1. Purpose

The general purpose is to make sure that a Safe System of Work (SSOW) applies to Lifting, Moving, and Shifting Material at Site activities; this is the ideal way to prove that the risk associated with a Lifting, Moving, and Shifting Material at Site Activities have been carefully considered and appropriate controls implemented.

2.0 Objective

This method statement is critical to the health and safety of the activity it relates to. It is to follow and adhered to, any deviation or changes must be first authorized by the site supervisor.

3.0 Scope

The scope of this method of statement is “Lifting, Moving and Shifting Material at Site activities”. The scopes of this Method off Statement cover and comply with the local authority requirement.

4.0 Responsibilities

The Project Manager/Site Engineer/Forman is the overall accountable man for the process implementation of the works. The Project Manager/Site Engineer/Forman will be answerable for all construction/MEP activities at the worksite and will directly monitor and supervise through erection supervisor/skilled workmen the work at the site.

The Worksite Engineer will be accountable for arranging and controlling the inspection and testing of all project/site activities. Moreover, it is the responsibility of all individuals assigned to various activities in the project to take great care to ensure their personal safety and that of their work colleagues.

5.0 Health & Safety Hazards

Before commencing any work, the team shall strictly follow the Manufacturer’s/ Client’s / Consultant’s Health & Safety recommendations for handling and use of the materials and ensure all involved personnel shall be aware of the same.

The general safety guidelines are given below:

Ensure the work area is safe & clean.
All employees shall adopt safe working practices.
Safety equipment (Safety helmet, safety shoes, coveralls, gloves, goggles, face mask as applicable) to be worn at all times.
When working at a high level, the appropriate safety harness shall be used and secured whilst working-extra care shall be taken whilst using tools at a high level to prevent dropping.
Ensure sufficient lighting is available during all stages of installation & testing.
Report all accidents no matter how small to the Safety Officer on duty.
Ensure any electrical isolation permit is obtained if required, for installation of any electrical equipment, panel, cable, wires, and accessories.

6.0 Pre-Lift Tasks Initiatives (LTI)

A level area will be cleared for the standing of the mobile crane and trailer. Existing under ground services and ground conditions will be considered before the positioning of the mobile crane and trailer at the entrance area and place of its working.
Before standing and rigging the crane on the project site, the HSE Officer will be responsible for ensuring that the plant checklist is accomplished and that copies of all relevant documentation are attached to this lifting plan.
Where any non-conformance or defect is evident then the crane will be stood down, the lifting operation will be canceled and immediately informed to the main contractor.
Lifting Plan will be briefed toolbox talk (TBT) before the proceedings of lifting operations and third parties involved in the activity.
The lifting area will be designated "Authorized Personnel Only" and will be defined and signage is displayed to ensure that no unauthorized personnel can access entry to the lifting area.

7.0 Lifting of Material Procedure with Mobile Crane Machinery (MCM)

Equipment will be delivered at the site by the trailer and offload and positioning from the trailer shall be done by using a suitable mobile crane in coordination with the leading contractor. A designated earth-balanced area will be identified, agreed upon with the main contractor, and cleared for the positioning of the mobile crane and trailer before the lifting and unloading task.
Outrigger mats, or suitable timbers, will be positioned under outriggers. The hydraulic outriggers will be extended over mats and the crane leveled. The crane's boom will be raised and telescoped to the re choired length. The Automatic Safe Load Indicator or in short terms “ASLI” will be examined properly for correct operation.
The sequence of rigging will be following the manufacturer's recommendations, which will be strictly adhered to at all times. Only one piece of equipment to be lifted one at a time. The stingers / banksman will attach chain sling from crane hook point, hook block. The bank's man will attach 2 No's web slings with equipment and chain sling hook.
Guide ropes/Tag lines will be attached by the helpers to prevent the swinging of the load. Once it is confirmed by the Banksman / slinger that the load is level, the lift will commence to the required position under the strict guidance of the Banksman. The Banksman is to be visible to the crane operator at all times. If the crane operator is not able to see the banksman; then the operator is to stop the lift immediately. One certified banksman/signaler will be appointed to control the crane movements and lifting operation and hand signals from other personnel will not be permitted and must be ignored.
Ensure that set down area is clear where the load is going to be offloaded. All workers and or visitors remain clear of the load at all times until the load is at waist level. Proper tag lines must be used to prevent swinging of the load. The slinger will stand in a secure position, where they are because of both the load and the crane operative. Each signal will be distinct and clear. Release lifting tackle, hoist clear and repeat until complete. On the accomplishment of lifting operations, all lifting equipment and machinery are to be removed safely and stored properly.

8.0 Lifting of Material Procedure with the Forklift Truck Vehicle (FTV)

Safe Access and Egress (SAE) for the route of the forklift will be determined. Access will be free of obstructions and be properly maintained. The Forklift utilized for the task should be rated for a safe working load capacity to lift off. The lifting material will be appropriately tied up to make sure it is secure and on a pallet.
The Forklift operator will only commence movement of the Forklift to the pickup area under the guidance of the Banksman. Signals must be clear correct and understood by all personnel involved in the work activity. The Forklift Vehicle operator will only take instruction and direction from the assigned competent and accountable Banksman; no other personnel are to provide guidance or instruction.
The banksman will stand in a secure visible position at all times, where they are because of both the load and the forklift truck operative. Each signal by the banksman will be distinct and clear. The Forks on the forklift truck will be adjusted to give maximum support to the load being lifted. The forklift operator will insert the forks under the load with the guidance of the banksman.
The load will be lifted until the Forks take the load weight, whilst not lifting it off the ground, to ensure that the load is level. Once it verified by the Forklift operative that the material being lifted or shifted is properly level, the lift will commence to the required position under the strict guidance of the Banksman. Forks for the for forklifts vehicle will be tilted backwards during all load and or materials handling/shifting to ensure maximum stability of the load being moved.
The load will then be moved to the agreed location i.e., plant room/plinth under the strict guidance of the Banksman. Safety cones will be installed, including barrier tape, to prohibit unauthorized personals/visitors’ entry into the loading/work area. The load/material or other objects will be lifted to the height of the plinth/location and gradually moved forward and get in position to the final placement with strict guidance of banks man. Once the load placed in the designated and assigned position; the forks will be released. If supports and or shock absorbers are needed to be inserted under the equipment, this must be done before the load being laid down (offered) to the final position. The accountable supervisors will coordinate with the banksman for the Final positioning of the equipment whilst the forklift in use.