THE SAFE INSTALLATION OF PRECAST CONCRETE FLOORING … · Precast Flooring Federation Code of Practice for: THE SAFE INSTALLATION OF PRECAST CONCRETE FLOORING AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS

Precast Flooring Federation Code of Practice for:

THE SAFE INSTALLATION OF PRECAST CONCRETE FLOORING AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS

2016

PREFACE ThisPrecastFlooringFederationCode of Practice for the safe installation of precast concrete flooring and associated components hasnowrunforseveraleditionsandsincethefirsteditionin2001therehavebeenmanydevelopments,notonlyinHealthandSafetylegislation,butalsoinbestpracticewithintheindustry.

TheCodegivesaguidetothecurrentbestpractice,but inanever-changingsituation,canonlybetotallyup-to-dateatthetimeofitspublication.

ThePFFiscommittedtoachievingahighstandardanduniversalapproachto HealthandSafetywithinitsmembership,andpartofthisistheprovisiontoemployees,customersanddesignersalikeofclearlypresentedinformationaboutthesystemsofworkemployedandattendancesrequired.

ThiseditionoftheCodeofPracticehasbeensometwoyearsinpreparationandthepatienceofthemembershipandoftheHealthandSafetyExecutive,whohaveprovidedinvaluableassistancewithitsdevelopment,ismuchappreciated.

ThiseditionwillbepublishedalmostexclusivelyasadownloadfromthePFFwebsite,althoughanumberofprintedcopieswillbemadeavailabletomembers,trainingorganisationsandtheHealthandSafetyExecutive.Thisdocumentwillbeupdatedonline.

Installationofprecastflooringcomponentsisacknowledgedtobeapotentiallyhigh-riskactivity,asitinvolvestheuseofheavyplant,cranesandpersonnelworkingatheight.ThisCodeofPracticeis,therefore,usedasthebasisforthetrainingofInstallers,Foremenandsupervisorstoensurethatallhavetheskillsandcompetencetocarryouttheirrolesinasafemanner.

TheCouncilofthePrecastFlooringFederationgratefullyacknowledgesthehelp andguidanceprovidedbytheHealthandSafetyExecutiveinthepreparationofthisCodeandispleasedtobeabletoincludethefollowingForewordfromHeatherBryantofHSE.ThePFFhasalsoreceivedsupportandcommentfromtheMajorContractorsGroup.

PublishedanddistributedbythePrecast Flooring Federation TheOldRectory,MainSt,Glenfield,LeicesterLE38DGTel:01162325170Fax:01162325197Email:[email protected]

Firstpublished2001ISBN0953677311Secondedition2007ISBN0953677354Thirdedition2013ISBN978-0-9536773-6-8Thiseditionpublished2016ISBN978-0-9536773-X-XAcataloguerecordforthisbookisavailablefromtheBritishLibrary

Everyefforthasbeenmadetoensurethatthestatementsmadeandadvicegivenprovideasafeandaccurateguide;however,noliabilityorresponsibilityofanykind(includingliabilityfornegligence)canbeacceptedinthisrespectbythepublishersortheauthors

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FOREWORD HSEencouragesandwelcomesindustrycodesofpracticesuchasthisproducedbythePrecastFlooringFederation(PFF),whichreceivecarefulconsiderationandinputfromkeyplayerswithintheindustrywhohavethehealth,safetyandwelfareofthoseinvolvedinprecastflooringworkforemostintheirmind.Fallshavealwaysbeen,andremainthebiggestcauseofdeathsandseriousinjuriesinconstruction.Ifworkatheightisplanned,includingselectingthecorrectequipmentandusingitproperly,thenmostaccidentsinvolvingfallscanbeprevented.Aswithpreviouseditionsofthiscodeandothersimilarindustrycodesofpractice,iftheguidancewithinitisproperlyfollowedbytheindustry,thentherisksofdeathandinjuryfromfallsandotherfactorsshouldbegreatlyreduced.IampleasedtoacknowledgetheworkofthePFFandthoseinvolvedinrevising thiscodeofpractice.Itbringstogetherbestpracticewithintheindustryandhastheinterestofthoseinvolvedinthedesign,specification,useanderectionofprecast flooringproductsatheart.Itisonlybytheindustryshowingleadership,workinginpartnership,andtakingownershipofthemanagementofriskthatimprovementswillbemade,andIcommenditsusetoallconcerned.Heather Bryant ChiefInspectorofConstructionHealthandSafetyExecutive

Message from PFF Chairman

ThisisthethirdeditionofthePrecastFlooringFederationCodeofPracticesupportedbyHSE.Weadviseyoutotakeadetailedlookatthecontentwheneveryouareinvolvedinaprecastflooringproject.ThisneweditioncoincideswiththelaunchofthePFFCharterwhichhasbeensignedbyallmembercompanies.EachofthempledgestoworktotheCodeboththroughtheirin-houseconstructionteamsandwithallappointedfixingsubcontractors.ConformitywiththePFFCodeofPracticeissubjecttoanindependentauditsystemwhichwillstarton1April2013.

Thisisafurthersignificantstepinreducingtheriskofaccidentsandinjuriesintheinstallationoffloorsandstaircases-weanticipateincreasinguseofprecastflooringsystemsintheupperfloorsofhousesasdemandforquietanddurablefloorsgrows.

Whetheryouareaclient,adesigneroracontractor,byworkingwithPFFmembersyoucanhelptoensuresafetyonyoursites.FordetailsofthePFFCharter,itssignatoriesandtheauditsystempleasevisitwww.precastfloors.info whereyoucanalsodownloadthisCodeofPractice.

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Acknowledgements

The members of the Precast Flooring Federation and stakeholders have made this publication possible. Whilst many individuals have contributed, the following are amongst those who deserve particular mention:

Chris Allan – Creagh Concrete

Steve Bonshor – Charcon Construction Solutions

Mark Bradley – Arrow Safety Services UK Ltd

Paul Feeley – Creagh Concrete

Nick Gorst – British Precast

Glenn Holt – Forterra Building Products Ltd

Lee Pumfrey – Acheson & Glover

Shaun Thorpe – Acheson & Glover

Mick Weedall – Longley Concrete

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Code of Practice for: The safe installation of precast concrete flooring and associated components

CONTENTS See over for detailed contents

0.1 DEFINITIONS 1

0.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY 3

1 MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY 5

2 SAFE WORKING METHOD STATEMENTS AND PRE-START CHECKS 13

3 TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION 17

4 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 19

5 CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES 29

6 COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE’S ROLE 31

7 FOREMAN’S ROLE 33

8 TRANSPORTATION OF COMPONENTS AND ACCESS TO SITE 35

9 ON-SITE STORAGE OF COMPONENTS 37

10 SAFE USE OF CRANES, FORK LIFTS AND OTHER LIFTING EQUIPMENT 39

11 MOVEMENT OF UNITS BY OTHER MEANS 65

12 ADDITIONAL ON-SITE WORKS 67

13 ACCESS TO WORKING AREA , WORK AT HEIGHT ETC 71

14 PROTECTION OF THIRD PARTIES 85

15 SUPPLIER AND SUB-CONTRACTOR COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT 87

APPENDIX A HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE ATTENDANCES 89

APPENDIX B CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT) REGULATIONS 93

APPENDIX C SAFETY 97

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DETAILED CONTENTS

1.1 ManagementofHealthAndSafetyatWorkRegulations and.........................................5ApprovedCodeofPractice

1.2 Workatheight..................................................................................................................71.3 Liftingoperations..............................................................................................................71.4 Manualhandlingoperations............................................................................................71.5 Noiseatwork....................................................................................................................81.6 Vibrationatwork....................................................................................................................81.7 Personalprotectiveequipmentat work.................................................................................91.8 ProvisionanduseofWorkEquipment Regulations.......................................................101.9 Welfarefacilities....................................................................................................................101.10 ControlofSubstancesHazardoustoHealth (COSHH)....................................................101.11 Occupationalhealth.......................................................................................................111.12 SiteSafetyAudits............................................................................................................11

2.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................132.2 ContentofSafeWorkingMethodStatement................................................................132.3 CommunicationoftheSafeWorkingMethod Statement.............................................142.4 AdditionstotheSafeWorkingMethod Statement.......................................................142.5 Specialconsiderations....................................................................................................152.6 Pre-startdailychecks.....................................................................................................15

3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................173.2 Scope..............................................................................................................................173.3 Responsibility..................................................................................................................173.4 Generalprocedure.........................................................................................................173.5 Training...................................................................................................................................173.6 Certification/competency...............................................................................................18

4.1 Theexistingenvironment...............................................................................................194.2 Designandplanning.......................................................................................................194.3 Constructionphase.........................................................................................................204.4 Lifting,placingandsafehandlingof units......................................................................214.5 Installationofprecastconcretefloorsontosteelwork..................................................224.6 Installationofprecastconcretefloorsontomasonry....................................................224.7 Imposedloadsduringtheconstructionphase...............................................................264.8 Stabilityofsupportingstructureduring installation......................................................264.9 TheHealthandSafetyFile..............................................................................................274.10 Otherconstructionmethods..........................................................................................27

0.1 DEFINITIONS 1

0.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY 3

1 MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY 5

2 SAFE WORKING METHOD STATEMENTS AND PRE-START CHECKS 13

3 TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION 17

4 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 19

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5.1 Attendances....................................................................................................................295.2 Managementofconstructionworks.....................................................................................295.3 Preventionofdamagetoprecastunits..........................................................................295.4 Handrailingtoprecaststairunits...................................................................................29

6.1 Agreedsequenceofinstallation.....................................................................................316.2 Methodoflifting.............................................................................................................316.3 Siteaccess.......................................................................................................................326.4 Attendancesliaison........................................................................................................326.5 Supervisionofinstallation..............................................................................................32

7.1 Workingtosequence......................................................................................................337.2 Pre-startchecks..............................................................................................................337.3 Supervisionofinstallation..............................................................................................337.4 Workmanship.................................................................................................................34

8.1 Thestackingandmakingsecureof loads.......................................................................358.2 Loadingsequence...........................................................................................................358.3 Siteaccess.......................................................................................................................358.4 Off-loading......................................................................................................................358.5 Inspectionofprecastconcreteflooringandothercomponentspriortoinstallation.......36

9.1 Stackingatgroundlevel.................................................................................................379.2 Temporarystorageoninstalledflooring........................................................................37

10.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................3910.2 Managementoftheliftingoperation............................................................................3910.3 Controloftheliftingoperation.....................................................................................4010.4 Cranehireorcontract lift....................................................................................................4110.5 Planningtheliftingoperation........................................................................................4210.6 Selectionanddutiesofpersonnel.................................................................................4310.7 Selectionofcranes........................................................................................................4510.8 Safety.............................................................................................................................4510.9 Sitingofcranes..............................................................................................................4810.10 Hardstandingpreparation.............................................................................................5010.11 `Permittolift'system/confirmationto process..................................................................5210.12 Proximityhazards..........................................................................................................5210.13 Typesofcrane................................................................................................................5410.14 Startoftheliftingoperation..........................................................................................5610.15 Examplesofsafeworkingpracticeindicatedbyuseoftypical trigonometry...............6010.16 OtherLiftingDevices......................................................................................................62

5 CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES 29

6 COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE’S ROLE 31

7 FOREMAN’S ROLE 33

8 TRANSPORTATION OF COMPONENTS AND ACCESS TO SITE 35

9 ON-SITE STORAGE OF COMPONENTS 37

10 SAFE USE OF CRANES, FORK LIFTS AND OTHER LIFTING EQUIPMENT 39

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11.1 Barring...........................................................................................................................6511.2 Jacking......................................................................................................................6511.3 Othermeansofinstallingormoving components........................................................66

12.1 Temporarystructuralsupport.......................................................................................6712.2 Propping........................................................................................................................6712.3 In-situconcrete..............................................................................................................6712.4 Formingholes................................................................................................................6812.5 Cuttingunitsonsite......................................................................................................69

13.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................7113.2 Generalprinciplesforcontrolmeasures.......................................................................7113.3 Safeaccesstotheworkingarea....................................................................................7113.4 Workingatheight–controlmeasures..........................................................................7213.5 T-beamandblockabovegroundfloor level..................................................................7813.6 Staircases.......................................................................................................................7813.7 Fallsfromdeliveryvehicles...........................................................................................8213.8 Useofladders................................................................................................................8213.9 Rescueprocedures........................................................................................................83

14.1 Othertradesorpersonson site....................................................................................8514.2 Membersofthepublic..................................................................................................85

15.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................8715.2 Assessmentcriteria.......................................................................................................87

C1HSEGeneralGuidanceonManualHandling,Parts1,2,and 3...................................97C2ExampleSafeWorking Statement.................................................................................99C3Examplesite-specificCOSHHAssessmentandControlPlan- Petrol..........................102C4Examplesite-specificCOSHHAssessmentandControlPlan-Wet concrete..............104C5Examplesite-specificCOSHHAssessmentandControlPlan-Curedconcrete..........106C6ExampleguidanceonminimumstandardsforPPE.....................................................108C7Exampledailypre-startchecklist..................................................................................109

11 MOVEMENT OF UNITS BY OTHER MEANS 65

APPENDIX A HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE ATTENDANCES 89

APPENDIX B CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT) REGULATIONS 93

APPENDIX C SAFETY 97

12 ADDITIONAL ON-SITE WORKS 67

13 ACCESS TO WORKING AREA , WORK AT HEIGHT ETC 71

14 PROTECTION OF THIRD PARTIES 85

15 SUPPLIER AND SUB-CONTRACTOR COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT 87

1.1 DEFINITIONS

Mostof thetermsused in thisdocumentare incommonuse.However, the followingdefinitionsareintendedtoremoveany ambiguity:

Appointed Person: Thepersonemployedbythe‘Company’tohaveoverallcontroloftheliftingoperationandtoactonbehalfofthe‘Company’.TheAppointed Personmusthaveadequatetrainingandexperiencetoensuretheimplementationofasafesystemofwork.

As Installed Drawing: Thelayoutdrawingsconfirmingactually‘asinstalled’positionsofprecastflooring/componentpositions,issuedfortheclient’ssafetyfile.

Attendances: ThestandardPFFHealth,SafetyandWelfareAttendances,acopyofwhichisincludedasAppendixAtothisCodeofPractice.

Banksman: Apersonwhohasbeensuitablytrainedingivingsignalstodirectandcontrolsitetraffic.

Building Designer: Thedesignerofthebuildingorstructurereceivingtheprecastflooringcomponents.

Certificated: Havingbeentrainedandqualifiedtofulfilaparticularrole.Generally,holdingavalidlicence/certificateoftraininggainedbyattendingarecognised courseofinstructionforthetaskinquestion.

Company: Thesupplierand/orinstallerofprecastconcretecomponentsandassociateditemsandservices

Company Representative: ASupervisor/ContractsManager(usuallytravelling)intheInstallationCompany’semploywitharesponsibilityforanumberofcontracts.ACompetentPersontrainedtoassessallhealth,safetyandwelfarearrangementsinrelationtocompanyoperations.

Competent Person: Thepersonisregardedascompetentiftheyhave'sufficientskills,knowledge,experience,trainingandotherqualitiestoproperlyassisttheemployertomeethissafetyobligations'.

Components: Anymember,article,oritemcomprisedofprecastconcreteor ancillarymetalwork.

Contractor: “The‘Contractor’shallmeantheprecastconcretesub-contractor’sclient,whoisresponsible for coordinatingall PrincipalContractor requirementsandattendances for thecontract.Wherethe‘Contractor’hasoverallresponsibilityfortheConstructionPhaseoftheprojectthe‘Contractor’shallalsomeanthe‘PrincipalContractor’.”

Contractor’s Site Representative: Thepersoninchargeoftheday-to-dayrunningofaparticularsiteorproject,i.e.SiteManager,SiteAgent,GeneralForeman,Project/ContractsManager.

Crane Coordinator: Thepersonwhoplans anddirectsthesequenceofoperationsofcranestoensurethattheydonotcollidewithothercranes,loadsandotherequipment.

Crane Driver: AcompetentandtrainedpersonresponsibleforthecorrectoperationofthecraneinaccordancewiththeManufacturer’sOperatingInstructions,theSafeWorkingMethodStatementanddirectionsfromthenominatedSlinger/Signaller.TheCraneDriverisalsoknownastheCraneOperator.

Crane Supervisor: Thepersondesignatedbythe‘AppointedPerson’tosupervisetheliftingoperations,wheretheAppointedPersonhasdeemedtheoperationsasbasicorstandard,asdefinedbyBS7121–3:2000Section 4.8.

Designer: Thepersonorpersonswhoproducesspecifications,estimates,drawings,details,designsorcalculationsforaparticularcontract.

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Duty Holder: SomeonewhohasdutiesunderCDMRegulations2015.

Employing Organisation: Thepersonororganizationrequiringaliftingoperationtobecarriedoutandwhohasresponsibilityforsafeuseofthecrane.

Flooring: Theprecastconcretecomponentsthatformthestructuralelementofafloorandmayincludeassociatedprecastcomponents.

Foreman: Thepersoninchargeoftheprecastinstallationteam,undertakingthesiteworkfortheCompany.

Grouting: Fillingofvoidsbetweenadjacentunitstostabilisethefloorand/orformastructuralconnectionbetweenunits.

Hollowcore: Precastconcreteflooringsystem,whichforthepurposesofthisdocumentisdeemedtoincludetermssuchas‘wideslab’,‘solidplanks’etc.

Installer: CompetentPersonemployedbytheprecastcompanytoinstallprecastconcreteflooringandassociatedcomponents.

Operatives: Allothersitepersonnel involvedwiththeprecastworks,not includingInstallers.

Precast Company: Theprecastflooringsub-contractorengagedinthesupplyand/orinstallationofflooringorprecastcomponents

Precast Designer: Thedesigneroftheprecastflooringunits,workingfororonbehalfofthePrecast Company.

Principal Contractor: Thecontractorwithcontrolovertheconstructionphaseofaprojectinvolvingmorethanonecontractor.

Principal Designer: Theorganisationorindividual(onsmallerprojects)appointedbytheclienttotakecontrolofthepre-constructionphaseofanyprojectinvolvingmorethanonecontractor.

Precast Installer: Apersonwho,aftersuitabletraining,iscompetenttocarryoutallfunctionsofSlingerandSignaller,aswellastohoist,placeandsecureprecastconcretesections,includingallplumbing/levellingandliningup,andwhohastheabilityandtrainingtoworksafely,andhasageneralunderstandingofstructuralstabilityissues.AnInstallermaybeemployedbytheCompany,aspecialistinstallationcompanyorbeself-employed.

Site Representative: SeeCompanyRepresentative

Slinger/Signaller: Apersonwhohasbeensuitablytrainedintheproperselectionofliftingtackle,theslingingofloadstothecraneattachment,whiletakingintoaccountthecapabilitiesofthecraneemployedandhastheresponsibilities,aftersuitablecertificatedtraining,fordirectingthesafemovementofaloadattachedtoacrane,andforthemovementofthecraneonsite.

Work Area: Theareaonasiteorbuildingwhereprecastflooring/componentsarebeingerected.Thisgenerallybutnotexclusivelyincludestheareaswheremobilecranes,towercranesorotherliftingequipmentisbeingusedtoliftprecastcomponentsfromLorries(orstacks)tothefinalposition.

Work at Height: Workwherethereisasignificantriskofinjurydueto falling.

Working Drawings: Thelayoutdrawings,sectionanddetails,producedbythePrecastDesigner and issued for client approval, production and installation purposes.

Pleasenotethatwheretheterm'he'or'his'isusedthisshouldalsobetakentoinclude'she'or'her'asappropriate.

1.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Her Majesty's Government

HealthandSafetyatWorketc.Act1974TheManagementofHealthandSafetyatWorkRegulations1999TheWorkatHeightRegulations2005TheHealthandSafety(FirstAid)Regulations1981TheControlofNoiseatWorkRegulations 2005TheElectricityatWorkRegulations1989ThePersonalProtectiveEquipmentatWorkRegulations1992TheProvisionandUseofWorkEquipmentRegulations1998TheLiftingOperationsandLiftingEquipmentRegulations1998TheManualHandlingOperationsRegulations 1992TheControlofSubstancesHazardoustoHealthRegulations2002TheConstruction(DesignandManagement)Regulations2015Construction(DesignandManagement)Regulations(NorthernIreland)2016TheReportingofInjuries,DiseasesandDangerousOccurrencesRegulations 2013TheControlofVibrationatWorkRegulations2005TheRoadandStreetworksAct1991TheControlofAsbestosRegulations2012

Health and Safety Executive

GS6 Avoidanceofdangerfromoverheadelectricallines1997

HSG141 Electricalsafetyonconstructionsites(nolongeravailable)HSG144 Thesafeuseofvehiclesonconstruction sitesHSG149 Backsforthefuture–safemanualhandlinginconstructionHSG150 Healthandsafetyinconstruction

CIS10 Towerscaffolds(Rev.4,2006)

CIS37 HandlingheavyblocksCIS36 Constructiondust.(Rev.2June.2013)CIS 54 Dustcontroloncut-offsawsusedforstoneorconcretecutting(Rev.1.Feb.

2010)GeneralInformationSheetNo.6(GEIS6)Theselection,managementanduseofmobileelevatingworkplatformsInformationSheetMISC614Preventingfallsfromboomtypemobile elevatingworkplatformsManaginghealthandsafetyin constructionHealthsurveillanceforthoseexposedtorespirablecrystallinesilica(RCS)-Supplementaryguidanceforoccupationalhealthprofessionals(amendedJanuary2016)

Thislistisnotexhaustive,butprovidesahelpfulpointertousefulpublications.Note: Pleaseensurethatyourefertothelatesteditionofthesereferences.

