Risk Assessment
Issues needing further consideration when completing a risk assessment for a lift:
- How often will you be carrying out the lifting (would a permanent solution be more suitable?)
- Where the equipment will be used - consider the environment in which you want to work and the impact on the equipment (further info)
- Are there any limitations on use which are specified by the manufacturer or supplier of the equipment which may make its selection unsuitable for the task in hand?
- The type of load being lifted, its weight, shape and what it consists of to ensure that the lifting equipment can manage the load.
- If the lift could be unstable, can other working practices be introduced which could increase stability and minimise risks?
- Would using different equipment minimise or entirely remove the risks?
- The risk of a load falling or striking a person or object
- The risk of the lifting equipment striking a person or some other object
- The risk of the lifting equipment failing or falling over while in use
- The risk of the lifting equipment trapping a person using the equipment
- Ergonomic issues, taking into consideration the user(s) of the equipment
- Do you need to consider access/egress?
- Are there any issues to be considered about unauthorised access?
- For lifting equipment used on working platforms, is there a need to remove edge protection and replace it as soon as possible after the lift?
- Is there a need to consider edge protection whilst maintaining the lifting equipment?