Prior to any lifting operation, a risk assessment should be conducted to identify the hazards
that are likely to occur. By assessing the likelihood and severity of the accidents that may occur,
appropriate risk control measures can be undertaken to eliminate the hazards or reduce risks.

Where lifting operation is concerned, perform the risk assessment process right from the
start, during the planning stage of the work, so that the operation can be made safer with
very little extra effort during the operation itself.

Risk assessment should be conducted prior to any lifting operation.

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 Permit-to-Work (PTW)
To have safe lifting carried out in the worksite, all occupiers of worksites must implement a PTW
system for any lifting operation involving tower, mobile or crawler crane. After the proper conduct
of risk assessment and a written lifting plan has been developed, a lifting operation can only
be executed if approval is granted through the following PTW system as specified in the WSH
(Construction) Regulations:

Apply After the proper conduct of risk assessment and a written lifting plan has been
developed, the supervisor who is to carry out the lifting operation is required to apply
to the project manager or the occupier of a worksite for permission to proceed
with the lifting operation. The application, containing the lifting plan, shall be given to
the worksite’s appointed safety assessor for evaluation of the lifting operation.

Assess and The appointed safety assessor who is either a workplace health and safety officer or a
Inspect competent person, upon receipt of the application for a permit-to-work, shall :
• Assess whether all reasonably practicable measures have been taken to
ensure the safety and health of the persons who will be carrying out the lifting
operation in the worksite;
• Inspect the site (including its surroundings) where the lifting operation is to be
carried out together with the supervisor of the person who is to carry out
the work to ensure that the lifting operation can be carried out safely;
• If the appointed safety assessor is satisfied that the lifting operation can be
carried out safely, he endorses the application and forwards it to the
project manager.
Approve The project manager shall evaluate the application endorsed by the safety
assessor. If he is satisfied that all reasonably practicable measures are taken and
provided to ensure safe lifting operation, he will approve and issue the PTW to the
supervisor carrying out the work.

Monitor The project manager of the worksite shall continually review the progress of the lifting
operation being carried out in the worksite to ensure that the lifting operation is
carried out safely.
The supervisor of any person who carries out the lifting operation in a worksite is:
• To ensure that the measures necessary to ensure the safety and health of the
person at work are taken and are in place at all times during the validity period
of the permit-to-work; and
• To inform the project manager of the worksite upon completion of the
lifting operation.

Revoke If the project manager of a worksite who, after issuing a permit-to-work in respect
of the lifting operation, is of the view that the carrying out of the lifting operation
poses or is likely to pose a risk to the safety, health and welfare of persons at work in
the worksite, he may order the lifting operation to cease immediately and revoke the
permit-to-work.

1
Examination, Inspection and Maintenance
Lifting equipment comprises lifting machine, lifting appliance, lifting gears, to name a few. To
ensure that the lifting equipment is fit for the lifting operation, the lifting equipment should be
designed and manufactured in accordance with acceptable international standards. The
manufacturer or supplier of a lifting equipment is required to:
• Provide proper information on the safe use of the lifting equipment;
• Ensure that the lifting equipment is safe for use;
• Ensure that the lifting equipment has been tested and examined so that it is safe for use.

Statutory Inspection
Under the Workplace Safety and Health ( General Provisions) Regulations, the statutory inspection
of lifting equipment by an authorised examiner should be carried out at least once every 12
months for those lifting goods / materials or 6 months for those lifting personnel. Such inspections
should also be conducted where the lifting equipment had been involved in instances such as:
• An incident or accident;
• Modification or repairs of the load bearing components;
• Change in equipment configuration such as alteration of the boom length.

During the statutory inspection by an authorised examiner, critical components or working parts
of the lifting equipment should be dismantled to allow for a more thorough examination of
the equipment.

Pre-use Inspection
All lifting equipment should be visually inspected by a competent person before each lifting
operation. This is to ensure that the equipment is suitable, safe and correctly installed for the
task. Some pre-use checks include the following:
• Visual inspection of the lifting equipment;
• Functional test of the equipment;
• Functional test of the safety system and devices; and
• Functional test of the emergency stop device.

Any faults or defects spotted during the pre-use inspection should be reported to the
supervisor and the equipment should not be used until all the faults have been fully rectified.

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 Maintenance of Lifting Equipment
To ensure that the lifting equipment is in satisfactory operating condition at all times, owners
of lifting equipment should establish and implement a maintenance programme in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendation. Preventative maintenance through the scheduling
of routine repairs, maintenance work and inspection, aids in the monitoring and prevention of
premature equipment failure, thereby avoiding unnecessary production downtime.

All lifting equipment for goods or materials should be thoroughly examined by a

All lifting equipment for lifting personnel should be thoroughly examined by an a
Pre-lift inspection of the lifting equipment should be conducted to ensure that
Lifting equipment should be properly maintained.

Competency of Personnel Involved in the Lifting Operation

Employers of personnel involved in a lifting operation such as the operator, rigger, signalman
and lifting supervisor have the duty to ensure that these personnel are trained to carry out their
task competently and safely. Additional training and supervision should be provided for new
and inexperienced workers as this group of workers is less competent and lacking in experience.