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British Standards Institution BritishStandardsandotherguidancenotesareissuedonacontinuingbasis andusersofthisCodeofPracticeshouldacquaintthemselveswiththelatestupdatesandrevisions.BS5975 CodeofPracticeforfalseworkBS7121 CodeofPracticeforsafeuseofcranes–Parts1,2,3and5.

BS5628 CodeofPracticeforuseofmasonry

BSEN818–4 Guidanceforthepurchaseranduserofmechanicallyassembledslings

BSEN1990 Eurocode—Basisofstructuraldesign

BSEN1991-1–1 Eurocode1:Actionsonstructures—Part1-1:Generalactions—Densities,self-weight,imposedloadsforbuildings

BSEN1992-1–1 Eurocode2:Designofconcretestructures—Part1-1:Generalrulesandrulesforbuildings

PAS59 2004 Filledcollectivefallarrestsystems

Construction Industry Research and Information Association

CIRIApublicationC669 SiteSafetyHandbookCIRIApublicationC703 CranestabilityonsiteCIRIApublicationC654 Towercranestability

The National Access & Scaffold Confederation

TG20:13 Guidetogoodpracticeforscaffoldingwithtubesandfittings.

TG20:13 Toolboxtalktrainingvideos.

1 MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

TheHealthandSafetyatWorketcAct1974placesseveralgeneralduties onemployers,employeesandothers.RegulationsaremadeunderSection16oftheAct.TheRegulationsreferredtointheintroductorynotesbelowarealegalrequirementandmustbeadheredtoatalltimes.Formoreinformation,refertothedocumentsthemselves,listedintheReferences,andwherenecessaryobtaincompetent,professionaladviceandapprovalonsafetymatters.

1.1 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

and Approved Code of Practice TheManagementofHealthandSafetyatWorkRegulationsrequiresallemployersandself-employedOperativestoassesstherisktothehealthandsafetyofworkersandanyotherswhomaybeaffectedbytheworkcarriedout.

Assessmentswillhelptoidentifyalltheprotectiveandpreventativemeasuresthatneedtobetakentocomplywithlegislationtoensurethathealthandsafetystandardsaremaintained.GuidanceontheproceduresforriskassessmentcanbefoundintheApprovedCodeofPracticeunderManagementofHealthandSafetyatWorkRegulations,whichincludesadviceontheselectionofpreventativeandprotectivemeasures.

Beforeanassessmentofriskcanbemadeitisimportanttounderstandthetermsused,thetwomostimportantbeing:

Hazard –issomethingwiththepotentialtocauseharm,

Risk –expressesthelikelihoodthattheharmfromaparticularhazardisrealised.

Mostemployerswillbecapableofundertakingtheriskassessmentthemselvesusingexpertisewithintheirownorganisations.Wheretherearecomplexhazardsorequipment,itmaybenecessarytoemploythehelpofexternalhealthandsafetyprofessionals.

Thekeyactionstobetakencanbesummarisedasbelow:▪ TheseRegulationsrequireanemployertomakeasuitableassessmentoftherisksto

thehealthandsafetyofemployeesandotherswhomaybeexposedtothoserisks.Thisincludescontractorsortemporarystaffengagedforspecificwork.▪ Wheretheriskisconsideredtobesignificant,theassessmentmustberecordedin

writingandshouldidentifythosepersonnelespeciallyat risk.▪ Riskassessmentsmustberegularlyreviewedandalterediftheyarenolongervalid

orcircumstances/conditionshavechangedsignificantly.▪ AnominatedCompetentPerson(orpersonsifrequired)mustbeappointedtoassist

incomplyingwiththeregulations.▪ Emergencyproceduresmustbeestablished,andCompetentPersonsnominatedto

implementthem.▪ Informationmustbeprovidedto theemployeesontherisks identified, thecontrol

measures tobe taken, thenamesof theCompetentPersonsand informationon therisksidentifiedwhereemployersshareworkareas.▪ Trainingmustbegiventoemployeesinrespectofthedutiesplaceduponthemby

theRegulations,atinductionwhenfirstemployed,whentransferred,orifthejobchanges.Thistrainingmustbeupdatedandrepeatedperiodicallytotakeaccount ofanychanges.

InadditionemployeeshavecertaindutiesundertheRegulations:▪ Tomakefullandproperuseofanythingprovidedbytheemployerinaccordance

withthetraininggiven.Thisincludessafetyequipment,machinery,substances,meansoftransport,etc.

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▪ EmployeesmustalsoinformtheEmployer(orNominatedPersons)ofanydangerousworksituationoranymatterrelatingtotheemployer’shealthandsafetyarrangements.

1.1.1 General procedure for risk assessment

1. Identifythehazardsandactivities.2. Wherepossiblethehazardsidentifiedshouldberemoved/minimisedbydesign.3. Assesstherisks,i.e.thenatureandextentofthe risks.4. Assessexistingcontrolmeasuresorprecautionsforadequacy,anddecideifany

furthermeasuresneeded.5. Checkforcompliancewithotherlegal requirements.6. Recordthefindingsandarrangements.7. Issueriskassessment.

Table 1.1 Riskassessment

Severity of harm to personnel

Likelihood of harm

Bump/scrapeNoinjury

(1)

Firstaidneeded

(2)

Reportableinjury

(3)

Majorinjury(4)

Fatality/disability

(5)

Unlikely(1)

1

2

3

4

5

Remotelypossible(2)

2

4

6

8

10

Possible(3)

3

6

9

12

15

Probable(4)

4

8

12

16

20

Certain(5)

5

10

15

20

25

Probability rating 1. There is little or no risk of injury

or ill health. Onlyunderrareandunforeseenconditions is there thelikelihoodofinjuryorillhealth.This should be the aim of all workplace activities.

2. Remote possibility; ifotherfactorswerepresent,thatinjuryorillhealthmightoccur,buttheprobability islow.

3. Possible; theincidentmayhappenifadditionalfactorsprecipitateit,butitisunlikelywithouttheotherfactors.

4. The event is probable; theeffectsofhumansorotherfactorscouldcausetheevent(injuryorillhealth),butit isunlikelywithoutadditional factors

5. If the task continues, then it is certain that an injury or ill health will occur.

Severity rating 1. Minor injury suchasaslight laceration

orbruisingrequiringlimitedmedicaltreatment

2. Injury requiring medical treatment,butunlikelytoresultinabsencefromwork

3. More serious injury,possiblyrequiringhospitalattendance,whichcouldresultinabsencefromwork

4. Fracture, dislocation and attendance orpossibleattendanceathospital fortreatment

5. Serious or fatal injury

1.2 Work at height

TheWorkatHeightRegulationsapplytoallworkatheightwherethereisariskofafallliabletocausepersonalinjury.

Theyplacedutiesonemployersandanypersonthatcontrolstheworkofothers(forexamplefacilitiesmanagersorbuildingownerswhomaycontractotherstoworkatheight).

AspartoftheRegulations,DutyHoldersmustensure:▪ Allworkatheightisproperlyplannedand organised.▪ Thoseinvolvedinworkatheightare competent.▪ Therisksfromworkatheightareassessedandappropriateworkequipmentis

selectedandused.▪ Therisksfromfragilesurfacesareproperly controlled.▪ Equipmentforworkatheightisproperlyinspectedandmaintained.

WorkatheightiscoveredfurtherinSection13.4ofthispublication.

1.3 Lifting operations

LiftingoperationsaregovernedbytheLiftingOperationsandLiftingEquipmentRegulations (LOLER). The Regulations aim to reduce risks to people’s health and safetyfromliftingequipmentprovidedforuseatwork.InadditiontotherequirementsofLOLER, liftingequipment is also subject to the requirementsof theProvisionandUseofWorkEquipmentRegulations (PUWER).

Generally,theRegulationsrequirethatliftingequipmentprovidedforuseatworkis:▪ Strongandstableenoughfortheparticularuseandmarkedtoindicatesafeworking

loads.▪ Positionedandinstalledtominimiseany risks.▪ Usedsafely,i.e.theworkisplanned,organisedandperformedbycompetent

people.▪ Subjecttoongoingthoroughexaminationand,whereappropriate,inspectionby

competentpeople.

FurtherinformationonliftingoperationscanbefoundinSection10.3ofthispublication.

1.4 Manual handling operations

1.4.1 Introduction TheseRegulationsmustnotbeconsideredinisolation,butshouldberead inconjunctionwithRegulation3(1)oftheManagementofHealthandSafetyatWorkRegulations,whichrequiresemployerstomakeasuitableandsufficientassessmentoftheriskstothehealthandsafetyoftheiremployeeswhileatwork.

1.4.2 The working environment

Theroadsandroutesaroundthesiteshouldbepreparedinadvanceofthedeliveryoftheprecastunits.Iftheyarenottobeoff-loadedintotheirlayingposition,suitablestackingareasshouldbeprepared.

Areaswhereunitsaremovedorhandledshouldbekeptclearofobstaclesandtrippinghazards.Uneven,slipperyorunstablegroundconditionsincreasetheriskofinjury.

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1.4.3 Training Installersmustbegiveninformationandtrainingonmanualhandlingrisks,theirpreventionandthesystemsofworktobeusedonthatsitetoensuresafemanualhandling.Suitabletrainingwillalsobenecessaryfordesigners,specifiersandthosemanagingcontracts.

1.4.4 Individual capability

Particularconsiderationmustbegiventoemployeeswhoareknowntohaveahistoryofbacktrouble,herniaorotherhealthproblemsthatcouldaffecttheirmanualhandlingcapability.

1.4.5 Health surveillance

Employersshouldconductappropriatehealthsurveillanceinordertoidentifyatanearlystageanyindicationsthattheemployeeissufferinginjuryduetothemanualhandling,therebyenablingfurtherharmtobeprevented.Note: Furtherguidanceandamanualhandlingassessmentchart(MAC)canbefoundatwww.hse.gov.uk/msd(searchfortoolkits).

1.5 Noise at work

TheNoiseatWorkRegulationsplacecertaindutiesonemployers,employees andmanufacturers.Thenoisecreatedbyanyoperationmaybeexcessiveandcouldcauseahealthhazardthatrequiresassessmentandcontrol.Whereverthereisnoiseatworkyoushouldbelookingforalternativeprocesses,equipmentand/orworkingmethodswhichwouldmaketheworkquieterormeanpeopleareexposedforshortertimes.Youshouldalsokeepupwithwhatisgoodpracticeorthestandardfornoise-controlwithinyourindustry,e.g.throughyourtradeassociation,ormachineryorequipmentsuppliers.

Action levels Lowerexposureactionvalue 80dB(A)Upperexposureactionvalue 85dB(A)Exposurelimitvalue 87dB(A)

Employersmust:

o Provideemployeeswithsuitablehearingprotectorsiftheyaskforthem,andtheirnoiseexposureisbetweenthelowerandupperexposureactionvalues;

o Provideemployeeswithsuitablehearingprotectorsandmakesuretheyusethemfullyand

properlywhentheirnoiseexposureexceedstheupperexposureactionvaluesTomakesureprotectorsarewornfully(allofthetimetheyareneeded)andproperly(fittedorinsertedcorrectly)willrequireyoutohavesystemsofsupervisionandtraining.Alsoconsidertheuseofspotchecksandaudits.

1.6 Vibration at work Hand-armvibration isvibrationtransmitted fromworkprocesses intoworkers'handsandarms. Itcantypicallybecausedbyoperatinghand-heldpower toolssuchasportablecutoffsaws.

Regularorfrequentexposuretohighlevelsofvibrationcanleadtopermanentinjury.Thisismostlikelytooccurwhencontactwithavibratingtoolorprocessisaregularpartofaperson'sjob.Occasionalexposureisunlikelytocauseinjury,althoughitshouldbeavoidedbypeoplewithmedicalconditionssuchasRaynaud'sDisease.

Healthandsafetylawrequiresthecompanytoassesstherisktothehealthofemployees,planforitscontrolandmanagetherisk.Thiswillincludeprovisionofsuitableequipment,correctmaintenanceofequipmentandprovidingemployeeswithinformationandtrainingonhealthrisksandsafeuseoftheequipment.

Thedocumentationsuppliedbytheequipmentmanufacturershouldwarnofrisksfromvibration.Regularuseofhand-heldpowertoolsmaygiverisetopotentialrisk.Therisksidentifiedfollowingassessmentcanbecontrolledinmanyways.Adviceandapprovalshouldbesoughtfromacompetentsafetyprofessionalandtheequipmentmanufacturers.ItisthereforerecommendedthattheCompanyshouldassessthelevelofvibrationgeneratedbyhand-heldpowertoolsandminimiseexposuretothisequipmentinlinewithguidance.

1.7 Personal protective equipment at work

1.7.1 Introduction ThePersonalProtectiveEquipmentatWorkRegulationsplacerequirementsontheuseofpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)intheworkplace.

TheHealthandSafetyExecutive(HSE)haspreparedspecificguidanceontheRegulationsafterwidespreadconsultationwithindustry.ReadersshouldrefertotheguidanceontheRegulationsproducedbytheHSE.

TheHSEdocumentcontainsadviceontheselectionofPPE,considersthe differenttypesofPPEavailable,andidentifiessomeoftheprocessesandactivitieswhichmayrequirePPEtobeworn.

1.7.2 Working clothes and personal protective equipment

ThePersonalProtectiveEquipmentatWorkRegulations(PPERegs.)requiretheEmployertoprovidesuitablePPEnecessaryfortheprotectionofOperatives andInstallersengagedintheinstallationofprecastconcreteflooring.TherequirementsforPPEmustbeidentifiedontheGeneralRiskAssessment.

AllOperativesandInstallers,irrespectiveofthenatureofparticularsiteconditions,mustbeprovidedwith,andmustwear,PPEtomeetgeneralneeds,inparticularsafetyfootwear,high-visibilityclothing,abrasion-resistantgloves,weatherproofclothingandsuitableheadprotection.AllPPEmustbeproperlystoredandmaintainedinaccordancewithmanufacturers’recommendations.

Thedistributionandqualityofsuchequipmentaremattersofindividualcompanypolicy.However,allprotectiveequipmentorclothingmustcarrytheCEMark,identifyingtheproductashavingpassedcertainEuropeanStandards,orbeof astandardatleastequaltothatsetbytheappropriateBritishStandard.

Whereverpossible,theCompanyshouldconsidertheviewsandcommentsreceivedfromtheirOperativesandInstallerswhendecidinguponparticulartypesofequipment.ThephysicalstatureofOperativesandInstallersshouldbematchedascloselyas ispracticablebyanyequipment.PPEmustalsobecompatiblewithotherPPEworn, e.g.hearingprotectionwornwithheadprotection.

Thecompanymustensurethatallprotectiveclothingandequipmentisfitforuseandshouldapplyallnecessarymeasurestoensurethattheiremployeesareusingsuchitemsinpropermanner.OperativesandInstallersissuedwithsuchequipmenthaveadutyundertheHealthandSafetyatWorkActtouseandlookafterit.ThecompanymustensurethatOperativesandInstallersreceiveadequateinstructionandtrainingregardingtheproperuse,storage,maintenanceandreplacementofprotectiveequipmentandclothing.

Oncertainsites,theconditions,siterulesormethodofworkingwillnecessitatetheuseofspecialprotectiveclothingandequipment.Certainitemssuchaseyeprotection,respiratoryprotection,earprotectionandsafetyharnessesshouldbecarriedbytheinstallationteamatalltimesandusedastheneedarisesorshouldbemadeavailabletotheinstallationteampriortothecommencementofwork.Theuseofspecificprotectiveequipment,e.g.safetyharnesses,mustbeidentifiedinRiskAssessmentandMethodStatement.

Theusershouldconductdailyinspectionspriortouseofallequipmentand clothingandanyitemsfoundtobemissingordefectiveshouldbenotifiedtotheCompany forimmediatereplacementorrepair.

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1.8 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations TheProvisionandUseofWorkEquipmentRegulations1998(PUWER)laydownimportanthealthandsafetyrequirementsregardingworkequipment.TheprimaryobjectiveofPUWERistoensuretheprovisionofsafeworkequipmentanditssafeuse.ThePUWERRegulationsmakemoreexplicitthegeneraldutiesonemployers,theself-employedandpersonsincontroltoprovidesafeplantandequipment.The PUWERRegulationsmustnotbeconsideredinisolation;inparticular,theyneedtobereadinconjunctionwiththeManagementofHealthandSafetyatWorkRegulations.

Althoughtheprimedutyforensuringhealthandsafetyrestswithemployers,employeesalsohavelegalduties,particularlyunderSections7and8oftheHealthandSafetyatWorketcAct.ThesedutieshavebeensupplementedbyRegulation14of theManagementofHealthandSafetyatWorkRegulations,whichrequirethatemployeesmustcorrectlyuseallworkitemsprovidedbytheiremployerinaccordancewiththetrainingandinstructionstheyreceivedtoenablethemtousetheitemssafely.

1.9 Welfare facilities

Onthemajorityofsites,theprovisionofwelfarefacilitieswillbeonasharedwelfarebasis,wheretheContractorprovidesthenecessaryfacilitiesthatcanbeusedbyOperatives and Installers engaged in the installation of precast concrete units.

Whennoformalwelfarearrangementsexist,theCompanyshouldensurethatthenecessaryfacilitiesareprovidedbywayofanAttendance,basedupontheHealth,SafetyandWelfareAttendances(AppendixA)issuedatquotationstage,oralternatively,theCompanymayprovidefacilitiesforusebyOperativesandInstallers.

Theultimateresponsibilityforensuringthatthefacilitiesareprovided,andthattheyareofastandardequaltothatrequiredbytheCDMRegulations,remainswiththeCompany,andtherefore,theCompany’sRepresentativemustsatisfyhimselfthatthefacilitiesprovided,fromwhateversource,areadequate.

1.10 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

1.10.1 Introduction InordertocomplywiththeControlofSubstancesHazardoustoHealthRegulations,theCompanymustensurethecollectionandissueofup-to-dateinformationonthepotentialhazardsandtoxicityofallmaterialsandsubstancesusedbytheCompanyincarryingoutitssiteactivities,andthecontrolmeasurestobeadopted.

Materialsandsubstancesincludeanythingusedorgenerated,e.g.ready-mixedconcrete,dustfromcuttingoperations,etc.

1.10.2 General procedure

AssessmentsheetsforallproductsusedonsitearetobeissuedtotheCompanyRepresentative.

AllOperativesinvolvedintheuseofthesematerials,e.g.cement, ready-mixedconcrete,etc.shouldbeinstructedonthehazardsfromtheparticularmaterialabouttobeused,willbeinstructedinallnecessaryprecautions,andanyPPErequiredwillbeprovidedandused.Thisequipmentwillbeputintousebeforeanysubstanceis usedonsite.

AllsubstancesreceivedonsiteshouldbestoredinaccordancewiththeinstructionscontainedintheAssessmentSheets,andintheeventofanyspillage, appropriateactionmustbetakentoretrievethematerial,inaccordancewithinstructionscontainedintheAssessmentSheet.TheCompanyRepresentativeshouldmonitor theseprocedures.

Emptycontainersandwastematerialmustbedisposedofinaccordancewiththeapprovedprocedures,asnotedontheAssessmentSheetfortheproductorproductsconcerned.

ThematerialsusedintheinstallationofprecastconcretefloorsaregenerallyoflowtoxicitybutallOperativesmustbemadeawareofthehazardsatalltimesbytheCompany.Checksthatcontrolmeasuresarebeingadheredtoshouldbemade atperiodicintervalsbytheCompanyRepresentative.

CopiesofCOSHHAssessmentsheetsmayformpartoftheCompany’sWorkMethodStatement.

TheCompanyRepresentativeshouldrequesttheContractortosupplydetailsofanyothersubstancesonsitethatcouldaffecttheCompany’semployeesortheirsub-contractors.

1.10.3 Silica dust

Silicaductcanbegeneratedduringallcuttingactivitiesofprecastconcreteunits.ThehierarchyofcontrolintheCOSHHRegulationsmustbefollowedtopreventsilicadustaffectingallpersonsinthevicinity.ControlsandprotectionagainsttheinhalationofsilicadustcanbefoundintheHSEguidancepublicationsCIS36Silica dust andCIS 54Dust control on cut-off saws used for stone or concrete cutting.

1.11 Occupational Health

1.11.1 Introduction Themanagementofhealthisanimportantaspectofsitepractice.Thehealthofthoseinstallingprecastconcretecanbeaffectediftheworkisnotproperlycontrolled.ToassistinmonitoringtheeffectivenessofthecontrolsdescribedinthisCodeofPractice,thefollowingrecommendationsaremaderegardingpre-employmenthealthscreeningandhealthsurveillance.Pleasebeawarethatsomemajorcontractorsareimplementingasystemofidentifyingthoseon-siteworkerswhoareinreceiptofaFittoWorkCertificateforsafetycriticalworkers.

1.11.2 Pre-employment health screening

Pre-employmenthealthscreeningisanessentialrequirementinestablishingthefitnessofapotentialnewemployeeforthetasksthathewillperform.Itisalsonecessarytorecordthehealthstatusofthenewemployeesothatanychangescanbemeasuredduringthecourseoftheiremployment.

