Load Handling Activity Considerations

An evaluation of a proposed load handling activity shall be performed. Documentation of the evaluation is not required. It is recommended that the evaluation includes a risk analysis. Useful resources include ISO 31000:2009 and ISO 31010:2009. At a minimum, the load handling category should be determined based on review of the following considerations:

Potential Hazards to Persons

(1) if the load handling activity will involve personnel lifting.

(2) if the load will be moved or suspended over areas accessible to the general public.

(3) if the load contains materials immediately dangerous to life and health.

(4) if load handling personnel will be in locations that may be hazardous during the load handling activity (e.g., pinch points, crush points).

(5) if site personnel other than load handling personnel will be in locations that are hazardous due to the load handling activity. This should include consideration of protection provided by existing structures.

Hazards in Proximity to the Work Area

(1) if the load and/or the LHE can encroach the prohibited zone of power lines

(2) if there is potential for electromagnetic radiation/radio frequency hazard (e.g., loss of communication, electrical discharge, and shock)

(3) if the load handling activity can cause damage to pipes, lines, tanks, equipment, or products that could create an adverse environmental impact

Complexity of Load Handling Activity

(1) if the load has potential for instability during the load handling activity due to the

   (a) design or configuration of the load (e.g., shape, load integrity, and sail area)

   (b) center-of-gravity of the load relative to the established connection points

   (c) load weight shift (e.g., liquid filled, swing arms, and moveable parts)

(2) if the load handling activity uses complex load handling methods

(3) if the load handling activity will be performed in proximity to obstructions or in limited clearance areas, including consideration of clearance between the LHE and the load

(4) if the load is to be manipulated (e.g., turned, rotated, and tilted)

(5) if the LHE travels during the lift

(6) if the load handling activity uses multiple LHE

(7) if the load handling activity is unique to or infrequently performed by the personnel involved

(8) if special means or access for attaching and removing rigging is required

Adverse Impact From Environmental Conditions.

If the load handling activity could be adversely impacted by conditions such as

(1) effects of wind on the load and/or LHE (e.g., speed, direction, sustained, and/or gusts)

(2) support for the load, the LHE, or both (e.g., ground, rail, girder, structure, foundation, vessel list, and trim)

(3) ambient temperature (e.g., high, low, and range)

(4) surfaces moving relative to one another (e.g., from land to water, or water to land, or water to water)

(5) visibility (e.g., fog, sun glare, lighting, and obstructions)

(6) precipitation

(7) lightning

LHE Capacity and/or Performance

(1) if the load weight is significant compared to the LHE capacity as configured

(2) if factors, such as the following, have the potential to encroach upon maximum capacity of the LHE, as configured, and/or diminish its performance:

   (a) increased loading due to extraction or removal of a load (e.g., demolition, suction, and friction)

   (b) dynamic loading (e.g., abrupt starting, stopping, acceleration, deceleration, and abrupt load transfer)

   (c) line pull

   (d) brake/clutch/pump settings and/or conditions

   (e) accuracy of load weight information/determination

   (f) site conditions 

   (g) potential load shift during load handling activity

   (h) weight distribution or transfer between multiple LHEs

   (i) effects of moving to/from liquids (current, buoyancy)

   (j) out-of-plane loading

   (k) equipment history or condition

Rigging Capacity and/or Performance.

If factors, such as those listed in LHE Capacity and/or Performance, and/or the following, have the potential to encroach upon maximum capacity of the rigging, as configured, and/or affect its performance:

(1) rigging attachment points of the load (e.g., lifting lugs, precast inserts)

(2) side loading of the rigging hardware and attachments

(3) complexity of rigging

(4) weight distribution or transfer of load within the rigging arrangement

(5) environmental conditions (e.g., temperature or chemically active environment)

Adverse Commercial Impact

(1) if the load has a significant replacement time

(2) if the cost of replacing the load is considered significant or the load is irreplaceable

(3) if failure to complete the load handling activity could create a project delay, work shutdown, or disruption to the general public

(4) if the load handling activity can cause damage to pipes, lines, tanks, equipment, or products that could create an adverse commercial impact

Site Requirements Unique to the load handling Activity (1) corporate considerations/policies (2) regulatory considerations [e.g., local, state, federal, DOT, railroad (FRA), FAA, and military] (3) potential impact to vital infrastructure (e.g., public utilities, roadways, seaports, pipelines, and railroads)

Repetitive Lifts

(1) distractions, fatigue, inattention, or lack of concentration of the load handling personnel

(2) the LHE and rigging equipment manufacturer’s recommendations for duty cycle or repetitive operations