All personnel involved in the lifting operation should be:

Adequately trained and/or supervised;
Competent; and
Fully aware of their statutory duties as imposed under the legislative requireme

1
Recommended Rigging Practices
The following are some recommendation of good rigging practices:

For rigging configurations with two

legged slings, the included angle should Good load control starts with
not exceed 90° and the slings must sit rigging to the centre of gravity
in the base of the hook and clear of the directly below the hook.
latch to prevent fouling of the latch.

Collector rings such as shackles or mast links should be used when the included angle exceeds 90° but is

15
 The clamps should be applied to the load in
accordance with the instruction manual and it should
not be used to handle any load for which it is not
designed for. It is important to note that unless stated,
the clamp should not be used to lift more than one
plate at a time in a vertical lift.

Ensure that:
• The plate surface is free of grease, oil, dirt or other
contaminants that may impede the contact of the teeth
with the plate.
• The load is completely at the back of the clamp
throat before locking or using the clamp.

1
5. Summary

To ensure that lifting operations are carried out in a safe manner, the following minimum
requirements should be met before starting any lifting operations:
• A lifting plan should be developed and made available to all pesonnel involved in the
lifting operation;
• A competent person should have performed a risk assessment, established the lift method
and selected the right equipment;
• Lifting equipment, inclusive of lifting machine, lifting appliances and lifting gears should
be visually examined prior to use by a competent person;
• Lifting equipment should have a valid lifting equipment certificate and should have been
inspected by an authorised examiner at least once in every 12 months;
• The safety system and safety devices should be in proper functioning order;
• Rigging of the load should be carried out by a trained rigger;
• The weight of the load should be established and should not exceed the safe working load
of the lifting equipment;
• All personnel such as the equipment operator, lifting supervisor, rigger and
signalman should be trained and be competent to carry out the lifting operation;
• No load should be lifted above personnel and action should be taken to prevent personnel
from entering into the lifting zone where they may be hit by falling load or objects; and
• A means of communication should have been agreed and tested.

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 Flow Chart of Lifting Operation Appendix 1

HOLD PRE-LIFT MEETING WITH ALL

RELEVANT PERSONNEL

HOLD PRE-LIFT MEETING WITH ALL

RELEVANT PERSONNEL

PERMIT-TO-WORK SYSTEM :
EXECUTE OPERATION REQUIRED
note: RA = Risk Assessment AFTER PTW IS APPROVED AND

1
1

Example of a Lifting Plan Appendix 2

1
2

Pre-Lifting Operation Checklist Appendix 3

• Has risk assessment been conducted to ensure that all possible

hazards are eliminated and risks are reduced?
 • Is the area for lifting the load and the lifting path been cleared of
obstruction and personnel?

• Has the designated area for placing the load been cleared or properly
prepared prior to the lifting operation?

• Is the load likely to clash with other structures or equipment

along its lifting path?

• Has a safe means of access or egress been provided for personnel to

attach or recover the rigging of the load?

• Has the lifting zone been barricaded to prevent access by

unauthorised personnel

4 Personnel involved in lifting operation, such as equipment

operator, signalman, rigger and lifting supervisor

• Have all lifting pesonnel such as operator, lifting supervisor,

signalman and rigger been briefed at a tool box or pre-lift meeting?
2
 6. Useful References

The following legislations:

• Workplace Safety and Health Act
• Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations
• Workplace Safety and Health (Construction) Regulations
• Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations
• Factories (Operation of Cranes) Regulations - to be replaced with Workplace Safety and Health
(Operation of Cranes) Regulations in due course are available for download at:
http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/legislation/OccupationalSafetyandHealth.
html
• CP 2: 2000 Code of Practice for Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Electric
Passenger and Goods Lifts (currently undergoing revision)
• CP20: 1999 Code of Practice for Suspended Scaffolds
• SS 536 : 2008 Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Mobile Cranes
• CP62: 1995 Code of Practice for Safe Use of Tower Cranes (currently undergoing revision)
• SS343 – 1: 2001 Lifting Gear – Wire Rope Slings
• SS343 – 2: 1989 Lifting Gear – Hooks
• SS343 – 3: 1990 Lifting Gear – Shackles
• SS497: 2002 Design, Safe Use and Maintenance of Overhead Traveling Cranes
• More information and guidelines on Risk Assessment are available for download at:
http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/communities/workplace_safety_and_health/
maintaining_a_safe_workplace/occupation_safety/risk_management.html

Singapore Standards
All listed Singapore Standards including Codes of Practice can be obtained from:
SNP Corporation (Legal) Ltd Legal Publications Retail Outlet
1 Kim Seng Promenade #18-01/06
Great World City East Tower Singapore 237994 Tel: (65) 6826 9691
Fax: (65) 6820 3341

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Published in May 2009 by the
Workplace Safety and Health Council
in collaboration with the Ministry of
Manpower.

All rights reserved. This technical advisory

may not be reproduced or transmitted
in any form or by any means in whole or
in part, without prior written permission.
The information provided in this technical
advisory is accurate as at time of printing.
Please note that all information in this
technical advisory are meant for learning
purposes only. The learning points and
information are not exhaustive and
should not be taken to encapsulate all
the responsibilities and obligations of
the user of this technical advisory under
the law. The publishers of this technical
advisory do not accept any liability or
responsibility to any party for losses
or damage arising from following this
technical advisory.

For more information, logon to

www.wshc.gov.sg
Email: contact@wshc.gov.sg