Apersonapplyingforasite-basedpositionshouldbeprovidedwithabriefquestionnairetoassisttheCompanyinassessinganypotentialhealthproblemsthatcouldaffecttheirsuitabilitytodothejobthattheyareapplyingfor.Thequestionnaireshouldincludequestionsonthefollowing,butisnotlimitedtothoselistedbelow:▪ Noiseandnoisyenvironments.▪ Dustanddustyenvironments.▪ Skincomplaintssuchasdermatitis.▪ Vibrationandworkwithvibrating tools.

Inaddition,whereapotentialemployeeistoworkinanareawheretheymaycomeintocontactwith,orbeexposedtosubstancesorsituationsthatcouldaffecttheirhealth,theywillbeprovidedwithapre-employmentmedicalexamination.

Inanycase,itisrecommendedthatallnewemployeesareassessedforthefollowing:▪ Audiometry (assessmentofhearingwhereanemployee is likelytoworkwithnoisy

equipment).▪ Lungfunction.▪ Hand-armvibrationassessment (wherethepersonhasreportedsuffering fromthe

problemandwillusevibratingtoolsduringthecourseofemployment).▪ Visiontesting.

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1.11.3 Health surveillance Itisrecommendedthatemployeesundergogeneralhealthsurveillance,undertakenbyasuitablytrained,CompetentPerson,atafrequencytobedeterminedby theemployer’sriskassessmentpolicy.Thiswillallowthecompanytoidentifywhereaperson’shealthhasbeenaffected.Thehealthsurveillanceshouldcoverthefollowing:

Audiometry Wherenoiselevelsexceed80dB(A),thosepersonsexposedshouldbescreened forhearingloss.

Vibration Wherepersonsareexposedtovibrationtotheirhandsandarms,e.g.intheuseofcut-offsaws,etc.thentheyshouldbescreenedfordiseaserelatedtohand-armvibrationsyndrome.Theinitialscreeningcanbecarriedoutusingaself-assessmentquestionnaire,followedupbyspecialistconsultationwherethequestionnaireresultsindicatethatthisisnecessary.

Skin conditions Itisrecommendedthatanypersonwhoislikelytobeexposedtochemicals orsubstancesthatareknowntobecapableofcausingoccupationaldermatitisaresubjecttoregularskininspectionsaspartofthehealthscreeningarrangementsandinadditionaretrainedtorecognisethesymptomsrelatedtooccupationaldermatitis.

Lung function Whereapersonislikelytobeexposedtodustitisrecommendedthatlungfunctiontestsarecarriedoutinaccordancewiththeadvicegivenbyanoccupationalhealthprofessional.

Vision Whereapersonisoperatingorcontrollingmobileplantitisrecommendedthatvisionscreeningiscarriedout.

TherecordsofthesurveillancemustbekeptstrictlyconfidentialinaccordancewithallcurrentlegislationonDataProtection.Accesstotheserecordsislimited,andthepersontowhomtherecordsrelatemustbeaskedfortheirpermissioninwritingbeforeanymedicalreportcanberequestedfromDoctorsandothermedicalpersonnel.Theresultsofthesurveillanceshouldbepassedtoonenominatedindividualwithinthecompanysothattheycanarrangeanychangestoworkpatternorarrangereferraltoanoccupationalhealthphysicianorotherspecialistasrequired.

1.12 Site Safety Audits MembersofthePFFwhoinstallprecastflooringarerequiredtohaveformalSiteSafetyAuditsinaccordancewiththerequirementsofthePFFChartertowhichtheyareasignatory.TheprotocolfortheseSiteSafetyAuditsisbasedonthisPFFCodeofPracticeforthesafeinstallationofprecastconcreteflooringandassociatedcomponentsandisavailablefromthePFF.AuditorsmustbeapprovedbythePFFHealthandSafetyCommittee,whichmaintainsalistofapprovedauditors.AuditresultsshouldbeissuedtotheSecretaryofPFFoncompletion.

2 SAFE WORKING METHOD STATEMENTS AND DAILY PRE-START CHECKS BY A COMPETENT PERSON

2.1 Introduction

SafeWorkingMethodStatementsformpartoftheoverallSafetyManagementSystem,coveringhazardousactivitiessuchastheinstallationofprecastflooringandassociatedcomponents.Theyprovidetheinformationonthearrangementsand,whererequired,theactualsequenceofworknecessarytomanagehealthandsafety.Basicinformationmustbeprovidedandcommunicatedtoallconcernedpartiesattheplanning stage,thusallowingtimeforapprovalormodificationoftheSafeWorkingMethodStatementspriortositeinstallation.

PrecastflooringinstallationissimilarinnatureonmanysitesandthereforeaSafeWorkingMethod Statementwill contain common elements and activities. However,the SafeWorkingMethodStatementsmust takeaccountof specific site conditions/requirements, information from the P r e - Con s t r u c t i o n I n f o rma t i o n a nd t h e C on s t r u c t i o n P h a s e P l a n /Design Risk Assessment,and/orcontractor’ss p e c i f i c requirements.

2.2 Content of Safe Working Method Statements

SafeWorkingMethod Statementsmust be concise but informative and should containthefollowinginformationasaminimum.

Part 1 Management and control

Principal Contractor ThenameoftheContractorinchargeofthesite.

Precast company client Thenameofthesub-contractor/clientofprecastcompany.

Site address Theaddressatwhichtheproposedworkistobecarriedout.

Site manager/agent/ contact

Thepointofcontactatthesite.

Part 2 Description and information (contract, site and plant)

Description of contract Briefdescriptionoftheworktobecarriedout-mayincludethenumberofvisitsthatwillbenecessarytocompletethecontract.

Method of installation and sequence of work

Howtheunitswillbe liftedandpositionedandotherrelevantrequirements. e.g.will proppingbe required andwherewillworkcommence?

Crane type/position Thecranetype(ratingandstyle,tonnage,mobile,tower,outriggerloadingsetc).Generallocationofthecrane,thelocationofanyobstructionsornearbyhazardsincludingoverheadandundergroundservices,voids,tanksetc.

Maximum component weights and crane working radius

Themaximumweight/radius’foreachcomponenttypemustbestatedandanyrecommendationsfromthecranesuppliersmustbeconsidered.

Deliveries and site access

Theformoftransportbywhichthecomponentsaretobedelivered,offloadedandtheaccessandegressrequirements, e.g.hardstandingpreparationandmaintenancerequirements,Howwillvehiclesbemarshalledontoandoffsite.

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Part 3 Stability and bearings

Stability and bearings TheadequacyofbearingsandthePrincipal Contractor’sresponsibilityforcheckingthempriortoworkcommencing.ThePrincipalContractor’sresponsibilityforensuringstabilityandthesequenceof installation.

Part 4 Personnel

Foreman ThenameifknownorastatementallowingtheForemantomakehimselfknownonarrivalatsite.

Slinger/Signaller, (Banksman) Installer

StatementtoconfirmthecompetenceandtrainingofSlinger/SignallerandInstallerswhowillbeinvolvedintheinstallation.

Other site operations/ third parties

Whereco-operationandcoordinationwithothersiteoperations/thirdpartiesisrequired,thismustbestated

Part 5 Health and safety management and control measures

Personal protective equipment

GeneralstatementshowingthatallOperativesandInstallerswillcomplywithcurrent/siterequirements.

Access to work area AsafemeansofaccessandtheContractor’sresponsibilitytosupply.Theuseofscaffolding,temporaryaccess,etc.

Positioning of components

Standardandextraordinarymethodsofpositioningandinstallingcomponents.

Working at heights Statementregardingtheprovisionofhandrailsandothermeansofprotection.

Leading edge protection

Theuseoffallprevention/arrestequipment,e.g.birdcagescaffolding,deckingsystems,safetynets/airbags.Meansofrescuefromthefallenposition.

Welfare facilities Provisionoffacilities,e.g.firstaidandtoilets.

Part 6 Amendments and additional information

Amendments to the Method Statement

Should any part of this Method Statement require amendment or alteration, this must be notified for agreement by all relevant parties prior to it being enforced.

2.3 Communication of the Safe Working Method Statement TheSafeWorkingMethodStatementmustbesubmittedtotheContractorforreviewandapproval.WherechangesaremadethesemustberecordedandtheappropriateamendedcopysenttotheContractor.Onceapprovedandsigned,theContractorscopymustbeaddedtotheConstructionPhasePlan.ThecurrentSafeWorkingMethodStatementmustbesuppliedwiththeWorkingDrawingsfortheinstallationcrewtouseduringtheinstallationphase.TheForemanmustmonitortheadequacyoftheSafeWorkingMethodStatement.Anyvariationsaretobereviewed/approvedandrecordedfollowingliaisonwiththeCompanyandtheContractor.AnyVariationsaretobecommunicatedtopersonnelundertakingthework.

2.4 Additions to the Safe Working Method Statement

TheSafeWorkingMethodStatementmaybesupplementedbyattachingand/orreferringtootherdocuments,forexample:▪ Companysitesafetybooklets.▪ Companyprocedures,forexample,thoseregardinghandlingand storage.▪ CranePlanningScheduleandLift Plan.▪ Companyrepresentativereports.▪ Riskassessments.▪ AddendumstotheSafeWorkingMethod Statement.▪ Specificationsandcertificationofplantandequipment, etc.

▪ PrecastFlooringFederationCodeofPractice,AttendancesandInformation Sheets.▪ CodeofPracticefortheSafeInstallationofStructuralandArchitecturalPrecastConcrete▪ TheHealthandSafetyPlan.

This list isnotexhaustiveandthe levelof information/inclusionwillvaryanddependsonthenatureofthecontrac t .

2.5 Special considerations InformationmustbesuppliedbytheContractortothePrecastCompanyfollowingconsiderationofplanning,deliveryandaccess(suchasschools)andenvironmentalaspects,andofspecialhazards,e.g.contaminatedland,proximityhazards,etc.InformationmustbesuppliedtoPrecastCompanyRepresentativesandotherswhomaybeaffected.

2.6 Pre-start daily checks

ThePrecastCompanymustensurethatpriortoanyworkcommencingapre-startcheckhasbeencompletedandsignedoffbyaCompetentPerson.Thiscoversthefollowingareas:▪ Craneandliftingrequirements.▪ Workatheight.▪ Structuralstability.▪ Groundconditions.▪ Proximityhazards.▪ Welfarefacilities.

ThePrecastCompanyshouldensurethattheCompetentPerson/SiteRepresentativeismadefullyawareoftheneedtocheckandsignofftheaboveonthedayofthevisittosite.

AnyproblemsfoundshouldbereportedtotheCompanyandtheContractor’sSiteRepresentative.

2.7 Supply only

In thecaseofa supply-onlycontract,guidanceshouldbe taken fromthemanufacturer.Installationofthecomponentsshouldbeinstalledbypersonswiththenecessaryskills,knowledge,trainingandexperiencetoundertakethetasksafely.

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3 TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION 3.1 Introduction

ThePFFiscommittedtoensuringthatallInstallersinvolvedininstallationactivitiescarriedoutbyitsmembercompaniesarecompetent.Thisincludesensuringa goodunderstandingoftheobjectivesofthisPFFCode of Practice for the safe installation of precast concrete flooring and associated components.TheCompanyshoulddeterminetheleveloftraininganindividualhasachievedandshouldprovidetraining,instructionandrefreshertrainingasrequired.

3.2 Scope

ThetrainingthatappliestoTrainees,Installers,Foremen,SupervisorsandPrecastDesigners.

3.3 Responsibility

Employershavearesponsibilityundermanyregulationstoprovideappropriatetrainingfortheiremployeesandensurethattheirsub-contractorshavereceivedtheappropriatetraining.

Section2oftheHealthandSafetyatWorkActimposesageneraldutyon everyemployertoprovideasmuchinformation,instruction,trainingandsupervisionasisnecessarytoensure,sofarasisreasonablypracticable,thehealthandsafetyatworkoftheiremployeesandsub-contractors.

ItistheresponsibilityoftheCompanyemployingtheindividual(s)toensurethattheyhave,orareintheprocessofobtainingtheappropriateskills,knowledgeexperienceandtrainingintheinstallationofprecastconcreteproducts,forthemtocarryoutthetasksallocatedtothemandforensuringthatfullrecordsofanytrainingprovidedarekeptsecurely.TheCompanyshould(a)assesstheexistinghealthandsafetyskills,knowledge,trainingandexperienceoftheirworkers.(b)comparetheseexistingattributeswiththeskills,knowledge,trainingandexperiencetheywillneedforthejob.Identifyanyshortfallbetween(a)and(b),thedifferencebetweenthetwowillbethenecessarytrainingrequired.

3.4 General procedure

AllpersonnelaretobetrainedgenerallyinaccordancewiththeLevel2NVQCertificateinErectionofPrecastConcrete(Flooring)orsimilarapprovedprecastconcretescheme.Theextentoftheemployee’strainingwilldependuponthepositionheldwithinthePFFmembercompany.

3.5 Training

ThetrainingofpersonnelatalllevelsistobecarriedoutbyCompetentPersons orapprovedtrainingorganisations(e.g.CPCS/CITB/Othertrainingproviders).Coursesmayincludethoseinthefollowinglist,whichisnotexclusive.▪ Sitesafetyawareness.▪ Manualhandling.▪ Poweredcut-offsawandabrasivewheel operation.▪ Workatheight/workatheight equipment.▪ ThisPFFCodeofPracticeforthesafeinstallationofprecastconcreteflooringand

associatedcomponents.

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▪ Slinger,Signaller.▪ CraneSupervisor(BS7121).▪ AppointedPerson(BS7121).▪ MEWP(mobileelevatedworkplatform)scissorandboomoperation.▪ Forklift/tele-handleroperation.▪ Passivefall installation.▪ CDMRegulations2015.▪ Towerscaffold.

InadditionitisrecommendedthateachteamofInstallershaseitherasuitablyqualifiedpersontoadministeremergencyaidorafullyqualifiedFirstAider.Theemployer’sdutytoprovidefirstaidissetoutinRegulation3(1)oftheHealthandSafety(First-Aid)Regulations“Anemployershallprovide,orensurethatthereareprovided,suchequipmentandfacilitiesasareadequateandappropriateinthecircumstancesforenablingfirstaidtoberenderedtohisemployeesiftheyareinjuredorbecomeillatwork”.

Note: Theneedforre-trainingmustberegularlymonitored;noemployeecanremembereverything,especiallyif it isnotaneverydaypartoftheindividual’swork.Theneedforre-training isanessentialrequirementtosatisfactorilymeettherequirementsofthecurrentRegulations.Re-trainingrequirementscanbemonitoredbyexpirydatesoncertificatesofachievementorbyperiodicassessmentofindividualsfollowedbyrefreshertraining.

TrainingistheresponsibilityofthecompanyemployingtheInstallerandotherOperatives.

3.6 Certification/competency TrainedandcompetentOperativesshouldholdthefollowingcompetency cardsinaccordancewiththeconstructionSkillsCompetencyScheme(CSCS)and theConstructionPlantCompetencyScheme(CPCS):▪ CSCSPrecastConcreteInstaller(IndustryAccreditationA)card.▪ CPCSSlingerSignallercard.

OperativeswhohavenotachievedthesecardsshouldreceiveappropriatetrainingandcarryoutthefollowingNVQs,whichwillenablethemtoachievetheappropriatecompetencycard:▪ NVQinPrecastConcrete Installation(flooring).▪ NVQinSlingerSignalling.

4 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Installingprecastconcretefloorsisahigh-riskactivity,whichusuallyinvolvesOperativesandInstallersworkingatheightsandtheuseofcranes.ToassistEngineers, P r i n c i p a l D e s i g n e r s , DesignersandContractorsinmeetingtherequirementsoftheCDMRegulations, thefollowingdetailedinformationisprovidedtoassistinco-ordinatingdesignstoachievesafeinstallation.InthetextthatfollowsthePrecastDesignerisnottheBuildingDesigner

4.1 The existing environment

Thefollowingaspectsshouldbeinvestigated;aspartoftheplanningprocedure▪ Thesizesandweightsofthecomponentswilldeterminethemethodofoff-loading

andplacingtheunits.▪ Theprecastunitsareusuallydeliveredtositeonarticulatedlorries;narrowroadsor

restrictedaccessmaynecessitatetheuseofrigid lorries.▪ Pedestrian and traffic management measures need to be considered, especially if

thedelivery lorriesareoff-loaded fromthepublichighway. In thiscase theContractormustensurethatanyactionstakencomplywiththeRoadsandStreetworksAct.▪ TheContractorshouldconsidertheTrafficManagementPlan,othertradesand

deliveries,andplanadequatearrangementsforoffloadingpositionsandfallprotectionequipmentaroundvehicles.▪ Accesstotheworkareamustbeprovidedandsuitablymaintainedforcranesand

lorries.Anadequatedesignforhardstandingmustbeprovidedandmaintainedtosafelysupporttheloadsimposedby thecrane’soutriggers.▪ Safeaccesstotheworkareaforsiteoperatives,plantandequipmentmustbe

providedandsuitablymaintainedinordertominimisetheinteractionwithsitetraffic,vehiclemovementsandtoreducetheriskofslips,tripsorfallsoccurringduetogroundconditions.▪ Excavations,undergroundservices,drains,waterattenuationtanksand

basementsareahazardandstrengtheningmayberequired.▪ Thepresenceofpower lines, railwaytracks, treesoroverheadstructuralobstructions

mayhindertheoperationof cranes.▪ Onrestrictedsitesitmaybenecessaryforloadstobeliftedoveradjacentlandand

buildings.Inthesecircumstances,permissionmustbegainedtooperatewithintheairspaceofthirdpartiesinconjunctionofafullriskassessment.Allsiterestrictionsandpartialorfullevacuationsmustbeplannedandagreedin advance.

4.2 Design and planning TheRegulationsrequirethatadesigner’scompetencehastobeconsideredin thelightofhealthandsafety.MembersofthePFFcandemonstratetheirexperienceandcompetenceinthedesignandmanufactureofprecastflooring.

Particularattentionmustbegivenwhereunitsmayneedtobetiltedortwistedintoposition(ontoledgeranglesorsimilar).TheBuildingDesignerandPrecastDesignermustassessthesuitabilityandadequacyofsupports.Carefulconsiderationmustbegiventoensurethatthereissufficientclearancetoplacetheunitwhilststillachievingtheminimumendbearingrequiredwhentheunitisinitsfinalposition.

ToassistthePrecastDesigner,thefollowinginformationshouldbeprovidedatTenderStage:▪ Pre-tenderstageHealthandSafetyPlan.▪ Designloadsincludingfinishesandimposed loads.▪ Drawingsshowingthesupportingstructurefortheprecastunitsanddirectionofspan.▪ Phasingorsequencingoftheworks.▪ Siteandservicesplan.

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4.2.1 Information following order Whenanorder isplaced for theprecast concreteunits, theContractor shouldprovidethePrecastFlooringCompanywiththefollowing information:▪ AnyrelevantamendmentstotheConstructionPhasePlan.▪ Fullydimensioned‘ConstructionIssue’drawings,detailingthesupportingstructure

forthefloorsandanyotheraspectsthatmayaffectthefloordesignandinstallation.▪ Loadings,includingtypeandlocationofpartitions,typesoffinish, etc.▪ Positionandsizesofallholes,notchesorrebatesrequiredinthe flooring.▪ Siteandservicesplan(ifnotprovidedattender stage).▪ Provisionalsequencingandprogrammedates.▪ Whereworkinginthevicinityofrailtracks,undergroundrailwaylines,orenergy

supplystructuressuchaspowercables,allpermissionsthatarerequiredfromtheownersorcontrollersoftherelevant infrastructurearetobegiven inadvance,alongwithanyspecialinstructionsforthesafeinstallationofthe works.▪ Informationonthelocationofanynearbyschools,orotherestablishmentswhichcould

placerestrictionsondeliverytimes,workingtimes,orcouldposeissueswithaccessforcertaintypesofdeliveryvehicles.▪ Anypertinentgroundconditionse.g.accessroads,crane hardstandings.

4.2.2 Stability of the structure

Designersmusttakeintoaccountthestabilityofthestructureduringtheinstallationofprecastcomponents:▪ Considerationshouldbegivenattheplanningstagetoallowfortheremoval,prior

totheinstallationofthecomponents,ofoverheadobstructions,suchaspurlins,bracingsormainbeams(wherespanschangeatthelevelabove)thatarelikelytofoulorhinderthecraneboomorsuspended load.▪ Precastcomponentsareheavy.Bearingsmustbeadequateandberobustenoughto

withstandnormalunitfixingoperationsincludinglandingand barring.▪ Lintelsorsteelbeamsmustbesecurelyfixedandhaveadequatesafebearingat

eachendtoavoidoverturning,excessivedeflection,orcollapsewhentheprecastunitsareplaced.▪ Considerationmustbegiventotheunequalloadingofunrestrainedwalls,lintelsor

steelbeamswhenprecastunitsarebeing placed.▪ Thepracticeofinstallingprecastunitsontotemporarybearingsmustbeavoided

whereverpossible.▪ Incaseswheretheuseoftemporarybearingsisunavoidabletheymustbedesigned

andinstalledbyaCompetentPerson(providedbythe Contractor).

4.3 Construction phase

The installationof precast concreteunits shouldbeundertakenonlyby competent†Precast Installerswithknowledgeof theproductandmethodsofinstallation.MembersofthePFFonlyemployPrecast Installerswhohave the necessary sk i l l s , knowledge , t ra in ing and exper ience (o r who are in the process o f obta in ing them).

TheContractormustensurethatthePFFStandardHealth,SafetyandWelfareAttendanceshavebeenprovided.

