“This should be classified as what NOT to do during a lifting operation,” writes Bill McLuckie, lifting engineer, British Nuclear Group.
“Looking at the photo the test weight is approximately 750 kg with a two-tonne web sling passed through two lifting eyes at a very extreme angle of approximately 150 degrees. In addition the sling is connected via a shackle at the centre, causing the lifting lugs to be in severe stress. I would think that each leg of sling is being loaded by approximately 1.50t, clearly overloading the sling.”
“The 250kg block is held in place by the tension created by the bottom leg of the sling and the sling is passed through the eyes without adequate protection against sharp edge damage. It looks as though the load is swinging, and if this is the case, the slings are further stressed.”
This image was staged for the purposes of the magazine and should not be taken as representative of lifting at Terex-Atlas UK.
“This is not our normal practice,” says Terex-Atlas service manager Andrew Taylor. He adds that several points need to be noted regarding health and safety whilst load testing.
• Tested chains should be used in this application instead of flat webbed slings. The chains should be used at no more than an angle recommended.
• The length needs to be correct to enable the load to be suspended as near to the ground as possible (using shortening clutches if required)
• The area should be cordoned off and signs placed accordingly.
• The operator should be visible and wearing the necessary personal protective equipment.
A more typical picture of loader crane testing at Terex-Atlas
