School Lifting Operations Management Procedure

This procedure applies where lifting operations are carried out at the school using lifting equipment. It is to be applied to school employees and contractors where the school undertakes or controls the operation.

Responsibilities

The person responsible for the operation is [responsible person role]. Before the operation begins, that person is to identify the equipment and operation, appoint a competent person to plan the lift, arrange appropriate supervision, and confirm how the controls will be communicated to operators and contractors.

The competent person is to have the knowledge, experience or other competence necessary for the lifting operation being planned. Operators, supervisors and contractors are to receive the information and instructions relevant to their part in the operation.

Before the lifting operation

Identify the load, lifting equipment, lifting accessories, workplace and people involved. Consider foreseeable hazards, including equipment deterioration in wet, abrasive or corrosive environments, loads exceeding the equipment limit, equipment failure, untrained workers planning or using the equipment, people being struck by moving machinery, and falling loads.

Prepare a lift plan or task risk assessment that addresses the operation and the controls required. The plan is to address the strength and stability of the equipment, its positioning and installation, the safe limits of the equipment, the attachment and securing of the load, and measures to prevent people being struck by moving equipment or falling loads.

Where equipment or contractors are provided by another organisation, confirm the arrangements between the school and that organisation before the operation begins, including who is responsible for planning, supervision, equipment information and communication of controls.

Equipment suitability and status

Where the school provides lifting equipment for use at work or controls how it is used, the equipment is to be safe for that use. The equipment is to be properly designed, manufactured and tested, and maintained properly.

Use only certified lifting equipment marked with its safe working load and not overdue for examination. Before use, confirm the equipment and accessories identified in the plan, the safe working load, and the examination status from the available equipment information.

Retain the relevant thorough-examination reports, declarations of conformity and test certificates. Equipment that is overdue for examination, defective, or unsuitable for the planned operation is not to be used until its status has been addressed.

Confirm that equipment markings are present and usable for the operation. Where a marking is missing, illegible or appears incorrect, stop and refer the issue to [equipment responsible role] before the equipment is used.

Conducting the operation

The operation is to be carried out in accordance with the plan and under the supervision arranged by the competent person. Do not attempt to move a load that exceeds the equipment limit.

Attach the load properly to the lifting equipment. Where necessary, securely bind the load to prevent it slipping or falling off. Keep people clear of foreseeable moving equipment and falling loads using the controls specified in the plan.

Stop the operation if conditions differ from those assessed, the equipment or accessories show damage or deterioration, the load cannot be secured, the equipment limit is uncertain, or the planned controls cannot be maintained. Reassess the operation and obtain direction from [responsible person role] before restarting.

Communication and records

Before work starts, communicate the lift plan, relevant equipment information, safe working load, operating controls and supervision arrangements to the operators, supervisors and contractors involved.

Record the equipment and operation covered, the responsible roles, the planning or risk assessment arrangements, and the information communicated. Retain relevant examination reports, declarations of conformity, test certificates and records of defects or remedial action.

Review the arrangement when the equipment, operation, workplace or people involved change, or following an incident, defect or other event that may affect safe lifting.