Installingprecastconcretefloorsisahigh-riskoperationandshouldnotbeundertakenwithouttheprovisionofajob-specificmethodstatementandriskassessments,whichshouldaddresssomeorallofthefollowingactivities:

† CDM 2015 places duties on Contractors and Principal Contractors to ensure the individuals they employ or appoint to carry out the work have the skills, knowledge, training and experience to carry out the work they will be employed to do in a way that secures the health and safety for anyone working on the site. This duty will also extend to the Precast Company engaged in the supply and/or installation of flooring or precast components.

▪ Slips,tripsandfalls.▪ Manualhandling.▪ Workingatheightswithriskofpersonnel/objectsfalling.▪ Workingwithcranes.▪ Handlingorcuttingconcreteproducts.▪ Workingwithwetconcrete/mortar.

TheContractormustensurethatothertradesandthepublicarekeptoutoftheworkingareacoveredbycranesusedforinstallingtheprecastunits.

AmajorconsiderationfortheBuildingDesignerandContractorshouldbethestabilityofthestructureduringtheinstallationoftheprecastconcreteunits.Timemustbeallowedformasonrymortartomaturesufficientlytoachieveadequatestrengthandstiffness(specialconsiderationmustbegiventoretardedmortar).

TheBuildingDesignermustgiveconsiderationtotheprovisionofadequate wallthickness,particularlywheresharedbearingsoccuronlightweightmasonryblocks.

TheBuildingDesignerandthePrecastDesignermustgiveconsiderationtotheproposedsequenceofconstructionandtheeffectsofanytemporaryremovalofpartsofthestructuretofacilitatethesafeinstallationoftheprecastunits.

Aperiodofcuringtimeinaccordancewiththemanufacturers’recommendationsshouldbeallowedforagroutedfloortomaturepriortoloadingoutwithmaterials,whichshouldnotexceedtheloadforwhichthefloorhasbeendesigned.Advice andapprovalshouldbesoughtfromtheCompanypriortothestorageofunfixedmaterialsonthefloorsbyfollowingtrades.††

4.4 Lifting, placing and safe handling of units

Installationofprecastflooringcomponentsisacknowledgedtobeapotentiallyhighriskactivity,asitinvolvestheuseofheavyplant,cranesandpersonnelworkingatheight.ThisCodeofPracticeis,therefore,usedasthebasisforthetrainingofInstallers,Foremenandsupervisorstoensurethatallhavetheskills,knowledge,trainingandexperiencetocarryouttheirrolesinasafemanner.

Asaprimeconsiderationatthedesignstage,theBuildingDesignerandthe Companymustpayattentiontotheon-sitepracticesofhandlingprecastunitsandtheirinstallationsequence.

Areasofprecastunits,bothcollectivelyandindividually,mustbesodesignedanddetailedastoallowforadequateandsafehandling,includingsafemeansofremovingliftingtackleafterunitshavebeenplaced.

Particularattentionmustbegivenwhereunitsmayneedtobetiltedortwistedintoposition(ledgeranglesorsimilar).TheBuildingDesignerandPrecastDesigner mustassessthesuitabilityandadequacyofsupports.Carefulconsiderationmustbegiventoensurethatthereissufficientclearancetoplacetheunitwhilststillachievingtheminimumendbearingrequiredwhentheunitisinitsfinalposition.

TheBuildingDesignermustensurethatallworkingdrawingsandspecificationsconveyanyspecialdesignrequirementstotheInstaller,suchasspecialfixingtechniquesorsequenceofwork,ortemporarymeasures,e.g.braces,props.ThisinformationshouldbeincorporatedontotheInstaller’sdrawingsbythePrecastDesigner.

Cantileversdonotusuallypresent aproblemas longas theyare installed in accordancewiththemanufacturer’s instructiondrawing.However, ifunitsaretobeinstalledtoacantileveredareaofflooring,thenthedesign,andworkingdrawings,mustpayattentiontocounterbalances,andthesequenceinwhichthesearetobeinstalled.Anyproppingthatmaybenecessaryduringconstructionmustalsobeclearlyindicatedontheinstallationdrawings(includingatwhatstageintheinstallationprocess)andmustbedesignedandinstalledbyCompetentPersonsprovidedbytheContractor.

Thecantileverendofanyprecastmembermustalsobedistinctlymarkedontheunittoavoidincorrectfixing.

††Inthecaseofconventionalgrouts,aminimumof72hourscuringtimeshouldbeallowed.

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4.5 Installation of precast concrete flooring onto steelwork Thefollowingshouldbeconsideredwheninstallingontosteelwork:� Allsteelworkmustbefullysecuredpriortoinstallinganyflooringunits.Thisincludesall

steelworkthatisaboveormayriskbeingcontactedbyanyliftingequipmentoraccessoriesforlifting.

� Thesteelworkshallbedesignedtoresistlateraltorsionalbucklingduringtheconstructionphase.Thiscanoccurwhenonlyonesideofthebeamisloadedout.

� Theminimumbearinglengthsinaccordancewiththerecommendationssetoutintherelevantdesignstandardsmustbemetatalltimes.

� Toallowformanufacturingandconstructiontolerancesitisrecommendedthattheminimumbearinglengthprovidedis75mm.

� Whereflooringunitsaretobeinstalledonshelfangleswithinbeamsorwithinaslimfloorsystem,theendsshouldbesuitablytreatedtofacilitatethesafeinstallation.Thiscanbeachievedvianotchedendsorslopingends.

� Thelengthoftheunitsshouldbedesignedtoallowa25mmclearancegapbetweentheendoftheunitandthesupportingsteelwork.

� Whereshearstudsforcompositeactionorprogressivecollapserequirementsareprovidedthenthebearinglengthshallbeadjustedaccordingly.

� Temporarybracingtothesteel frameshouldbeconsideredtoaccountforthe lackof floordiaphragmactionwhilsttheinfillconcretebetweentheunitsandatthebearingendsisbeingplacedwithadequatetimeallowedforittocurebeforeremovingit.

� Thebearingsurfacesshouldbeclean,levelandfreeofdebris.

4.6 Installation of precast concrete floors onto masonry The following good practice applies to all types of masonry used in construction of cavity walls:

� In all installations where traditional mortar is used and where the inner leaf of the cavity is less than 190 mm thick, (Less than 140mm in the case of clay block structural walling and thin joint systems) it is strongly recommended that the outer leaf is constructed to within 225 mm of the bearing height of the inner leaf. This is so that maximum stability can be achieved during the construction phase (Figure 4.1).

Figure 4.1 Relative height of inner and outer masonry leaves.

Max.225mm Greater

than225mm

Lintelbearsontofullwidthblocks

Blockssplitatbearinglevel

Perp.jointsstaggeredbyatleast75mm

Jointsincorrect,resultinginlinethroughwhichfailurecouldoccur

▪ TheguidancenotescoveredinFigures4.2to4.5regardinglintelsand steelworkshouldalsobeobserved.▪ Wheretheinnerleafisconstructedfromaminimum140mmthick,thin-jointmasonry

systems:*• Thestrengthoftheblockworkandtheoveralltemporarystabilitymustbe

checkedbytheEngineerwhoisresponsiblefortheoverallproject.• Amaximumof2storeysisconstructedatanyonetimebeforetheouterleafis

installed,withamaximumof4storeysoverall.• Theheightoftheblockworkisnogreaterthan2.7mforeachstorey.• Generally,unrestrainedwallsshouldbe limitedtoamaximumlengthof6m.▪ ConsiderationshouldbegivenandapprovalsoughtfromtheEngineerto confirm

thatdueconsiderationhasbeengiventothemoreonerousforcesduringtheconstructionphasewhilstpositioningheavyprecastcomponents.▪ Thetopbearingcourseshouldbeconstructedwithfullblocksandnotcut or

coursingblocksunlesstheflooringsystemisspecifiedusingcoursingblocksas partofthesystem.Guidanceshouldbesoughtfromthesupplierofthemasonryontheavailabilityofanduseofcoursing blocks.▪ Innernon-loadbearingwallsshouldbeleftatleastonecoursedowntoassistwiththe

positioningoftheflooringsystemintheconstruction phase.▪ Withallmortarsandthinjointadhesives/proprietarymortars,sufficientcuringtime

aspermanufacturinginstructionsmustbeallowedsothatthesupportingstructureachievessufficientstrength.Careshouldbetaken,especiallyininclementweatherconditions,intheuseofretardedandlimemortar.Referenceshouldbemadetothemanufacturer'sdatasheetonthemortarproduct.▪ Pressedsteellintelsmustbeinstalledinaccordancewiththelintelmanufacturer’s

recommendations.Theyshouldbebeddedontoafullblockandthe blockworkshouldbesetouttoavoidverticaljointsliningupinadjacentcourses(Figure4.2).▪ Thin-jointmasonryandclayblockstructuralwallingsystemsareavailable.However,

theiruse is subjecttostrictstabilitychecksbythePrincipalDesignerandEngineerwithinputfromtheblockmanufacturer.Barringofprecastfloorelementsshouldnotbepermittedonthin-jointmasonrysystemsunlessapprovedbythePrincipaldesigner.

Figure 4.2 Useofblocksaboveandbelowlintels

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▪ Pressedsteellintelsoveropeningsof900mmoraboveshouldbepre-propped topreventthelintelfromdeflectingandrotatingduringtheconstructionphase(Figure4.3).Thisrequirementis in linewiththesteel lintelmanufacturer’sguidelines.This propping is not necessarily required for standard concrete lintels.

▪ Lintelsshouldbedesignedwith theconstructionphaseloadinginmind,asthistypeoflinteldoesnotachievefullloadcapabilityuntilconstructioniscomplete.

Figure 4.3 Proppingofsteellintels

▪ Steelsectionlintelsshouldbefirmlysecuredbythecontractortopadstonessetonto

theblockwork.Tiesdownthewallshouldbeusedinvulnerableconditionssuchasisolatedpiers.Whereitwillbeloadedunequally,thelintelmayrequireadditionaltemporarysupporttopreventrotationduringtheinstallationofprecastfloorunits(Figure4.4).

Figure 4.4 Fixingsteeltopadstonessetonblockwork

▪ Isolatedsteelsmustbefixedandtemporaryproppingshouldalsobe incorporated

wherethe‘fixed’steelbeamsarelikelytotorsionallydeflectduringinstallationoftheprecastfloorunits(Figure4.5).Fixingsshouldnothindertheinstallationandthedesignshouldbecheckedfortemporaryloadingtoavoidtorsionalcollapseduringtheconstructionphase.

Figure 4.5 Fixingofisolatedsteels

Fixedandpropped Rotatingduetolackoftorsionalrestraint

Propinnerleaf

▪ Allwalltiesmustbeinplaceandinstalledinaccordancewiththerelevantstandards

orcode.▪ Narrowsectionsofwalls(lessthan900mm)orpiersshouldbegivenspecial

considerationasthesecanbeweakpointsduringtheconstructionphase.TheBuildingDesignermayneedtoconsideradditionaltemporary support.▪ Thebearingsurfaceshouldbeclean,levelandfreefrommortar snots.▪ Whereaninternalloadbearingwallintersectswithotherloadbearingwalls,thejoints

mustbefullybondedortied in.▪ Beforeinstallingfloorsonloadbearingwallslessthan190mmwide,temporary

proppingorothermeansofbearingenhancementshouldbeemployed,designedandinstalledbyCompetentPersons(otherthantheflooringInstaller).Timberrunnersshouldbepositionedapproximately5mmbelowbearinglevelandintightcontactwitheachsideofthewalltoprovidefulllateralsupport(Figure4.6).Theproppingarrangementandtimberrunnersshouldalsobedesignedto increasebearingwidthandcarrythefloorreactionintheeventofabearingfailure.

Figure 4.6 Supportforwalllessthan190mmwide

▪ Wheninstallingfloorsonloadbearingwallslessthan190mmwide(Figure4.7):

• BearingplatetobelaidonamortarbedbyMainContractorbeforeinstallationofprecastslabs.

• Blockworktobebuilt20mmloweratbearingplatelocationstoallowformortarbedandbearingplate depth.

• Flooringunitsmustbeinstalledonalternatebays.• When landingonabearingplate, installermustensurethat theslab is landedoncentreofbearingplate.

• Shorterspantobeinstalledfirst.

Figure 4.7 Fixingfloortowalllessthan190mmwide

Lateralrestrainttotopofwall

Timberrunner

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20mm

200mm

200mm

Blockworktobelaid20mmlower

Bearingplatedetailwhereslabssharea140mmwall

Bearingplatetobelaidon20mmmortarbed

140-190mm

Typicalsectiondetail

100mm

100mm

150mm

150mm

50mm

1000mm

PlanSection

500mm500mm

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4.6.1 General notes for the Building Designer Cement mortars –allow3to7daysformasonrymortartocurebeforeloadingout

Lime and retarded mortars –alwayscheckcuringtimeswithmanufactureror supplier.

Withallmortarsandthinjointadhesives/proprietarymortars,sufficientcuringtimeaspermanufacturinginstructionsmustbeallowedsothatthesupportingstructureachievessufficientstrength.Careshouldbetaken,especiallyininclementweatherconditions,intheuseofretardedandlimemortar.Referenceshouldbemadetothemanufacturer'sdatasheetonthemortarproduct.

4.7 Imposed loads during the construction phase

Inadditiontotheself-weightofthefloorunits,otherloadsmaybeimposedduringtheinstallationoperation.Theseloadsmustbeanticipatedatthedesignstageand beconsideredwhenselectingunittypesandlayouts.

Withbeamandblocksystems,theweightofblocksbeingloadedforinstallationmustbeassessed,andanyprohibitions,orspecialrequirementstoaccommodatesuchloads,mustbeclearlyindicatedbythePrecastDesigner.

Whenscreedsorstructuraltoppingsarerequired,theimposedloadsmustbeanticipatedbyboththeBuildingDesignerandthePrecastDesignerandspecialprovisionsclearlynoted.

Designloadingsforthefloorarestatedonthedrawingsandmustnotbeexceededduringtheconstructionworks.ApprovalshouldbesoughtfromtheCompanypriortothestoragebyfollowingtradesofunfixedmaterialsonfloors.

4.8 Stability of supporting structure during installation

Thestabilityofthesupportingstructuresmustnotbeadverselyaffectedbytheinstallationofprecastflooringandcomponents,includingtemporarystackingonthefloors.

Iftheremovalofanystructuralmemberisnecessarytofacilitatetheinstallation,structuralstabilitymustbemaintainedandtheBuildingDesignermustliaisewithrelevantEngineers,ContractorsandSub-contractors.TheContractorisresponsiblefortheremovalandreplacementoperations,bywayofanAttendance,toensurethesafeinstallationoftheprecastunits.

Where itcanbeanticipatedthatstabilitywillnotbeguaranteed,as inthecaseoftemporarilyproppedor jackedfloors, a safe systemofworkmustbedeveloped tokeepthestructurewithinthesafelimitsallowable.

Thefollowingmustalsobeconsidered:▪ AlltemporaryworksmusthavebeencorrectlydesignedandinstalledbyCompetent

PersonsprovidedbytheContractor,priortothePrecastCompanyarrivingonsite.▪ Whendesigningbearings,considerationmustbegiventothestandardmethod

offixingprecastconcretecomponents,particularlythemethodoffinalalignment.Constructionloadingarrangements/forcesmaybemoreonerousthanthefinalworkingcondition.TheBuildingDesignermusttakeintoaccountmanufacturingandconstructiontolerancestoensureminimumbearingsareachieved.▪ TheBuildingDesignermustundertakeanassessmentoftheriskslikelytooccur

duringinstallationoftheprecastflooring/componentandanypotentialinstabilityissuesrelatingtothesupportingstructure.AdviceandapprovalmaybesoughtfromthePrecastDesigneronthesematters.

4.8.1 Handrails to stairs and landings ItisconsideredgoodpracticefortheBuildingDesignertospecifyatypeofhandrailandthemethodoffixingthehandrailtoastairflightandlandingbeforetheflightorlandingisliftedintoitsfinalposition.

Theinstallationofthehandrailwillthereforebecarriedoutfromasaferposition,i.e.groundlevelonsite,avoidingtheneedtoworkatheight,andthestairscanthenbeimmediatelyusedforsafeaccesstodifferentlevels.However,itisrecognisedthatthisisnotalwaysachievable.Whereothermethodsareusedtheymustmitigaterisksandachieveasafesystemofwork.

The Contractor should undertake careful planning at pre-contract and design stage.The Contractor should liaisewith the Precast Installer/PrecastDesigner and considerthefollowingpointstoensurethatthespecifiedmethodispracticalandagreearrangementswiththeother parties:▪ Canthestairsandlandingsbesafelyloweredintopositionwiththehandrails

attached?▪ Canthehandrailsbeadequatelysecuredforsafeliftinginto position?▪ Willthehandrailsontheinstalledunitsclashwithanysubsequentfallprotection

requiredathigherlevels?▪ Contractor toarrangeworkso that it is carriedout to theagreedsequence

ofinstallation.▪ Contractortocoordinateothertradestobeinattendanceas required,

i.e.Scaffolder.▪ PositionoffixinganddesignoffixingforhandrailstobeagreedwiththePrecast

Designer.▪ Contractortoensurethat,afterfillingofanyholes,theconcretefinishhasbeen

agreedwiththeappropriateBuildingDesigner/Specifier.

4.9 The Health and Safety File

▪ ThePrecastCompanywillprovide‘asinstalled’drawingsatcompletionoftheinstallation,showinganychangesfromtheoriginalfloorlayout.Thereafter,theContractorwillberesponsibleforrecordingdeparturesfromtheasinstalled drawings.▪ Theflooringlayoutdrawingswilldetailtheloadsforwhichthefloorshavebeen

designed.▪ CareshouldbeexercisedtoensurethatduringboththeConstructionPhaseand

duringthelifeofthebuilding,thedesignloadsarenotexceededandthatfurtherholesorchasesarenotmadeintheflooringwithoutreferencetotheCompany.▪ Ondemolition,adviceandapprovalshouldbesoughtfromaCompetentPerson,

withaccesstotheHealthandSafety File.

4.10 Other construction methods

ThePFFacknowledgesthattherearemanyotherModernMethodsofConstructionthatarenotconsideredaspartofthisCodeofPractice.Advicerelatingtoanyother formsofconstructionnotcoveredcanbeobtainedfromthePFFTechnicalCommittee.

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5 CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES 5.1 Attendances

Theflooringsub-contractorwillprovidetheContractorwithacopyofthePFFHealth,SafetyandWelfareAttendances(whichformAppendixAtothisCodeofPractice),attachedtotheCompany’squotation.These,togetherwithanyadditionalspecificrequirementsnecessitatedbythenatureofthesiteorcontractworks,aretobeprovidedbytheContractor.

TheContractormustalsomaintainandupgradetheseattendanceitemstocompensatefordeteriorationthroughusageandweather.

5.2 Management of construction works

TheContractormustfamiliarisethemselveswiththesafetyaspectsofprecastconcreteinstallationworksbyreadingthisCodeofPracticeandtakingnoteofissuesraisedbytheCompanyRepresentativeduringthepre-startsitevisit.

TheContractorisresponsibleforensuringthatguidancewithinthisCodeofPracticeisincorporatedintoworksbyothertradesand,wherenecessary,theguidanceoftheBuildingDesignerandotherspecialistsuppliers/sub-contractorsisincorporatedintotheworks.

5.3 Prevention of damage to precast units

TheContractorisdeemedtoacceptresponsibilityfortheprotectionofprecastunitsfromthetimewhenthephysicalinstallationofthesub-contractworks,oranysectionthereof,hasbeencompleted,unlessotherwiseagreed.

AnygroutingshouldbecarriedoutinaccordancewithSection12.3.2.Atthe timewhentheprecastflooringinstallersleavethesite,thegrouting(whereapplicable)willgenerallybeinan‘uncured’condition.Whilstthegroutisnotalwaysstructural,itisrecommendedthataminimumcuringperiodof72hoursshouldbeallowed.Duringthistimethefloormayrequireweatherprotection,theprovisionofsuchprotectionbeingtheresponsibilityoftheContractor.

Inmostcases,damagesustainedtoflooringunitsiscausedbyimpactduring theprogressionoffollowingtrades.Otherdamagethatfrequentlyoccursiscausedbycuttinganddrillingtheprecastconcreteunits;thismustnothappenwithoutfirstconsultingtheCompany.

5.4 Handrailing to precast stair units

TheContractorisresponsiblefortheupkeep,adaptationandfinalremovalofthehandrailingtoensurethatprotectionismaintainedforallsubsequentoperations.

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6 COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE’S ROLE

Priortoanyinstallationwork,theCompanyRepresentativewillvisitthesitetoidentifyanysite-specifichazardsandestablishasafesystemofworkinagreementwiththeContractor.

6.1 Agreed sequence of installation

TheCompanyRepresentativewillliaisewiththeContractoratthesitetoagreethesequenceinwhichprecastflooringunitsaretobeinstalledwithreferencetobuildingplotnumbers,floorlevels,buildingtypes,gridreferences,etc.Shoulditbenecessaryfortheinstallationsequencetobevaried,forwhateverreason,thisshouldbeimplementedonlyafterreferencetotheCompany,ContractorandBuildingDesigner,andafterallsafetyrequirementshavebeensatisfied.Ifdeemednecessary,theSafeWorkingMethodStatementshouldbeamendedbyanaddendumtocovertherevisionagreed.

6.2 Method of lifting

TheCompanywillprovidetheAppointedPersonforliftingoperations. Unlessotherwiseagreed,theywillbechosenaccordingtotraining,knowledge andexperience.Ifnecessary,inliaisonwithcranehirerepresentatives,theCompanyRepresentativewilldecideuponthetypeofliftingplantandequipmentto beemployedintheinstallationofeachspecificcontract,takingintoaccounttheweightofcomponentstobelifted,theradiusoflifting,andanyspecialhandlingrequirements.

