Construction sites have never been without lifting equipment. The material needs to be moved either vertically using scaffolding or moved horizontally within the site, and having the proper lifting equipment will mean the difference between a smooth operation and creating unnecessary difficulties — even risks.

This article will discuss the basic types of lifting equipment that are used in the construction sector and some guidance as to how to select it.

The Role of Lifting Equipment in Construction Sites

A construction site requires a lot of physical work. Building materials such as bricks, timber, steel, roof materials, and plant equipment must be moved frequently. Lifting equipment makes the operation easier and, when it is operated and maintained in accordance with requirements, it does so safely.

It should be noted that all lifting equipment used in workplaces is subject to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 that is usually called LOLER. LOLER sets out the obligations of the employer and site manager regarding ensuring that the equipment is suitable, properly marked with its SWL, and subjected to regular thorough examination by a competent person. Compliance with LOLER is mandatory and not negotiable in case of UK construction sites.

Chain Blocks and Manual Chain Hoists

Not all the operations in construction involve the use of power lifting devices. Chain blocks, also called manual chain hoists, are compact and portable and do not require an electrical source for operation. For that reason, chain hoists are very effective when power is not available, or its use is inappropriate, and when the lifts are not frequent enough to warrant the installation of the equipment. Chain hoists are available in a great variety of capacities, and they are simple to rig from an overhead structure where possible.

Lever Hoists and Cable Pullers

Among the lifting equipment found on construction sites are lever hoists and cable pullers. The latter are helpful in drawing cables, positioning structural components, and recovering plant. Lever hoists are compact and easy to move, which makes them convenient to use in places where it is difficult to reach otherwise. Like the chain hoists, they do not require any power source.

Lifting Gantries

The lifting gantries provide a portable overhead structure from which a hoist can be suspended. The use of a portable lifting gantry on a construction site is especially helpful when the fit-out is done in the building under construction – where overhead structures for suspension may not be available yet. Such gantries can be moved around on the site as the work proceeds, which makes them handy for contractors who need a lifting point but have no overhead structure.

Choosing Lifting Equipment for Construction Projects

Prior to choosing any lifting equipment, it is recommended to ask some fundamental questions: What is the maximum load to be lifted, and what is the frequency of the operation? Is there an electric power available on-site, or is manual solution preferable? What is the available headroom, and what overhead structure will be used to suspend the equipment? Are there any environmental factors, such as exposure to weather or flammability of nearby materials, which influence the choice of equipment?

Asking the above-listed questions allows avoiding both underspecification of the equipment (what will create a safety risk) and overspecification of it (which is simply an unnecessary expense).

Conclusion

Any chosen equipment will have to be maintained in a proper condition over time. It will include inspection and where required – servicing or replacing load chains, hooks, and braking systems. The maintenance of the lifting equipment is required by LOLER and at the same time is a good method to avoid the problem in the future.