My view is that lifting with excavators has always been a problem and in the past there have been attempts to sidestep legislation. However it is clear that LOLER applies to the activity.
It is my perception that lifting using excavators is in the main poorly planned with knock on effects for the subsequent operations. How do you see it?
Excavators do 'lift', which is why LOLER applies.
I would agree that it is towards the edge of what I consider safe practice, though I have seen excavators used for lifting on many occasions where I would say the operation was well-planned and executed by competent and experienced people.
I would have no problems with a suitably equipped excavator with check valves etc using proper certified lifting chains etc - lifting a safe weight under the direction of a safe & experienced machine driver.
It's when inexperienced machine drivers use totally inappropriate plant and equipment that the practice gets a bad name.
To work within the regulations the main item of contention is the use of a visual or audible overload alarm
The regulations require one.for machines rated for lifting more than 1 tonne
How many machines have them fitted? Where they are fitted are they ever switched on? How many times have you ever heard one going off?
Who does this reflect poorly on?
Employer?
Site Agent?
Supervisor?
Operator?
There is a potential for a HSE prosecution later this year which will raise the profile of lifting with excavators.
Shaftsinker: How many machines have them fitted? Where they are fitted are they ever switched on? How many times have you ever heard one going off?
Actually, that's a very good point. I can't recall when I last heard one go off.
PipeandSlippers: There is a potential for a HSE prosecution later this year which will raise the profile of lifting with excavators.
Which case is this?
In my view its perfectly ok providing the operator knows what he's doing and lifting within the machines capability.I've spent a great deal of time lifting with my digger and enjoy it makes a change from digging.
i have spent a great deal of time using excavators for lifting esp working on the railways at weekends. i think as long as every lifting job is weighed up,and the proper lifting tackle used and certificates in date and lifting charts show machine capable of lifting load .and situiation machine is in and place ment of loads concidered theres no reason a compentent experienced operator can not use the excavator for lifting aplications .as for rated capacity indicators in cabs of machines i found many of them to be faulty when used no alarm sounding ect when running through test cycle on rci. the other factor ive seen on sites around is lifting with a bucket still on. the lift chart is usless . lift charts are compiled with weight of just boom and quick hitch and bucket are never factored in we should all know the swl of the machine we are using . but we all also know the machine is capable of lifting far more, this is when the newer operator can get into trouble and complacancy with older experienced operator can come into play
Totally agree with you JIM_JAMES, i mean i work alongside you on the railways using Excavators to do many lifting duties, and there are many operations we carry out which require to switch on the RCI to ensure you stay within the lifting capabilities of the machine, either the Alarm does not sound at all.. or the alarm sounds at random moments and does not allow you to carry out a task as the boom and dipper lock out.., which in my eyes can put you in an unsafe position. But i do feel that if Operators are asked to lift a load, they should have the relevant training or knowledge on how to carry out the job as safely as possible.
Where do Daffyd and Jim James comments leave us? The regulations say you have to have an alarm if the machine is rated for lifting more than a tonne.
Daffyd and Jim James (and most other operators you talk to) say the alarms, if fitted, are unreliable and sometimes present a hazard.
Is this being reflected in method statements/risk assessments for lifts with excavators? Eg dont use alarms but if lifts are greater than the worse condition load the lifting radius to be measured marked and signed off.
Once the quick hitch debate has subsided the next big issue is clearly, "excavators used as cranes." Points made by Kevin Rouse, the MD of of European Plant Services, in this week's Contract Journal hits the nail on the head concerning abuse of 360s in the lift mode.
Although most CE marked 360s will have boom check valves fitted it's not guaranteed with the "grey imports" from China and elsewhere outside the EEC.
Although most operators are aware that a "lift chart" exists in the operator's manual and also etched into a cab window, it's rarely seriously consulted. Ask any operator with a 360 with quick hitch and a dozer blade fitted what he can lift with, the blade up, the blade down, over the side, over the rear or over the front and you'll be none too surprised that he hasn't a clue.
When you add the latter problem to a lack of boom check valves and a lack of knowledge on the lifting chart, and a total unfamiliarity with the quick hitch, we have an accident waiting to happen. When major contractors demand versatility from their plant operators it means they will usually never spend sufficient time, "in the seat" to be fully conversant with the machine in all its practical applications.
Conversely look at a small family run company where the operator has his machine for years, he gains a wealth of experience and knowledge in all aspects of its operation taking pride in its upkeep, maintenance and serviceability. Regulated training can fill some of the shortfall but sadly the major accredited bodies are more keen on deregulation of training, content to leave the problem to the employer.
In 2007 the CITB and one of its major stakeholders were given the task of producing a generic guidance document, assisted by the HSE, on "Excavators Used As Cranes." 18 months later we are still waiting !
Sustainer,
I think that the guidance document was produced. It was issued in May last year and should be available through the CPA
There is no problem lifting with a 360 machine so long as the operation is treated as if it were a crane lift and a lifting plan is produced. This is the procedure where I an employed and we have little problem.
I am surprised at the comments about load indicators not working. By far and away the majority of excavator drivers that we hire seem to rely on the bell, as they don't understand the load chart in the cab. We have questioned a number on the subject and they invariably tell us that they have received no training on the subject
Used Excavators are vehicles used in the professions of construction, industrial and manufacturing. They are often referred to as a digger or a 360, which is an abbreviation of a 360 degree excavator. The undercarriage usually has wheels or tracks which allows movement.