TheContractorandtheAppointedPersonwilldiscussandadviseuponthetype andsizeofdeliverylorriesandcraneage,inorderthattheContractorwillmakeprovisionforadequateaccessandhardstandings,orotherfacilitiesthatmayberequiredtoaccommodatedeliveryandliftingequipment.

TheAppointedPersonmustalsobringtotheattentionoftheContractoranyfactorslikelytohindertheliftingoperations,e.g.aerialobstructions,proximityhazards,stackedmaterialsorearthworks,inorderthatasafesystemofworkand/orcontrolmeasurescanbeagreed.

Afterreachingadecisionupontheliftingarrangements,theAppointedPersonshouldprovidearecord,includingtheagreedhardstandingpositions,ground bearingpressurerequirements,roadways,agreedoffloadingpositionsandanystorageareas.AduplicateshouldbehandedtotheForemanbeforeworkiscommenced.

IfatanytimesubsequenttotheCompany’sinitialchoice,thedesignisaltered socausingcomponentweightstovaryfromthoseoriginallyenvisaged,thePrecastDesignermustinformtheAppointedPersonwhomustensurethatthecraneorliftingequipmentisstill adequate.

Duringtheroutinepre-contractvisit,theAppointedPersonmustensurethatthesiteconstraintsobservedoranticipatedatthetimewhenthecraneorliftingequipmentwasselected,havenotchangedandwillnotchange.Ifchangehasoccurred,orcanbeanticipated,theAppointedPersonmustagainensurethatthecraneorliftingequipmentisadequate.TheContractorandBuildingDesignermustbenotifiedofany changes.

ItistheContractor’sresponsibilitytoensuretheprovisionandmaintenanceofsuitablegroundbearingconditionsfortheplannedliftingoperations.

Inanyinstancewherethecraneorliftingequipmentischangedfromtheoriginal,theAppointedPersonmustbeadvised,andtheContractor’sSiteRepresentativeinformed,ofsuchchange,inorderthataccess,standingareas,orothermeasuresareamendedasdeemednecessary.AnAppointedPersonwillamendtheliftplanaccordingly andsubmittotheContractor.

IftheContractorprovidesthecraneage(i.e.towercrane)andliftplanning,hemustalsoprovideanAppointedPersonfortheliftingoperations.ThecompanyRepresentative

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mustprovidetheContractorwithallrelevantinformation,e.g.componentweights,andagreeoffloadingpositions.

6.3 Site access

TheCompanymustagreewiththeContractortheaccessfromthepublichighwayontosite,includingthepossibleneedfortemporaryorlong-termremovalofanyfences,wallsorotherobstructions.SeealsoAppendixA,sections1.5and1.6.Thecondition oftheagreedaccessroadsmustatalltimesbemaintainedorimprovedbytheContractortoanacceptablestandard.

Whilstmakingthesearrangements,thelocationsof,andaccessto,stackingareas,stores,temporarybuildingsandlorry/trailerholdingareasmustbeagreed.

Arrangementsshouldbemadetoensureanydeliveryvehiclesandcraneagecanbemarshalledfromthepublichighwayontothesitesafely.Anypersonstaskedwithmarshallingvehiclesontoandoffthesitemusthavereceivedsuitabletrainingandinstructiononhowtoundertaketherolesafely.

Onagreementoftheprovisions,awrittenrecordmustbeissuedtotheContractor.TheagreedaccessandotherarrangementsmustthenbeincorporatedintotheWorkMethodStatement,inorderthatallpartieswillhavetheinformationreadilyavailableandtoavoidmisunderstandingsorconfusionwhenthefloorinstallationcommences.

Accessintothebuilding(s)asconstructionprogressesmustbeagreedtogetherwithprotectiononandaroundtheflooringinaccordancewiththerequirementsofthePFFStandardHealth,SafetyandWelfareAttendances(AppendixA),issuedattenderstage.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtobarriers,guardrails/handrails,toe-boards,access,lightingandsimilarprecautions.ThePrecastCompanymustmonitortheprovisionoftheseAttendancesduringtheperiodofthesiteworks.

6.4 Attendances liaison

The Contractor should be aware of the Precast Company’s general requirementswithregard to Attendances, having received the PFF Health, Safety andWelfareAttendancesasspecifiedinAppendixAtothisCodeof Practice.

TheCompanyRepresentativeshoulddiscussthegeneralrequirementswiththeContractorinordertoagreemorespecificAttendancesthatreflectthenatureofthesiteandthecontractworks.

AllagreementsreachedbetweentheCompanyRepresentativeandtheContractor’sSiteRepresentativemustbeconfirmedeitherinwritingorbyinclusiononamarked-uprecord,copiesbeingheldbybothpartiestothe agreement.

Prior to the precast component installation, the Contractor should ensure the suitabilityof bearings provided for the flooring, in accordancewith the construction drawings andthisCodeofPractice.

6.5 Supervision of installation

AnAppointedPersonorhisdelegatedCraneSupervisor(inthecaseofabasicorstandardliftingoperation)shouldattendsiteonthefirstdayofinstallationandpriortoanyworkbeingstarted,tocarryoutliftplanbriefingtotheForemanandinstallationteam,payingparticularattentiontoanyspecialproblemsorconditionsrelativetotheSafeWorkingMethodStatement.

WhilstonsitetheCompanyRepresentativeshouldsatisfyhimselfthattheContractor’sAttendanceitemshavebeensatisfactorilyprovidedandensurethattheForemanisfullyawareoftheContractor’sandSub-contractor’sobligations.

OncontractsofacomplexnatureaCompanyRepresentativeshouldspendagreaterlengthoftimewiththeinstallationteam.Incertaincases,theCompanyRepresentativeshouldoverseethecompleteinstallation.

OnlywheretheAppointedPersonhasdeterminedthatthegeneralliftingoperationsarebasicorstandard,theAppointedPerson’sdutiescanbedelegated.ThepersontowhomthosedutiesaredelegatedwillthenassumethedutiesofCraneSupervisor.

ItisessentialfortheCompanyRepresentativetocallonsiteatintermediatepointsthroughoutthecontract,toensurethatinstallationisproceedinginasafeandpropermannerandthatallAttendancescontinuetobeprovided.

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7 FOREMAN’S ROLE 7 7.1 Working to sequence

Priortothearrivaloftheinstallationteam,asequenceforon-siteinstallationmusthavebeenagreed,intheformofaSafeWorkingMethodStatement,withrecordskeptonsiteandacopyhandedtothe Foreman.

It is the responsibility of the Foreman to ensure adherence to the agreed sequence. Incircumstances where a deviation from the sequence is unavoidable, the Foreman must seekadviceandapprovalbeforealteringthesequence,eitherbyreferringbacktotheCompany,ortotheCompanyRepresentativeresponsibleforthatc on t r a c t .

7.2 Pre-start checks Beforecommencingtheinstallationofanyprecastunits,theForemanmustsatisfyhimselfthattheAttendancesagreedforthatcontractareavailableandofasatisfactorystandardinaccordancewiththeSafeWorkingMethodStatement.Wherepossiblesuchapre-startcheckshouldbeconductedtogetherwiththeContractor’sSite Representative.

Ifanyitemisfoundtobeinadequateormissing,theForemanmusthighlighttheproblemwiththeContractor’sSiteRepresentativeand,ifnecessary,delaytheinstallationuntilAttendancesaresatisfactory.Insuchcircumstances,theForemanmustfullyacquainthisheadofficewiththesituation.

TheForemanmustensure,byinspectionpriortotheinstallation,thatthebearingsprovidedfortheprecastunits(includingthoseonsteelwork)arevisuallysatisfactory.Thisinspectionshouldalsoincludeavisualassessmentofthesteelframedbuilding toidentifyanyobvioushazardsthatmaybeapparent.Itispreferable,andcontractuallyprudent,thattheForemanshouldbeaccompaniedbytheContractor’sSite Representativeduringtheseinspections.However,itisessentialthattheForemancarriesouttheseinspections,andreacheshisdecisionsbasedonhisinspectionsregardlessofthepresenceortheabsenceoftheContractor’sSiteRepresentative.

TheForemanshouldensureanydeviationfromtheprovisionoffallprotectiondetailedintheSafeWorkingMethod, isreviewed,approvedanddocumentedbytheCompany prior toimplementation.

7.3 Supervision of installation Whereithasbeendeterminedthatthegeneralliftingoperationsarebasicor standard,theForemanmaybedelegatedbytheAppointedPersontoassumethedutiesof CraneSupervisor,providingheissuitablyqualifiedandcompetent.TheForemantowhomthosedutiesaredelegatedwillthenassumethedutiesofCrane Supervisor.

Inallcases,theForemanisresponsiblefortheactualinstallationoftheprecastunits.OncontractswheretheCompanyRepresentativeoverseestheinstallation,theoverallresponsibilityfortheinstallationteamandtheiractionsstillremainswiththeForeman.TheCompanyRepresentativeshouldgiveinstructionstotheForeman only.

Thedelegationofspecifictaskswithintheteamistheresponsibilityofthe Foreman,whomustbesatisfiedthatthepersontowhomthetaskisassignedhastheskills,knowledge,experienceandtrainingtocarryoutthatworksafely.

BeforeplacinganyunitstheForemanmustensurethatthecrane(whereapplicable)isoperatinginasafeandpropermanner,andthattheCraneDriverisfullyawareofthenatureoftheworkandcanidentifyandunderstandtheSlinger/Signaller.

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ConsiderationshouldbegiventoensuringtheSlinger/Signalleriseasilyidentifiablebytheuseofadifferentcolouredvest,safetyhelmetorothereasilyidentifiablemeasureinordertoreducethelikelihoodoftheCraneDrivermistakinghimforanotheroperative.WheretheForemanhasconcernsregardingtheadequacyofthebearingsand/orthestructuralintegrityofthebuilding,hemustseekadviceandinstructionfromtheCompanyRepresentative.Duringthecourseoftheinstallation,theForemanmustchecktheadequacyofthebearings;anyvariationordeterioration,fromwhatevercause,mustbebroughttotheattentionoftheContractor’sSiteRepresentative.Workmustbesuspendedifthebearingsaredeemedunacceptable.

DuringtheinstallationoftheprecastunitstheForemanmustensurethatcorrecthandling andplacing procedures are being adhered to, and that all aspects of theworkarebeingexecuted ina safeandpropermanner, inaccordancewith theSafeWorkingMethodStatementandWorkingDrawings.

TheForemanmustalsocheckthedimensionalaccuracyoftheindividualunitsandtheaccuracyofsettingoutofthefloor,ensuringthatallunitscorrespondwiththeWorkingDrawings.

No variations to thedesignor designdetails andno remedialworks should be carriedoutwithout theprior approval of thePrecastDesigner and theBuildingDesigner.NochangetotheconstructionmethodorsequenceshouldoccurwithoutthepriorapprovalofthePrecastDesigner,theBuildingDesigner,theContractorandtheCompanyRepresentative.

Whentheinstallationoftheflooriscompleteoranysectionofthefloorwhichthatvisitcovers,theForemantogetherwiththeContractor’sSiteRepresentativeshouldphysicallyinspectthework.Shouldanydamagedorimproperlyfixedcomponentsbepresenttheseshouldbereplacedorrepairedassoonasisreasonablypracticable,afterreferencebytheForemantohisCompany.

TheForemanmustalsocoordinateandmonitorother sitepersonnel involvedwith theprecast installationworks, suchas fall protectionOperatives anddeliverydrivers.

7.4 Workmanship

UnitsshouldbefixedstrictlyinaccordancewiththeWorkingDrawings.

No‘unspecified’worksofanytype,includingremedialworks,shouldbecarriedoutwithoutthepriorapprovalofthePrecastDesigner,theBuildingDesigner,theContractorandtheContractor’sRepresentative.Ifapprovedandcarriedout,itmustberecordedbytheCompany.

TheForemanmustensurethattheWorkAreaiskeptcleanandtidy,sofarasthisisreasonablypracticable,andattheendoftheworkingdaytheareashouldbeleftfreeofdebris.Materialsmustbesafelystacked.

Afterthefloorisinstalled,theForemanwilladvisetheContractor’sSiteRepresentativethattheworkiscompletedandrequestaninspectionpriortoleavingsite.Duringthisperiodachecklistwillbecompletedandacopywillbelefton site.

Whereapprovedvariationstothedesignorconstructionmethodhavebeencarriedout,theseshouldberecordedonthecompletionsheetchecklistandsignedbytheContractorsSiteRepresentative.Anyoutstandingworkstobecompletedshouldalsobeidentifiedonthedocumentwithspecificreferencetothepartsofthestructurewheretheworkisrequired,detailsoftheworkrequiredandwhoisresponsibleforundertakingthework.

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8 TRANSPORTATION OF COMPONENTS AND ACCESS TO SITE

8.1 The stacking and making secure of loads

Thefundamentalconcernswhenloadingdeliveryvehiclesmustbetoensureanevenweightdistributionandloadstability.

Whenconsidering the loadingofprecast components, it is important that the loadingarrangements allow themaximum protection against damage or breaking. Cut widthsorslabs thathavedetail, suchasholes,mayneedtobeplacedat thetopof the loadtoavoiddamageduringtransportation.

Componentsmusthavebearersplacedatcorrectpositionsalongtheirlength, inaccordancewiththeCompany’srecommendations.Wherecomponentsarestackedinlayersofmorethanonehigh,thebearerstoeachlayershouldlinethroughvertically,toavoidshearplanes.

Whenloaded,theunitsmustbeproperlyandadequatelysecuredtothevehicle,topreventmovementduringtransit,particularattentionbeingpaidtolooseitems.Measuresmustbetakentopreventindividualconcreteblocksorfragmentsandanglesortimberfallingfromthevehicle.AdditionalinformationcanalsobesoughtfromtheBPDWGwebsite(http://bpdwg.co.uk/BPDWG/Welcome.html).

8.2 Loading sequence

Fromthepointofviewofsafetyduringtheinstallationoperation, it is importantthatcomponentsare loadedso thatunloadingmaybecarriedout in theappropriate sequence.However,thismustneverbeattheexpenseofthesafetransitofthecomplete load andtherefore somedoublehandlingmaybe required at thepoint ofinstallation.

8.3 Site access

Beforeavehiclearrivesonsite,theaccessfromthehighwayontoandaroundthesiteshouldhavebeenagreedbetweentheCompanyRepresentativeandtheContractor,takingintoaccountthesitetrafficmanagementplan.TheForemanshouldhavecheckedaccesssuitabilitywiththeContractor’sSiteRepresentativeuponcommencementofworkonsite.

Anominatedmemberof the installation teamshouldactas SignallerorBanksman tosuperviseandassist in thepositioningof thedeliveryvehiclebothonandoff site.

Notwithstandingtheabove,thefinalacceptanceoftheaccesssuitabilitywillremainwiththevehicledriver,andinthesecircumstancesthedrivermustsatisfyhimselfbeforeenteringthesitethathisvehiclecantravelsafelyontheaccessprovided.

Inallcasesthedrivermustnotremoveanysecuringropes,chains,ortarpaulinsuntilhisvehicle isat rest in theareaagreed forunloading.

Intheeventofatrailerbeinguncoupledandleftonsiteforunloadingpurposes,alldevicestopreventmovementshouldbeinplacee.g.trailerbrakingsystems,wheelchocks.

Considerationshouldbegiventogroundloadingsandsuitabilityofthehardstandingareaiftrailersaretobeleftonsite.

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8.4 Off-loading TheInstallermustensurethatthecorrectliftingequipmentisavailableonsitetooff-loadcomponentsandmustalsovisuallyinspectcast-infittingsandcomponentstoensurethatnodamagehasoccurredintransit.

Componentsmustbeunloadedinsuchamannerthatthestabilityofthedeliveryvehicleisnotadverselyaffected.Ensurethedeliverydriverisinapositionofsafetyduringtheunloadingsequence.Whencomponentsaretakenstraightfromthevehicletotheirfixingposition,caremustbetakentoensurethatanyloosepackingorprotectivematerialshavebeenremovedandthatanyfittingsaresecure.

Inrarecircumstanceswherecomponentsmayhavetobeliftedorpassoverthecabofadeliveryvehicle,theInstallermustensurethatthedriverleavesthecabandremainsinasafeposition,untiladvisedbytheForemanthattheliftingoperationshaveended.TheCompanyRepresentativeshouldensurethatdeliverydriversareequippedwithnecessaryPPE.

Whereproprietarycast-inliftinganchorsareprovidedintheunits,allanchorsmustbeusedstrictlyinaccordancewiththeanchormanufacturer’srecommendationsandCompanyprocedures.Anyspecialistliftingequipment,e.g.grabs,mustbeused strictlyinaccordancewiththemanufacturer’srecommendations.Whereproprietaryliftingsystemsarenotprovided,choke-hitchedchainsorslingsshouldbepositionedbetween150mmand300mminfromtheends,unlessspecificpermissionhasbeenreceivedfromthePrecastcomponentmanufacturer.Liftingchainsorslingsshouldbeofsufficientlengthsothattheincludedangleisnotgreaterthan900(450fromvertical)unlessotherwiseagreedbytheAppointedPerson(Figure8.1).

Insituationswherelimitedheadroomisavailable the Appointed Personmustensurethattheliftisplannedsoastomaintainamaximumof90°attheincludedangle.

Specialconsiderationmaybeneeded forcantileverunitswhereweightdistributionisuneven.Non-standardunitsthatdonothaveevenweightdistributionacrosstheirlengthrequireadditionalsupportwhilstlifting.Theseshouldbeidentifiedby theflooringdesigner.

Figure 8.1 Useofslingswhereproprietaryliftingsystemsarenotprovided

8.5 Inspection of precast concrete flooring and other components prior to offload and/or installation Everyprecastfloor,balconyorstairunitmustbeinspectedbeforeliftingfromthedeliverytransportand/orstockpileonsiteforobvioussignsofdamage,e.g. cracking,damagearoundholes/notches.Whereaunitisdeemedtobedamaged,theForemanmusttelephonetheCompanyforadvice,contactingapersoncompetenttomakethedecision,onwhatactionshouldbetakeninrespectofthedamagedunit.Beforeremovingchains,componentsmustbemeasuredtoensurethatthecorrectbearingcanbeachievedand theCompanycontactedinanycasewhentheForemanisindoubt.AfurthervisualinspectionmustalsotakeplaceaftertheunitshavebeeninstalledandbeforetheareaishandedovertotheContractor.Inadditiontothedefectsconsideredabove,acheckmustalsobemadetoensurethatallunitshaveadequatebearingandthatallareashavebeensufficiently grouted.

Figure 8.2 Liftingpointswithsafetychains

90°maximum

150mm min./300mm max.

9 ON-SITE STORAGE OF COMPONENTS 9.1 Stacking at ground level

The guidelines for stacking components will generally be similar to those containedintheSection8,Transportation of components and access to site.Inadditiontotheprecautions to beobservedwhen stacking, e.g. the positionof bearers, caremust betakentoensurethatthegroundorsurfaceonwhichthecomponentsaretobestackedissuitable.

Thegroundmustbefirmandlevel,andwhereverpossiblestackingofcomponentsshouldbeonfirmhard-coreoroversiteconcrete.

Theheighttowhichcomponentscanbesafelystackedonsitewillbegreatlyinfluencedbytheconditionofthegroundonwhichtheybear.Anotherprimeconsiderationshouldbetheheighttowhichamancanreachtopassliftingchainsorslingsaround thecomponents.

Figure 9.1 Correctstackingmethod

Similarlengthbeamsshouldbestackedtogether.Theneedtoclimbonto stackedcomponentstosecurechainsorothermeansofliftingmustbeavoided.

Forstackingplannedinadvance,theCompany’sRepresentativemustspecify thetypeandlocationofstackingareastotheContractor,atthetimewhensiteaccessisagreed.However,whenunplannedstackingarises,theForemanshouldliaisewiththeContractor’sSiteRepresentativetofindthemostsuitablestackingarea,ortoagreeotherarrangements.

Iftheunitsaretobeleftstackedforanylengthoftime,considerationshouldbegiventothepracticalitiesandsequenceoftheirsubsequentfixing.Toavoid additionalhandlingortransporthazards,unitsshouldbestackedasnearaspossibletotheirfinalfixedpositions.Ininstanceswheredoubtexistsconcerninganyaspectofsitestacking,theForemanorCompany’sRepresentativemustreferbacktotheCompanybeforeallowingunitstobestacked.

9.2 Temporary storage on installed flooring

Unfixedcomponentsshouldbestackedatgroundlevelbut,inexceptionalcircumstancesonsiteswithlimitedspace,orwherethetypeofconstructiondoesnotallowstackingatgroundlevel,componentsmayhavetobetemporarilystoredontopoftheincompletefloororpreviouslyfixedcomponents.

Wherethisisplanned,thePrecastDesignerandBuildingDesignermusttakedueconsiderationoftheresultingimposedloads,andthestabilityofthestructure,

Correctpositionofbearers300mm from end

Bearersshouldlinethroughvertically

Largerbeareratbase

Maximum heighttochestheight

Groundconditionwillinfluencenumberofcomponents

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especiallylintelsoveropenings.ThisactionwillbethesubjectofaDesignRiskAssessmentandSafeWorkingMethodStatementpriortothecommencementonsitebythe Company.

