Lifting with plate clamps
ACTIVITY:
MANUAL HANDLING AND STORAGE
TITLE
Lifting with plate clamps
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
During the month of April, a Near Miss was reported stating that a sheet of metal slipped out of the lifting clamp whilst being moved. The investigation showed that the lifting clamp was not locked into position correctly.
The two pictures show how easy it can be to assume clamp is fixed into place without actually being locked into position.
Picture 1 show that the jaw of the clamp is completely transverse fixing onto any object in the jaw, but with the locking lever still open.
Picture 2 shows how the locking lever has been moved into the locking position ensuring the jaw of clamp will not move.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
Picture 1
Click image to enlarge
Picture 2
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
It is imperative that all staff using any lifting equipment with locking devices check and double check the following
• All lifting equipment must be tagged with the correct colour code
• Equipment in safe working condition
• Any equipment found damaged or defective must be reported to workshop manager
• Any locking mechanisms are used correctly
• Only trained competent personnel use such items of equipment
We understand a recent fatal accident involved a similar piece of equipment which failed whilst loading a metal guillotine.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
ACTIVITY:
MANUAL HANDLING AND STORAGE
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