Whenunplannedstorageoccurs,theForemanwillliaisewiththeContractor’sSiteRepresentative,theBuildingDesignerandthePrecastDesignertoagreeanacceptablemethod.

Inmostcircumstancesthefollowingmeasuresshouldbeconsideredtoensureminimumrisk:▪ Allloadsshouldbeloweredgentlyontothefloor,avoidingsuddenimpact, which

maycausedamage.▪ Whencomponentsarebeingstacked,bearersshouldrunat90°tothespanofthe

flooronwhichtheybear.Whereverpossible,bearersshouldbeplacedabovethewallorbearingsupportingtheprecast flooring.▪ Whereanumberofcomponentsare tobestored, refer to theEngineer forspecific

instructions.▪ TheForemanshouldliaisewiththeContractor’sSiteRepresentativetoensurethatno

furtherloadsareplacedonfloorsalreadycarryingotherstackedcomponents,e.g.bricks,blocks,otherbuildingmaterialsor plant.▪ Toavoiddamage,cutwidthorcomponentsthathavedetailsuchasholesshould be

placedatthetopofstackedcomponentsor separately.▪ Whereinfillblocksarenotloadedonpalletstheyshouldbestackedon sheet

plywoodorsimilarmaterialtopreventthefractureoffixedinfillblocks.Also,infillblocksshouldnotbestackedatmid-spanbutshouldbeplacedabovethe bearingwalls,orsimilar,toensuregoodload distribution.▪ Unitsmustnotbestackedonpartiallyconstructedsteelframesorstructuresorin

areasthatallowfordisplacementthroughaccidentalcontactwiththeunits.

10 SAFE USE OF CRANES, FORK LIFTS AND OTHER LIFTING EQUIPMENT

10.1 Introduction

TheLiftingOperationsandLiftingEquipmentRegulations(LOLER)requirethat liftingequipmentprovidedforuseatworkis:▪ Strong,stableandmarkedwithsafeworking loads.▪ Correctlyused.▪ Usedsafely.▪ Subjecttoon-goingreview.

TheRegulationsalsorequirethatliftingoperationsare:▪ Planned,supervisedandcarriedoutsafelybypeoplewhoare competent.▪ Controlled,i.e.alldocumentsarecheckedandin order.

TheLiftingOperationsandLiftingEquipmentRegulations1998ApprovedCodeofPractice(ACoP)refertoBS7121Code of Practice for the safe use of cranes:Part1General andPart3Mobile cranes asthestandardthatshouldbeadopted.Itisintheinterestsofallpartiesinvolvedinliftingoperationsthattheyarecarriedoutefficientlyandsafely.TheACoPensuresthateveryoneinvolvedinaliftingoperationisawareoftheirresponsibilities.ThisPrecastFlooringFederationCodeofPracticecoversalltheworkinvolvedinhandlingandpositioningconcreteproducts.

10.2 Management of the lifting operation

Duringpreliminarysitevisit(s)asafesystemofworkmustbeestablishedbytheAppointedPerson,andrecordedintheformofaSafeWorkingMethodStatement.Thismustbefollowedforeveryliftingoperationoragroupofrepetitiveoperations.Thisprincipleappliestoallliftingoperations.

Liftingequipmentmustbepositionedor installed in suchawayas to reduce, toas lowa levelas is reasonablypracticable, theriskof theequipmentor loadstrikingapersonand the riskof the loaddrifting, falling freelyorbeing releasedunintentionally.

Thesafesystemofworkforcraneoperationsmustincludethefollowing:▪ Planningoftheoperationincludingriskassessmentsmustbecarriedoutbya

CompetentPerson.Thisshouldincludeensuringthattheliftingoperationisadequatelysupervisedandcarriedoutinasafemanner.▪ Selection,provisionanduseofsuitablecrane(s)and equipment.▪ Groundconditionsmustbeexamined,includingaccess,workingandadjacent areas.▪ Particularattentionmustbepaidto:

• Trenches,cellarsandbasements.• Undergroundservices.• Ramps,slopes,edgesanduneven ground.• Waterattenuationtanks

▪ Positioningoftheliftingequipmenttoensurethesafetyofthoseworkingwiththeequipmentandthosewhomaybeaffectedbyitsoperation.Thisincludeseliminatingtrappingpointsorpreventingaccesstothemby persons.▪ Verifyingthatcrane(s)andancillaryequipmentareproperlyinspectedand

certificated.▪ ProvisionofproperlytrainedandCompetentPersonnelwiththenecessaryauthority

whohavebeenmadeawareoftheirrelevantresponsibilitiesundertheHealthandSafetyatWorkAct.BS7121definesrolesand responsibilities.

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▪ Effectivecommunicationsbetweenallrelevantparties.▪ Preventingunauthoriseduseormovementofthecrane.▪ Thesafetyofpersonsnotinvolvedintheliftingoperation,includingeliminatingthe

needtolifttheloadover people.

Theliftingoperationmustbetakentoincludeanynecessarypreparation,aswellasinstallationanddismantlingofthecrane(s).

TheSafeWorkingMethodStatementmustbeeffectivelycommunicatedtoallpartiesconcerned.

10.3 Control of the lifting operation

Toensuretheimplementationofthesafesystemofwork,onepersonmustbeappointedtohaveoverallcontrolandresponsibilityoftheliftingoperationandtoactonbehalfoftheCompany.

TheappointmentofthispersondoesnotremoveanylegalresponsibilityfromtheEmployingOrganisationbutenablesthemtousehisexpertisetobetterfulfiltheirresponsibilities.Thepersonappointedmayhaveotherdutiesandneednotbeanemployeeofthe Company.

TheAppointedPersonmusthaveadequateskills,knowledge,experienceandtrainingtoenable thesedutiestobecarriedoutcompetently.

ThedutiesofAppointedPersonsforcraneoperationscanvaryinaccordancewiththecomplexityoftheoperation.Thedutiesfora‘basiclift’areconsiderablyfewerandlessdemandingthanforaliftatahazardouslocation.Hence,anAppointedPersonemployedfora‘basiclift’maynotbesuitablytrainedorexperiencedforamorecomplicatedoperation.Therefore,‘complexlifts’shouldbeplannedandsupervisedbyasuitablycompetentAppointedPersoninconsultationwiththecranehirecompanyandtheContractor.Thetypesofliftaredefinedbelow.▪ Basic lift

Liftingoperationwheretheweightoftheload(s)canbesimplyestablished,andtherearenosignificanthazardswithintheareaoftheoperationorontheaccessroutetotheworkingarea.▪ Standard lift

Liftingoperationwheretherearesignificanthazards,eitherwithintheworkingareaofthecraneorontheaccessroutetotheworkingarea.▪ Complex lift

Liftingoperationwhichincludescranesusedforliftingcomplexloads,theliftingofpersons,liftingtheloadwithtwoormorecranesorwhentheliftingoperationisatalocationwithexceptionalhazards.Note: Anexampleofalocationwithexceptionalhazardsisachemicalplant.

WheretheAppointedPersonhasdeterminedthattheGeneralLiftingOperationsarebasicorstandard,theduties,butnottheresponsibilityfortheliftingoperation,canbedelegatedtoaCompetentPersonwhowillthenassumethedutiesoftheCraneSupervisor.

TheCraneSupervisor,havingbeendelegatedasbeingincontrol,willhavetheauthoritytostoptheliftingoperationifitisconsideredtobeunsafetocontinueandrefertotheAppointedPerson.

WheretheContractorprovidesthecraneandtheservicesofanAppointedPerson,theymustprovidedetailsoftheliftingequipmentthatwillbeused,includingconfiguration,dutycharts,locationrelativetoinstallationarea,etc.TheCompanyRepresentativewillprovidedetailstotheContractor’sAppointedPersonoftheweightoftheproductstobeinstalledandagreeanoff-loadingposition.TheAppointedPersonandCraneSupervisormustbeidentifiedintheMethodStatement.Priortocommencementoftheworks,theContractor’sSiteRepresentativemustdemonstratetotheInstallerthattheliftingoperationhasbeenadequatelyplanned.

10.4 Crane hire or contract lift 10.4.1 General

Giventhewidevarietyofcontractualarrangementsusedintheconstructionindustry,itisimportanttoensurethattheplanning,organisation,controlandmanagementofliftingoperationsisnotcompromised.Ingeneral,anyorganisationrequiringaloadtobemovedbycrane,whichdoesnothaveitsowncraneage,hastwobasicoptions:hiringacrane(HiredCrane)oremployingacontractortocarryouttheliftingoperation(ContractLift).ThedifferencebetweenthetwooptionsissummarisedinFigure10.1

Figure 10.1 Organisationofhired/contractedliftingoperations

Ifanindividualororganisationdoesnothavetheexpertiseinliftingoperationstheyshouldnothirecranesbutshouldoptinsteadforacontractlift.Beforeenteringintoacontract,EmployingOrganisationsshouldsatisfythemselvesthattheContractorhasthenecessarycompetencetocarryoutthework.

Note: Responsibilitiesforinsuranceofthecrane,personnel,theloadandthirdpartiesmayalsoneedtobeclarified.

10.4.2 Employing Organisation’s duties when hiring cranes

WhenacraneishiredouttogetherwithanOperatortotheEmployingOrganisation,thecraneownershouldprovideaCompetentOperatorandacranethatisproperlymaintained,inspectedandtestedinaccordancewithBS7121-2,andhasacurrent

Employing Organisation The organisation requiring the load to be moved

Hired Crane (Hired and managed)

Contracted Lift (Fully contracted)

The Employing Organisation

should:

• Carry out all work in accordance with BS 7121

• Supply the Appointed Person

• Plan the lift and operate a safe system of working

• Ensure that a crane hired is of suitable type and capacity

• Check the credentials of the hire company and certification supplied

The Crane Owner has duty to:

• Provide a crane

that is properly maintained, tested and certified

• Provide a competent driver

The Employing Organisation

should specify:

• That all work is to be undertaken in accordance with BS 7121

• That the Contractor is to supply the Appointed Person

• Information and/or services to be provided to the Contractor by the Employing Organisation

The Contractor is responsible

for:

• Supplying the Appointed Person

• Planning the lift and operation of a safe system of work

• Organisation and control of the lifting operation

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reportofthoroughexamination.TheEmployingorganisationretainstheresponsibilityfornominating theAppointedPersonand for following the recommendationsgivenintheBS7121series.DespiteanyadvicetheCraneOwnermighthaveofferedconcerningtheselectionofaparticularcraneoranyotherrelevantmatter,for exampleclearancesorgroundconditions,theresponsibilityforensuringthatthecraneisofasuitabletype,sizeandcapacityforthetaskbeingundertakenandforplanningthe operationremainswiththeEmployingOrganisation.Thereforeifanindividualor organisationdoesnothaveexpertiseinliftingoperations,theyshouldnothirecranesbutshouldoptforacontract lift.

10.4.3 Contract lifting operations

TheEmployingOrganisationmayenterintoacontractwithacontractor whoundertakesworkontheir behalf.

Thepartiestothecontractshouldensure that:� AllworkiscarriedoutinaccordancewithBS7121series.� ThecontractorappointsacompetentAppointedPersontothesatisfactionof the

EmployingOrganisation.� AllinformationorservicesprovidedbytheEmployingOrganisationtofacilitate

compliancewiththeBS7121seriesarenotifiedtotheContractorinwriting.

ThecontractorshouldcarryoutliftingoperationsinaccordancewiththeBS7121series.TheContractorshouldbegivenfullauthoritybytheEmployingOrganisationtoworkinaccordancewiththeBS7121seriesincluding,whereappropriate,authoritytocontrolandinstructtheEmployingOrganisation’s personnel

Beforeenteringintoacontract,EmployingOrganisationsshouldensurethatthe contractorhasthenecessarycompetencetocarryouttheworkinaccordancewith theBS7121series.

10.5 Planning the lifting operation

10.5.1 General Allliftingoperationsshouldbeplannedtoensurethattheyarecarriedoutsafelyandthatallforeseeableriskshavebeentakenintoaccount.PlanningshouldbecarriedoutbyanAppointedPersonwhohastheappropriateknowledgefortheliftbeingundertaken.Incasesofrepetitiveorroutinebasicliftingoperations,thisplanningmightonlybenecessaryinthefirstinstance,withperiodicreviewstoensurethatnofactorshavechanged.

Planningoftheliftingoperationshouldtakeintoaccount:� Theload,itscharacteristicsandthemethodoflifting.� Theselectionofasuitablecrane(s)appropriatetotheoperationensuringthatadequate

clearancesaremaintainedbetweentheload(s)andthecranestructure.� Theselectionofaccessoriesforlifting/liftingattachments,theirweighttobe takeninto

accountwhenassessingthetotalloadonthecrane(s).� Thepositionofthecrane(s)andoftheloadbefore,duringandaftertheoperation.� Thesiteoftheoperationincludingspaceavailabilityandsuitabilityofthegroundor

foundationsandconsiderationofproximityhazardssuchasothernearbycraneoperations,trees,overheadservicesandstructures.Specialconsiderationmustbegiventoplanningliftingoperationswithinsteelframedbuildingswherethereareobstructionssuchastiebeams,windposts,bracingsandpurlinsetc.whichmayfoulorhinderasuspended load.

� Anynecessaryinstallationanddismantlingofthecrane(s).� Theenvironmentalconditionsthatexistormightoccuratthesiteoftheoperation orthe

effectoftheloadonthecrane.

10.5.2 Risk assessment Aspartoftheplanningprocessariskassessmentshouldbecarriedoutby theAppointedPersontoidentifythehazardsassociatedwiththeproposed liftingoperation.Theassessmentshouldevaluatetherisksinvolvedandthenatureandextentofanymeasuresrequiredtomitigatethoserisks.Theassessmentshouldalsotakeintoconsiderationhazardsidentifiedbytheoverallsiteriskassessments.

Theresultsoftheriskassessmentshouldberecordedinwritingandusedinthepreparationofthemethodstatementforthatsite.

10.5.3 Method Statements

Oncetheriskassessmenthasbeencarriedout,theAppointedPersonshouldensurethatafullMethodStatementisprepared,detailingthesafesystemofworkfortheliftingoperationandincludingtheriskassessment.

Whennecessary,theAppointedPersonshouldconsultwithotherswithspecializedknowledgeandexperience.

TheMethodStatementshouldinclude:▪ Thetaskstobeachieved,togetherwiththeconfigurationofthecraneattheendof

eachday’swork.▪ Detailsofthestepstobetakentoeliminatedangertopersonnelnotinvolvedinthe

liftingoperation,andwherenecessary,preventtheirentryintodangerzones,e.g.byorganizingforroadclosuresifnecessary.▪ Therequirementforpre-usecheckstobe completed.▪ Aclearstatementoftheallocationoftaskstoallpartiesinvolvedinthelifting

operation.

The liftingoperationwillbeunder thecontrolofaCraneSupervisorwhohas theauthoritytostoptheworkiflocalconditionsare unsatisfactory.

TheCraneSupervisorshouldensurethattheteamisinductedatthestartofthejobinthegeneralsiteprecautionsandthespecificfeaturesofthemethodstatement.

Acopyofthemethodstatementandassociatedworkinstructionsshouldbesufficienttoprovidethebasisforabriefingorinductionandshouldbeclearlycommunicatedtoallthoseinvolvedintheliftingoperation.

The Crane Supervisor or Principal Contractor’s representative should normally taketheopportunityduringthesite inductiontoseektheviewsoftheteamaboutanyarrangements forhealthandsafetythatmightberelevanttothem.

Tobeeffective,themethodstatementneedstospecifyclearrolesforeachmemberoftheteam.Arrangementsforeffectivecommunicationamongtheteam(andifnecessarywithadjacentCraneDriversincaseofdanger)shouldbeagreed.

10.6 Selection and duties of personnel

10.6.1 Selection of personnel Safeliftingoperationsdependupontheselectionofsuitablepersonnelwhoarecompetenttocarryouttherequiredduties.RecordsoftrainingandexperienceofpersonssuchastheCraneDriverassistintheselectionofsuitablepersonnel.

Thoseresponsiblefortheselectionofpersonnelshouldensurethatthepersonnelinvolvedintheoperationareefficientlyorganizedinordertoensuregoodteam-workintheworkingsituation.

Workassociatedwithliftingoperationsshouldnotbecarriedoutbypersonnelwhoseefficiencyisimpairedbyalcohol,drugsorotherinfluences.Itisessentialthatallpersonnelintheteamaremadeawareofboththisfactandtheirotherduties.

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Wherepersonnelareundergoingtraining,theyshouldbesupervisedbyappropriatepersonnel.

10.6.2 Duties of personnel

Crane Supervisor TheCraneSupervisorshoulddirectandsupervisetheliftingoperation,ensuringthatthesearecarriedoutinaccordancewiththemethodstatement.TheCraneSupervisorshouldbecompetentandsuitablytrainedandshouldhavesufficientexperiencetocarryoutallrelevantduties.TheCraneSupervisorshouldhavesufficientauthoritytostoptheliftingoperationiftheyconsideritdangeroustoproceed.

Crane Coordinator TheCraneCoordinatorshouldplananddirectthesequenceofoperationsofcranes toensurethattheydonotcollidewithothercranes,loadsandotherequipment.

Crane Driver TheCraneDriver shouldbe responsible for the correct operationof the crane inaccordancewiththemanufacturer’sinstructionsandwithinthesafesystemofwork.

TheCranedrivershouldonlyrespondtoasignalfromtheslingertocarryouttheinitialliftingoftheload,andthenonlytosignalsfromoneslinger/signallerwhoshouldbeeasilyidentifiedduringtheremainderoftheliftingoperation.

Inanemergency,acommonlyrecognizedstopsignalmaybegivenbyanypersonobservingasituationleadingtodangerandtheCraneDrivershouldrespondto thatsignal.

Slinger TheSlingershouldberesponsibleforattachinganddetachingtheloadtoandfrom thecraneloadliftingattachmentandfortheuseofthecorrectaccessoriesforliftingandotherequipmentinaccordancewiththeplanningoftheoperation.

TheSlingershoulddirectinitialmovementofthecrane. IfthereismorethanoneSlinger,onlyoneofthemshouldhavethisresponsibilityatanyonetime,dependingontheirpositionsrelativetothecrane.

WherecontinuityofsignallingisrequiredandthisSlingerisnotvisibletotheCraneDriver,anotherSlingerorsignallermaybenecessarytorelaysignalstotheCraneDriver.Alternatively,otheraudioorvisualmethodsmaybeused.

Whereaudioorvisualmethodsareused,theequipmentoritsmeansofuseshouldbesuchthattheoperatoroftheequipmentisimmediatelyawareoffailureoftheequipment,toenablethemtostopcranemovements.

If,duringtheliftingoperation,responsibilityfordirectingthecraneandloadistobetransferredtoanotherpersontrainedandcompetenttoactasSlinger,thefirstSlingershouldclearlyindicatetotheCraneDriverthatthisresponsibilityisbeingtransferredandtowhom,andheshouldclearlyindicatetothenewpersonthatthistransferistakingplace.

Furthermore,theOperatorandthenewpersonshouldclearlyindicatethattheyacceptthetransferofresponsibility.

Signaller TheSignallershouldberesponsibleforrelayingthesignalfromtheSlingerto theCraneDriver.TheSignallermaybegiventheresponsibilityfordirectingmovementofthecraneandloadinsteadoftheSlinger,providedthatonlyonepersonhas theresponsibilityatanyonetime.

10.6.3 Minimum attributes of personnel Allpersonnelshould:▪ Havethenecessaryskills,knowledgeexperienceandtrainingtoperformthetasks

requiredof them.▪ Beabletopresentarecordoftrainingand assessment.▪ Bephysicallyabletocarryoutthework.

10.7 Selection of cranes

Note: SeetheappropriatepartofBS7121fordetailsof thedifferenttypesofcraneandtheiroperationalcharacteristics.

Cranesareavailable inanumberof formsandthecharacteristicsofthevariousmachines shouldbe considered in relation to the job requirements.Havingdecideduponthetypeofcraneandknowingtheoverall requirements involved,acranethatcancarryouttheplannedliftsafelyshouldbe selected.

Pointstobetakenintoaccountwhenmakingtheselectionofthecraneincludethefollowing:▪ Weights,dimensionsandcharacteristicsof loads.▪ Operationalspeeds,radii,heightsofliftsandareasofmovementofthecraneand

itsload.▪ Number,frequencyandtypesoflifting operations.▪ Lengthoftimeforwhichthecraneis required.▪ Site,groundandenvironmentalconditions,orrestrictionsarisingfromtheuseof

existingbuildings.▪ Spaceavailableforcraneaccess,installation,travelling,operationand dismantling.▪ Anyspecialoperationalrequirementsorlimitations imposed.

10.8 Safety

10.8.1 General Thepersonororganizationhavingoverallcontroloftheplaceofworkand theemployersofpersonnelinvolvedintheliftingoperationhavetheresponsibilityforsafetyduringliftingoperations.Inorderthatthisresponsibilitycanbeeffectivelydischarged,theAppointedPersonshouldbegiventhenecessaryauthoritytoensurethatadequatesystemstoachievesafetyareinoperation.Safetymattersrelatingtoliftingoperationsincludetheuse,maintenance,repairandrenewalofsafetyequipmentandtheinstructionof,andallocationofresponsibilitiesto,thevariouspersonnelinrelationtotheequipment.

10.8.2 Weather restrictions

Irrespectiveof the typeofequipmentused in liftingoperations, inclementweatherhasaneffectonthesafetyoftheliftingoperations.Theamountofinfluencewillvarywiththecontractandthetypeofequipment used.

Themostcommonproblempresentedbyinclementweatheristhatcausedbywind,whichcanseriouslyincreasethedangersinvolvedinliftingoperations.

Informationonwindspeedrestrictionsrelatedtotowercranesisreadilyavailableand,asmosttowercranesarefittedwithwindspeedindicators,theapplicationoftheserestrictionsshouldbeenforced.

In thecaseofmobilecranes,windspeed indicatorsarenotastatutoryrequirement.If, intheopinionoftheCraneSupervisororCraneDriver,thesafetyofthe liftingoperation is adversely affected by thewind speed, the operationmust be abandoned.Referencecanbemade to theManufacturer’sOperatingManualandDuty

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ChartortotheCraneOwnerforspecificrestrictionswhichallowfor ‘windsail’areaandmakereferencetowindspeed(expressed inmilesperhour,knots,metrespersecond,kilometresperhour,orbyreferencetotheBeaufortscale).

10.8.3 Identification of person directing crane movements

Thepersondirectingcranemovements(SlingerorSignaller)shouldbe easilyidentifiabletotheCraneDriver,forexamplebywearingdifferentcolouredhighvisibilityclothingdifferentcolouredsafetyhelmetorbyusingradiocallsigns.Whenchoosinghighvisibilityclothing,thebackgrounds,typeofillumination,similaritytootheroperativesandotherrelevantfactorsshouldbetakenintoaccounttoensuremistakenidentitydoesnotoccur.

10.8.4 Rated Capacity Indicators and Limiters

AllcraneswithaSafeWorkingLimit(SWL)of1tonneormoremustbefittedwithaRatedCapacityIndicatorandLimiter(RCI/RCL)AllRCI/RCLmustgivethe followingwarnings:▪ WarningofapproachtoSWL.Whentheloadweightonthehookapproaches the

SWLofthecraneatthatradius,awarningofapproachtoSWLwillbedisplayed totheOperator.Thismaytaketheformofavisualoranaudiblewarningwithinthecab.▪ Warningofoverload.Whenthe loadweighton thehookexceeds theSWLof the

crane,avisualandaudiblewarningofoverloadwillbegiven to theCraneDriver.Theaudiblewarningwillalsobesufficiently loudtobeheardbythosepersonsworkinginthevicinityofthecrane.

Mostcranesarefittedwithoneormoreoverridekeyswitches.Theseswitchesareintendedforuseduringriggingandde-riggingofthecrane.TheyshouldnotbeusedtooverridetheRCI/RCLinordertoliftloadsthatexceedtheratedcapacityof thecrane.

ItisimportantthattheCraneDriverensurestheRCI/RCLiscorrectlysetupfortheconfigurationofthecrane.

10.8.5 Documentation – certificates, records and registers

10.8.5.1 Crane Drivers TheAppointedPerson,ortheCraneSupervisorinchargeoftheliftingoperation, isresponsibleforcheckingalldocumentationfortheCraneDriver,andcraneandliftingaccessoriesdocumentationbeforeworkcommences.

10.8.5.2 Operator training qualifications

AllCraneDriversshouldbeabletodemonstratecompetenceinoperating themachineinuse.

Within the requirements of legislation andHealth and Safety guidancenotes, there is arequirement for CraneDrivers to be trained and competent on the cranes that theyareto operate.

TheConstructionPlantCertificationScheme(CPCS)providesforthecertificationofplantOperativesandithasarrangedfortheConstructionIndustryTrainingBoard(CITB)tomanagethisschemeandkeeprecordsofoperatorregistration.

UndertheCPCS,allOperativesregisteredareissuedwithaCPCSRedCard(newentrant)orCPCSBlueCard(experiencedoperative),anexampleofwhichcanbe seeninFigure10.2.

Althoughavoluntaryscheme,mostcranehirecompanieshaveadoptedtheCPCS.OnmostsitesthereisarequirementforallOperativestoholdaCPCScard.However, thedrivershouldalsobeabletodemonstratehiscompetencyonthecraneheisoperating.

TheCraneSupervisorshouldchecktheCraneDriverhasthecorrectCPCS categoryandalsotheexpirydateforthemachineheisoperating(seeFigure10.2).

Figure 10.2 CardissuedbyConstructionPlantCompetenceScheme

10.8.5.3 Documentation LOLERandPUWERrequireCraneOwnerstonominateaCompetentPerson whohasappropriatepracticalandtheoreticalknowledgeandexperienceoftheliftingequipmenttocarryouttheThoroughExamination.Thiswillenablethemtodetectdefectsorweaknessesandtoassesstheirimportanceinrelationtothesafetyandcontinueduseoftheliftingequipment.TheCompetentPersonshouldbesufficientlyindependenttobeabletotakedecisionswithoutfearorfavour.WheretheCompetentPersonisemployedbytheCraneOwner,measuresshouldbeinplacetoensure thatthepersonisnotinvolvedinanymaintenanceactivitywiththecraneorinexamininghisownwork.

Allcranesmustcarrydocumentationthatprovides:▪ ArecordofDailyandWeeklyInspections–Allcranesmustbeinspectedbythe

CraneDriveronadailyandweeklybasisandtheresultsmustbeproperlyrecordedonaninspectionsheet.▪ ArecordofThoroughExaminations–Allcranesmustbethoroughlyexaminedbya

CompetentPersonevery12months(sixmonthsifcraneisforliftingpersons).

Information(PrescribedParticulars)tobecontainedinareportofThoroughExaminationislistedbelow:▪ ThenameandaddressoftheEmployerforwhomtheThoroughExaminationwas

made.▪ TheaddressofthepremisesatwhichtheThoroughExaminationwas made.▪ Particularssufficient to identify theequipment including,whereknown, itsdateof

manufacture.▪ ThedateofthelastThorough Examination.▪ Thesafeworkingloadoftheliftingequipmentor,whereitssafeworkingload

dependsontheconfigurationoftheliftingequipment,itssafeworkingloadforthelastconfigurationinwhichitwasthoroughlyexamined.

TheThoroughExaminationmusttakeplace:▪ Forliftingequipmentforliftingpersonsoranaccessoryforliftingpersonsor

equipment,atleastevery6months.▪ Forliftingaccessories,atleastevery6months.▪ Forcranes,every12monthsorevery6monthsifusedforliftingpersons.

EveryThoroughExaminationofLiftingEquipmentReportshould include:▪ Identificationofanypartfoundtohaveadefectwhichis,orcouldbecome,adanger

topersons,andadescriptionofthedefect.▪ Particularsofanyrepair,renewaloralterationrequiredtoremedyadefectfoundto

beadangerto persons.▪ Inthecaseofadefectwhichisnotyet,butcouldbecome,adangertopersons:

• Thetimewhichitcouldbecomesuchadanger.

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• Particularsofanyrepair,renewaloralterationrequiredtoremedyit.• ThelatestdatebywhichthenextThoroughExaminationmustbecarriedout.

▪ WheretheThoroughExaminationincludedtesting,particularsofanytest:• ThedateoftheThoroughExamination.• Thename,addressandqualificationsofthepersonmakingthereport,if

heisself-employedor,ifemployed,thenameandaddressofhisemployer.

• Thenameandaddressofapersonsigningorauthenticatingthereportonbehalfofitsauthor.

• Thedateofthe report.

TheabovelistisanextractfromRegulation10(1)fromLOLER.

10.8.5.4 Lifting accessory test records Whenpurchased,liftingaccessoriesshouldbesuppliedwithaDeclaration ofConformity(DOC)totheMachineryDirectiveandbeaccompaniedbyaTestCertificate.TheDOCmaybeusedinlieuofaReportofThoroughExaminationforthefirstsixmonthsafterpurchase.

Theremaybetimeswhenmorethanone itemof liftingaccessory isdisplayedontherecord, particularlywhenaccessories arepurchased inbatchorderquantities.

10.8.5.5 Lifting accessory examination records

Thefollowingkeypointsshouldbeidentified:▪ Recordnumberor letter.▪ Descriptionofaccessory.▪ Identificationnumberonitem.▪ Examinationdate.▪ Ownerofaccessory.▪ Conditionofaccessory,e.g.‘Ingoodorderandsafetouse’.▪ Signatureofexaminer.▪ Lastexaminationdate.▪ Latestdateofnextexamination.

Whenexaminationshavebeencarriedoutbyanindependentorganisation,theexaminationreportshouldbemadeonthatorganisation’sheadedrecord.

10.9 Siting of cranes

10.9.1 General Sitingofthecraneshouldtakeaccountofallthefactorsthatcouldaffect itssafeoperation,particularlythefollowing:▪ Thecranestandingandsupport conditions.▪ Thepresenceandproximityofother hazards.▪ Theeffectofwindduringin-serviceandout-of-serviceconditions,theadequacyof

accesstoallowtheplacingorinstallationofthecraneinitsworkingpositionandfordismantlingandremovingthecranefollowingcompletionofliftingoperations.

Note: FurtherdetailsregardingthesitingofmobileandtowercranesaregiveninCIRIApublicationC703whichmayalsoprovideinformationonothertypesofcranes.

10.9.2 Stability of cranes

ThesuitabilityofgroundconditionsistheresponsibilityoftheContractor,whomustensurethatthecranestandingposition(s)ispreparedinaccordancewiththeloadingprovidedbytheAppointed Person.

Thestabilityofmobilecranesreliesonthefollowingfactors:▪ Thatthegroundissuitablycompactedandlevelled.Undergroundservices orconstructionsmaysufferdamageorcollapseduetoacranepassingoverornearby,whichinturnmayleadtothecraneoverturning.Arrangementsmustbemadetoavoidundergroundservicesandconstructions,andbasements.▪ That the outrigger beams on the crane are extended to the required lengthsorpositions inaccordancewith the cranemanufacturer’s specifieddutiesanddimensions.▪ Thattheoutriggerjacksareextendedtoraisethecranewheelsoffthegroundandfreeofweight.▪ Thatadequatesupportmaterialhasbeenpositionedundertheoutriggerjackstopreventthemsinkingintothegroundwhilstlifting loads.▪ Thatthecranecarriesoutliftingstrictlyinaccordancewiththemanufacturer’stablesofSafeWorkingLoads,i.e.DutyCharts.▪ SpecificoutriggerloadingsareavailablefromtheCrane Owner.▪ The Crane Supervisor and Crane Drivermustmonitor ground conditions duringthecourseofinstallation,payingattentiontodeteriorationasaresultofusageandadverseweather.▪ Ifthereisdoubtaboutthegroundcondition,theCraneDrivershould beinstructedtofullyretractthemainboomderricktominimiseradiusandthenslewthecounterweightoverforeachoutriggerinturnfortwominutestosimulateactuallift.Thisshouldgiveanindicationofanypossible problems.

10.9.2.1 Guidance on crane outrigger loadings

Havingdecidedonthelocation,minimumsizeandtypeofcranetobeusedfor theliftingoperation,theoutriggerloadsneedtobeobtained.Mostreputable cranesuppliersshouldbeabletoprovidethisinformation.Thecranesupplierwillneedthefollowinginformationconcerningthecraneconfigurationandintendedloadstobelifted:▪ Cranesizeandtype.▪ Boomextension.▪ Outriggerspread.▪ Lengthandoffsetofanyfly jib.▪ Hookblock.▪ Quantityofcounterweightfittedtothecrane.▪ Maximumradiusthe loadwillbetakentoduringthe lift togetherwiththepick-upandlay-downradii.▪ Slewarcforthelifting operations.

This informationshouldbeprovided to thecranesupplier inawritten format,generallyasadrawingwithtabulardata.Thecranesuppliershould likewiserespond inawrittenformat.Typically the informationprovidedwill includemaximumandminimumpointloadings in tonnes or kN for each individual outrigger.

Ifinformationisnotavailablefromthecranesupplier,itcanbeobtainedfromthecranemanufacturer.Caremustbetaken,however,toensurethatthemanufacturerisprovidedwiththeserialnumber,exactmodelandconfigurationofthecranetobeused.Thisinformationcanalsobeobtainedfromproprietarysoftwarepackages,butagain,extremecaremustbetakentoensurethatthecorrectmake,modelandconfigurationofcranehasbeenselected.

10.9.2.2 Access and hardstanding

Examinationofgroundconditionsshouldbethorough,includingtheconditionofgroundadjacenttotheaccessandtheworkingareaofthecrane.Specialattentionmustbepaidto:

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▪ Trenchesmayrequireadditionalshoringtopreventcollapsewhenacranestandsorpassesnearby.▪ Cellarsandbasementsmustalsobeconsideredtopresentthesameriskastrenches.▪ Inadequatelycompactedfilltotrenchesorexcavationscanleadtotheoverturningofacranepassingoverorstandingonsuch ground.▪ Undergroundservicesorconstructionsmaysufferdamageorcollapseduetoacranepassingoverornearby,whichinturnmayleadtothecraneitselfoverturning.▪ Ramps,slopesorunevengroundcanseriouslyaffectthestabilityofacraneandmust,therefore,beavoided,madesafeorapproachedwithextremecaution.

FollowingthevisitoftheAppointedPerson,theContractormusthaveconsideredanyconditionsonsitewhichcouldhaveadetrimentaleffectuponthesafepassageandworkingofacrane.Ifthereisanydoubtastothesuitabilityofanyaspectofthesite,itmustbebroughttotheattentionoftheContractor’sSiteRepresentativeinorderthatremedialmeasuresmaybeimplemented.TheCraneSupervisorandCraneDrivermustcontinuetomonitorgroundconditionsduringthewholeoperation,payingparticularattentiontodeteriorationasaresultofusageandadverseweather.

Thecranemustoperateonlyfromtheposition(s)formallyagreedbetweentheAppointedPersonandtheContractor’sSiteRepresentativeorsuchotherpositionasmaybeagreedatthetimebytheCraneSupervisorafterconsultationwiththeAppointedPersonandtheContractor’sSiteRepresentative,providedthatthelevelofsafetyisnotreducedasaresultandtheAppointedPersonhasreviewedandapprovedthemethodstatementamendment.

ThecranestandingshouldbeconstructedbytheContractortotakethe outriggerloadingsor,whereaspecifictypeofcranedoesnotutiliseoutriggers,the groundloadingpressureprovidedbytheAppointedPerson.Thecranestandingshouldbeaminimumof8mx8munlessotherwisespecifiedbytheAppointedPerson.Theentirepadshouldbelevelandconstructedtotaketheoutriggerloadingstoallowforthefinalpositioningofthecrane.

Theadequacyofeachcranestandingpositionmustbeconfirmedinwritingby theContractor’sSiteRepresentative,orotherCompetentPersonontheirbehalf,priortothecraneworkinginthatposition.

10.10 Hardstanding preparation

10.10.1 Principal Contractor confirmation of hardstanding bearing capacity Beforeacranearrivesonsite,existinginformationonthenatureofthesoilsshouldhavebeenstudied,anyadditionalsiteinvestigationsrequiredshouldhavebeencarriedoutandwarningsofspecifichazardsshouldhavebeenidentifiedinthePre-ConstructionInformation..ThePrincipalDesignerand/ortemporaryworkscoordinatorshouldbeofassistancetothePrincipalContractors’sitemanagerinensuringadequateprovisionofsuchanassessment.

ThePrincipalContractormustprovideadequateinformationtotheAppointedPersonregardingthehardstandingcapability.InordertoachievethistheyshouldensureanassessmentoftheproposedcranehardstandingisundertakenbyaCompetentPersonandconfirmthebearingcapacityintonnes/m2totheAppointedPerson.Whetherusingultimateormaximumallowable/permissiblebearingcapacitiestheseshouldbestatedwithintheassessment.Commonpracticeintheindustryistouse75%ofgrosscraneweightplus100%ofthegrossload.Thedetailandtimingofinvestigativeworks/assessment(relativetotheliftingoperations)willhelptodeterminethesafetyfactorappliedtothecraneplanningoperations.Careshouldbetakentoensurethatconstructionactivityandgroundwatercontenthavenotunderminedthehardstandingcapabilitysinceinitialassessment.Furtherinvestigationand/oradditionalsafetyfactorsmayneedtobeconsideredbythePrincipalContractor’sCompetentPersonandtheAppointedPerson.Theassessmentmayrequireinputfromageotechnicalengineer.

Uponreceiptoftheresultingassessment,itisrecommendedthatitisaskedwhatfactorofsafetyhasbeenincluded,ifany.Theengineershouldalsobemadeawareoftheintegralsafetyfactorsbuiltintothecraneplanningoutriggerloadcalculations.ThisshouldenabletheAppointedPersontomakeadecisionbasedonappropriatecalculationsandavoidincludingadditionalsafetyfactorsuponconfirmationofthehardstandbearingcapacity.Suchoverlycautiousassessmentscanresultina“requirement”forimpracticallylarge/inefficientoutriggermatareas.

AppointedPersonsandengineersshouldrefertotheCIRIApublicationC703for moreinformation/guidanceonfactorsofsafety.

Note:Groundloadbearingtestresultsforagivenareacanvaryfromdaytoday,asgroundmoisturecontentisamajorfactorindeterminingitsloadbearing characteristics.Itisprudenttoapplyafactorofsafetytoallcalculationswherethereisanypossibilityofgrounddeteriorationaftertestshavebeenundertaken.

10.10.2 Appointed Person – proposals to adequately spread the outrigger load

Followingconfirmationofthehardstandingbearingcapacity,theAppointedPersonwillconfirmtheproposedoutriggermatsizetoensurethegroundbearingcapacityisnotexceededatanytime.

Intheabsenceofhardstandingbearingcapacityinformationatthetimeofinitialcraneplanning,itisacceptablefortheAppointedPersontoproposeinadvanceoutriggerloads(intonnes/m²)tothePrincipalContractor.ThePrincipalContractormustthenensureasuitableassessmenttakesplace.Thisshouldincludeconfirmationthattheproposedtonnes/m²outriggerloadisacceptable,orwhetheradditionalconsiderationisrequiredpriortofinalisingthecraneplanning.IfthecranematsizeoptionsmeanthatthemaximumallowablebearingpressureisstillexceededthePrincipalContractor’sCompetentPersonshouldcontacttheAppointedPersonwithoutdelayto discussadditionalassessment/groundpreparation/loadspread.

10.10.3 Use of outriggers

Inordertoachieve‘fullyrigged,onoutriggerduties’allbeamshavetobefullyextendedandallwheelsoff theground,as shown inFigure10.3.Somecraneshavedutiesfor ‘freeonwheels’and/orshortoutriggerbase.Formore informationrefertomanufacturer’sdutycharts.

Thedifferenceinlevelbetweenanytwooutriggersupportsshouldbelessthan300mmandthegroundbeneatheachpadshouldbelevelledtoavoidanyriskofthe craneslidingoffoutriggersupport pads.

Note: Whenworking,monitortheoutriggersfrequently.Ifthereisanyconcernregardingstabilityoftheoutriggerorsupportpads,workshouldceaseimmediatelytoenablefurtherassessmentofthecranehardstandingarea.

Figure 10.3a Correctuseofoutriggers

Correct • Wheelsoffground• Cranechassislevel• Outriggersfullyextended

• Levelground

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Figure 10.3b Incorrect use of outriggers Notes: (1)Thismaynotbeaproblemifaproprietaryvariableoutriggersystemisbeingused.

10.11 ‘Permit to lift’ system/confirmation to proceed Priortocommencingtheliftingoperations,thePrincipalContractorshouldsignconfirmationthat:� Thecraneisriggedintheanticipatedcranestandpositionasindicatedon theLiftPlan.

� Thecranehardstandinghasbeenpreparedadequatelytowithstandthe loadspecifiedontheLiftPlan.

� Fullconsiderationhasbeengiventoallfactors,includingpotentialgrounddeteriorationduetoweatherorconstructionactivitysinceinitial investigationorassessment.

� ThePrincipalContractorshouldthenconfirmdailythattheseconditionsarestillmetbysigningoffthework.Anyconcernsregardingtheliftoperationshould becommunicatedtotheAppointedPerson,CraneSupervisorandCraneDriver whoallhavetheauthoritytovetothe lift.

10.12 Proximity hazards

10.12.1 General Considerationshouldbegiventothepresenceofproximityhazardssuchasoverheadelectriclinesorcables,nearbystructures,includingearthworksandretainingwalls,othercranes,vehiclesbeingloadedorunloaded,stackedgoodsandpublicaccessareasincludinghighways,railwaysandrivers.Withinsteelframedbuildingsconsiderationmustbegiventowherethereareobstructionssuchastiebeams,windposts,sagrods,bracingsandpurlinsetc.whichmayfoul orhinderasuspended load.

Whereanypartofthecraneoritsloadcannotbekeptclearofsuchhazards theappropriateauthorityshouldbe consulted.

Incorrect • Crane wheels

under load

Incorrect • Left outrigger

not fully extended(1) • Ground uneven

Thedangertoorfromundergroundservicessuchasgasmainsorelectriccablesshouldnotbeoverlooked.Precautionsshouldbetakentoensurethatthecranefoundationisclearofanyundergroundservicesor,wherethisisnotpossible,thattheservicesareadequatelyprotectedagainstdamage.

Atanyplacewhereacraneoritsloadpassesanobstacle,thefollowingapply.▪ Wherepracticable,thecranepathshouldbeclearlydefinedbymarkingtoensurethatitiskeptfreefromobstruction,andaclearanceofnotlessthan600mmshouldbearrangedbetweenanypartofthecraneandanyobstacle.Whereitisnotreasonablypracticabletoachievethisclearance,effectiveprecautionsshouldbetakentopreventaccesstoanytrapping hazards.▪ Wheregoodsareregularlystackednearacrane,boundarylinesforthestackingofgoodsshouldbepermanentlymarkedonthe ground.

10.12.2 Safety near electricity lines

Wheneverpossible,workunderorclosetoelectricitylinesshouldbeavoided. HSEGuidanceNoteGS6shouldbecompliedwith,whichrequiresallworkonornear anelectricalsystemtobecarriedoutsoastopreventdanger,sofarasis reasonablypracticable.AlsorefertorefertotheEnergyNetworksAssociation(ENA)publicationLookOutLookUp!AGuidetotheSafeUseofMechanicalPlantintheVicinityofElectricityOverheadLines.Thisadvisesestablishingexclusionzonesaroundthelineandanyotherequipmentthatmaybefittedtothepoleorpylon.Theminimumextentofthesezonesvariesaccordingtothevoltageoftheline,asfollows:

low-voltageline–1m;11kVand33kVlines–3m;132kVline–6m;275kVand400kVlines–7m;

WherethesafetymarginsinGS6cannotbecompliedwith,othermethodsshouldbetakentopreventdanger.Arrangementsshouldbemadefortheoverheadlinestobeelectricallyisolatedandtested.Ifthisisnotpossible,thencautionshouldbeexercisedwhenworkingnearoverheadlineswhichhavelongspans,astheytendtoswinglaterallyinthewindandaccidentalcontactcouldoccur.

Considerationshouldbegiventotheselectionofamobilecranefittedwith zoningsystemsthatcanbesettorestrictslewangle,hookheightandhookradius.WheresuchacraneisselecteditisimportantthatthesettingandfunctionofthedeviceisverifiedbytheAppointedPersonpriortothecranebeingsetupandthelift commencing.

Warning: Alloverheadlinesandotherelectricalapparatusmustbetreatedasliveunlessdeclared ‘dead’ and ‘safe’ by the lineoperator. If in doubt, seek advice. Cranesorotherplantmustnotbeoperatedwithintheexclusionzonesshownbelowplusthemaximumjib length,asshowninFigures10.4a,10.4band10.4c. Ifthis isnotpossibleseekadviceandclearancefromelectricsupplier/railwaycompanytoverifythesafesystemofwork.

Note: ‘Maximumjiblength’isthelengthfullytelescopedoutortoapointofphysicalrestriction,notsimplytheboomlengthinuse.

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Figure 10.4a Exclusionzones

Figure 10.4b Safetymarginsnearelectricitylines

Figure 10.4c Safestandoffdistances

10.12.3 Cranecontrolinthevicinityofaerodromes/airfields

Ifacraneistobeusedwithin6kmofanaerodrome/airfieldanditsheightexceeds10morthatofsurroundingstructuresortrees,ifhigher,theClientshouldconsulttheaerodrome/airfieldmanagerforpriorpermissiontowork.Restrictionscouldbeplacedontheoverallheightofthecraneandtherecouldbearequirementtofitwarning(obstacle)lightstothetopofthecrane.

10.12.4 CranecontrolinthevicinityofrailwaysIfacraneistobeusedinthevicinityofrailways,wherethereisariskoftheloadorpartofthecraneobstructingthetrackifthecranefailsoroverturns,theappointedpersonshouldensuretheclientconsultstheappropriateregionalNetworkRailAssetProtectionManager.Networkrailwillthenassesstheworkactivitiesbeingundertaken,andadvisewhatcourseofactionshouldbetakentoensureliftingoperationsarecarriedoutassafelyaspossible.

10.13 Typesofcrane

10.13.1 Mobiletelescopiccranes

10.13.1.1 GeneralconsiderationsMobiletelescopiccranesnormallyoperateon‘blockedduties’i.e.supportedonoutriggers.Insuchcircumstances,alloutriggersmustbeused,andtheymustbeintheirextendedpositionandlocked,asrecommendedbythecranemanufacturer’soperatinginstructionanddutycharts.Suitablematsmustbeusedundertheoutriggerstospreadtheloadfromthecrane,andtogiveproperfirmsupportonalltypesofsurface.Itshouldbenotedthat,unlesstheAppointedPersonconfirmsotherwise,standardoutriggermatswillbeprovidedwiththecrane.RefertoSection10.9.2.1,Guidanceoncraneoutriggerloadings,forfurtherinformation.Itmaybenecessarytoprovideasandbedtoensureevendistributionoftheimposedloadingbeneatheachoutriggermat.Thecranemustbelevel,bothlengthwiseandacrossthechassis,andwheelsliftedenoughtobefreefromthegroundbeforeanyliftingisattempted.TheCraneDrivermustcheckthelevelasoftenasisreasonablypracticableduringtheliftingoperations.TheSlinger/SignallerisresponsibleforattachingtheloadtothecranehookandusingthecorrectliftingaccessoriesandequipmentinaccordancewiththeWorkMethodStatement.Whereaudioorvisualmethodsofcommunicationareused,theequipmentoritsmeansofusemustbesuchthattheCraneDriverwillimmediatelybeawareoftheinstructions.Ensureradiosareadequatelychargedandmaintainedpriortooperation.Whenusingradioasameansofcommunication,theSlinger/SignallermustcontinuouslygiverepeatedinstructiontotheCraneDriver,e.g.“Hoist,Hoist,Hoist”,“Stop”,“Derrickin,Derrickin”,“Stop”,etc.IftheCraneDriverdoesnotreceivecontinuousinstructionfromtheSlinger/Signaller,heshouldstoptheoperation.Thisisasafetymeasurethatcompensatesforanyfailureoftheradioequipment.

10.13.1.2 Mobiletelescopiccranes–‘freeonwheelsduties’Insomeconditions,mobiletelescopiccranesmayoperateon‘freeonwheelsduties’andmayneedtotravelwithasuspendedload.When‘freeonwheelsduties’involvingmobiletelescopiccranesareunavoidable,specialistcranesmustbeusedandtheadviceandapprovalofthecraneownersought.Whentravellingwithasuspendedload,greatcaremustbetakenandfullliaisonmaintainedbetweenCraneDriver,CompanyRepresentativeorForemanandtheContractor’sSiteRepresentative.Thecranemustoperateonlevelgroundandproceedatacrawlpaceinaccordancewiththemanufacturer’sguidelines.ItshouldbeguidedbyacompetentSignaller,whoshouldwatchforhazards,slopesandunevenground,allofwhichshouldbeavoided.Beforeallowingthecranetotravel,theAppointedPersonorCraneSupervisormustensurethattheCraneDriverandtheSignallerareawareoftheroutetobefollowedandthattheCraneDriverisconfidentthattheoperationcanbesafelyundertaken.HandlinesmaybeattachedtothesuspendedloadwhilstthecraneisslewingandheldbyoneormoretrainedCompetentPersons,topreventswinging.Atnopointshould

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anypersonstandunderasuspendedloadwhileholdingontoorcollectingahand line.Theloadshouldbecarriedasclosetothegroundasisreasonably practicable.

10.13.1.3 Mobile cranes - restricted duties Mostmobilecraneshave360°liftingduties,althoughsomearerestrictedtosideliftingand/orrearliftingduties,asshownInFigure10.5;thismustbeconsideredwhenselectingcranes.

Figure 10.5 Mobilecranewithrestrictedliftingduty

10.13.2 Crawler cranes Crawlercranesofferanalternativetomobiletelescopiccranes.Thesecranesoperatewith360°liftingdutiesandafixedboom,oftenaccompaniedbyaflyjibfor lighterdutieswithextendedreach.Theyalsooperateoncrawlertracks,whichenablethecranetotravelwithaload.Detailedliftingplansandsketchesofroutesshouldbeincorporatedintotheliftplansandsafesystemofworkbeforeacrawlercraneisused.

Whentravellingwithasuspendedload,greatcaremustbetakenandfullliaisonmaintainedbetweenCraneDriver,CraneSupervisorandContractor’sSiteRepresentative.Dynamicforcesandshockloadingsexertedonthesuspended loadmustbetakenintoconsiderationwhenliftingprecastproductswithcast-inliftinginsertsandwhentravellingacrossunevengroundconditions.

Thecranemustoperateonlevelgroundandproceedatacrawlpace.Itshould beguidedbyacompetentSignaller/Banksman,whoshouldwatchforobstructionsatgroundlevelandoverhead.Theyshouldalsowatchforunevengroundorslopes,bothofwhichshouldbeavoided.

Beforeallowingthecranetotravel,theCraneSupervisorshouldensurethattheCraneDriverandSignaller/BanksmanareawareoftheroutetobetakenandthattheCraneDriverisconfidentthattheoperationcanbeundertakensafely.

Thesuspendedloadshouldbecarriedasclosetothegroundaspossibleandhandlinesshouldbeattachedtoitduringtransittopreventexcessiveswinging.Atnopointshouldanypersonstandunderasuspendedloadwhileholdingontoorcollectingahandline.

10.13.3 Tower cranes TheContractorisresponsibleforensuringthatthetowercranehasbeeninstalledandmaintainedbyaCompetentPerson,inaccordancewithBS7121–Part5andthecranemanufacturer’s recommendations.

360°lifting

Sidelifting

Frontarea RearliftingOutriggersfullyextended

Sidelifting

TheContractorisalsoresponsibleforensuringthattheliftingoperationcarriedoutbythetowercraneisproperlyplannedbyaCompetentPersoninaccordancewithBS7121–Part5.Thepersonplanningtheliftingoperationshouldhavesufficientknowledgeandexperienceofsuchoperations.Theplanmustaddressrisksidentifiedduringriskassessmentandmustshowtheresourcesrequired,inadditiontoproceduresandresponsibilities,sothattheliftingoperationcanbecarriedoutsafely.Theplanmustalsoensurethattheliftingequipmentremainssafeforthedifferentliftingoperations/loadconfigurationsforwhichitwillbeused.

TheContractorisresponsibleforensuringthatthetowercraneiscapableofthedutiesrequiredforliftingandinstallingtheprecastconcreteunits.

TheCompanyisresponsibleforensuringthattheContractorisprovidedwiththeweightsandpositionsoftheprecastconcreteunitstoallowtheContractortofulfilhisdutiesandadequatelyplantheliftingoperation.

TheContractormustprovidetheCompanywithdetailsofdedicatedoffloadingpointsfordeliveryvehicles.

Aswithothercranes,towercranesmustbeproperlytestedandcertificated.TheymustbeoperatedbytrainedCertificatedpersons,unlessunderthedirectsupervisionofaCertificatedpersonforthepurposeoftraining.TheonlyotherpersonswhoshouldbeallowedaccesstoatowercranearethosepeopleauthorisedbytheCraneOwner/hirer,inorderthattheycancarryouttheirlegitimatebusiness,e.g.maintenanceworkers,inspectors.Thisshouldonlybedoneonlyafterworkissuspendedandthearea iscordonedoff.

TheContractorshouldgivespecialconsiderationwhentwoormorecranesarebeingoperatedincloseproximity,toavoidjibscomingintocontactwithothercraneequipment,e.g.liftingropes.

10.14 Start of the lifting operation

10.14.1 General Aftercarryingoutthedocumentationcheckandhavingestablishedthatallisinorder,theAppointedPersonorCraneSupervisorcanproceedasfollows:▪ ObtainconfirmationinwritingfromtheContractor’sSiteRepresentative(or

otherCompetentPersonontheirbehalf)thatthehardstandinghasbeenadequatelypreparedtoreceivetheoutriggerloadingspreviouslynotifiedandindicatedontheLiftPlan.

▪ EnsurethatallpersonnelinvolvedarefamiliarwiththeSafeWorkingMethodStatement/SafeSystemofWorkandarefullybriefedontheirrolesandresponsibilities.Discusswithallpersonnelinvolvedtheintendedliftingoperationandweightofloadsbeinglifted,includinginformationontheheaviestloadandmaximumradiusofoperation.Signedacknowledgementofthisbriefingmustbeobtainedfromeachpersoninvolved.

▪ Beforeallowingthecranetoentertheworkarea,theCraneSupervisorandtheCraneDrivermustensure,byjointinspection,thattheaccess,workingandadjacentareasaresafeandsuitable.Particularattentionshouldbepaidtooverheadobstructions,e.g.cables,trees,arches,scaffolding,etc.andundergroundhazardssuchasattenuationtanks,trenches,cellars,basements,rampsandslopes,andtheseshouldbe clearlyidentifiedintheMethodStatement.Trenchesorexcavationsthathaverecentlybeenfilledandnotcompactedsufficientlymustbeavoided.Allproximityhazards mustbeidentifiedandappropriateactiontakenasdetailedintheSafeWorkingMethodStatement.

▪ Supervise the manoeuvring of the crane onto and across site and into therequired set up position as indicated on the lift plan, ensuring that the publicandothersitepersonnelarenotbeingputat risk.

▪ Ensurethat,beforelifting,sitepersonnelhavebeenwarnedoftheliftingoperationandhavevacatedtheworkingradiusofthe crane.

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▪ EnsurethattheCraneDrivercanidentifyandunderstandthosewhoareto

givesignalsandthatallareawareofthecodeofsignalsthataretobeused,seeFigure10.6overleafforrecommendedcranesignals.

▪ EnsurethattheliftingaccessoryisofadequateSafeWorkingLoad(SWL),ofsuitablechainleglengthforslingangleandthatahandlineisavailableforuseif required.

▪ Ensurethatduringliftingandplacingloadsthecraneisliftingwithinsafeworkingload,radiusandcapacity.

▪ Whenliftingfromtransportoffsiteorwiththecranepositionedoffsite,particularattentionmustbegiventosegregationofpedestriansandtrafficmanagement.

▪ Ensurethattheload/liftingequipmentisclearofobstructionsatalltimes.▪ Monitortheliftingoperationcontinuouslytoensurethatitprogressessafely.▪ Bepreparedtostoptheoperation ifpersonnelor thecraneareworking

unsafely,orforanyother reasons.

10.14.2 Safe Working Load Charts – Duty Charts

Eachcranehasan individualManufacturer’sDutyChart,whichclearlyshowstheboomlength,liftingradiusandloadforthecranetowork safely.Thesemust not be exceeded(Figure 10.7).

Thesechartsaresetoutinvaryingwaysbythecranemanufacturers,dependingonthenumberofliftingconfigurationsanddutiesinwhichthecranecanwork.

Duringplanning,careshouldbetakentoe n s u r e thatthereissufficientmargin(factorofsafetyofminimum10%)betweentheratedcapacityofthecraneattheoperationalradiusandtheweightoftheloadtobelifted.

Figure 10.7 Illustrationofthecrane’scapacitybeingexceeded

10.14.3 Slewing clearance warning

Atanyplacewhereacraneoritsloadpassesanobstacle,thefollowingapplies:▪ Wherepracticable,thecranepathshouldbeclearlydefinedbymarkingtoensurethatitiskeptfreefromobstruction,andaclearanceofnotlessthan600mmshouldbearrangedbetweenanypartofthecraneandanyobstacle(Figure10.8).▪ Whereitisnotreasonablypracticabletoachievethisclearance,effectiveprecautionsshouldbetakentopreventaccesstoanytrappinghazards.

Figure 10.8

Illustrationofasituationwheresite personnelcouldbe trappedbetween thecraneandabarrierwhenthecraneslews

600mm

min

Thecraneoperatormustnotexceedthesafeworking

loadsshownontheManufacturers’

authorisedDutyChart.

Figure 10.6 Recommendedcranesignals

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10.14.4 Use of on-site equipment

Anyequipmentusedonsitemustbefullycertifiedandusedonlybytrainedandcompetentpersonnel.

InsomeinstancesthenatureoftheinstallationdoesnotallowtheloadandSlinger/SignallertobevisibletotheCraneDrivereveninnormalweatherconditionsandalternativemethodsofsignalrelayhavetobeemployed,e.g.radios.Ensureradiosareadequatelychargedandmaintainedpriortooperation.

Whentheaboveconditionsapplytotheinstallation,thentheSlinger/SignallergivingsignalstotheCraneDrivermusthavetheloadinfullclearviewatalltimes.AnotherSlinger/Signallermayberequiredtoensurethatthereiscontroloftheloadatalltimes.Whereinclementweatherinterfereswiththisview,thentheliftingoperationmustbeabandoned,andtheloadleftinastablecondition.

10.14.5 Restricted headroom Detailedplanningshouldtakeplacebeforeattemptinganycontractwherethereiswithrestrictedcraneheadroom,forexample,withinapre-preparedstructure.Preparatoryinvestigationshouldinclude,butnotbelimitedto,thefollowing:▪ Distancebetweenhookblockandcraneboom head.▪ Overhoistlimitswitch–distancefromheadtohook block.▪ Criticalboomangle– theminimumangle tohorizontalatwhichthecranewill

operate.

Theseall vary,dependingupon thecranecapacityandcranemanufacturer (Figure10.9).

Allowancemustbemadefordeflectionsoftheboombothunderloadandduringmovements.

Figure 10.9 Factorstoconsiderwherethereisrestrictedheadroom

Note: Whenbeingusedovertherecommendedangleof90°,theSWLofchainsmustbemarkedforuseat120°

Thelength,widthanddepthoftheprecastunitswilldictatethelengthofchainsrequired,seeFigure10.10.Patentliftingdevicescanbeused,butthesemayaffecttheheadroom.Theeffectofliftinginclinedprecastunitsshouldalsobeconsidered.

Boom head

Overhoistlimitswitch

Hookblock

Chainmasterlink

H 80° 120° H=Approx0.25×unitlength

10.14.6 Lifting pre-stressed precast flooring units at an angle Unitscanbeliftedatananglewiththesamecapacitychainsasdescribedbelow,providedthechainlegisalwayslessthan45°tothevertical.Liftingunitsatanangledependsupon:▪ Unitintegrity.▪ Gripbychokehitch.▪ Suitabilityofbearingstolandangled units.Guidanceshouldbesoughtfromthemanufacturer.

Figure 10.10 Liftingprestressedflooringunitsatanangle.Diagramisforguidanceonly

10.15 Examples of safe working practice indicated by use of typical trigonometry Shorteningchainsononesideoftheprecastunittobeliftedenablesthechaintomaintainanangleoflessthan45°fromvertical.Thisissometimesnecessarywhenliftingprecastunitsintoareaswhereheadroomiscompromised.

10.15.1 Chain slings UndertheLOLER(LiftingEquipmentandLiftingEquipmentRegulations),s l ings areclassifiedasan‘accessoryforlifting’i.e.workequipmentforattachingloadstomachineryforlifting.Themoregenerictermof‘liftingtackle’encompasseschainslings,webslings,eyebolts,shackles,etc.

UndertheLOLERRegulationsallliftingtackleshould be:▪ MarkedwithitsSWL(SafeWorkingLoad)orWLL(WorkingLoad Limit).▪ ProvidedwithinformationthatindicatesitsSWLforeachconfiguration.▪ Thoroughlyexaminedevery6months.▪ CertifiedeitherwithaDeclarationofConformity,ThoroughExamination

ReportorOriginalTestCertificate.

ChainslingsusedforgeneralliftingpurposesshouldbemanufacturedtocurrentstandardsforGrade8chain.ThisstandardcallsforallslingsmanufacturedforgeneralusetoberatedintheUniformmethodforrangesofanglesfrom0°to45°totheverticalorfrom45°uptoandincluding60°totheverticalasshowninTable10.3opposite.

25° 25°

6.3m

23.7° 32.9°

4.66m 6.3m

0.8m 20°

7m 6.65m

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Table 10.3 Thetrigonometrymethodforratingofslings

β

Nominalsizeofchain(mm)

MaximumSafeWorkingLoadfortwo-legslings(tonnes)

β=0o-44o *ChokeHitchReduceSWLby20%

β=45o-60o *ChokeHitchReduceSWLby20%

8 2.8 2.24 2.0 1.6

10 4.25 3.4 3.15 2.52

13 7.5 6 5.3 4.24

16 11.2 8.96 8.0 6.4

Eachslingshouldalsohaverelevantinformationonanaffixedtag,showing:▪ Numberofchainlegs.▪ Nominalsizeofchaininmm.▪ Liftingcapacityat45°tovertical,angle ß.▪ Liftingcapacityat60°tovertical,angle ß.

ThecapacityofchainsmarkedintheUniformmethodcannotbeincreasedbyreducingtheincludedangle.

ChainslingsratedintheTrigonometricalmethodarenolongermanufacturedforgeneral-purposeusewithinBSEN818–4.

AlthoughchainslingsaremanufacturedtoBSEN818–4andratedintheUniformmethod,existingslingspreviouslyratedintheTrigonometricalmethodcan stillbeused,providedtheyareregularlyinspectedandhavetherelevantcertification.TheTrigonometricalmethodprovidesforavariationintheWLLastheangletotheverticalvariesanditsusewasacommonpracticethroughouttheUKformultipurposeapplications.CaremustbetakenwhenusingslingsratedintheTrigonometricalmethodastheSlingermustbeprovidedwithtablesshowingtheSWLatvariousanglesforeachsizeofchain.Thereisaninherentdangerofoverloadingtheslingiftheangleshavebeenmisjudged.

Precastconcreteunitsareoftenliftedbythe‘chokehitch’methodofslinging.WhenthismethodisusedtheSWLshouldbereducedby20%butreferenceshouldalwaysbemadetotheliftingequipmentmanufacturer’stableofSWL.

Whenusingthe‘chokehitch’methodofslinging,itisalwaysimportanttotakeintoaccountthelength,widthanddepthoftheprecastconcreteunitswhencalculatingthelengthofchainsrequiredtoundertaketheliftingoperation,asthiscouldultimatelyaffecttheslingangleofthechainsandleadtooverloadingofthesling.

10.15.2 Multiple leg slings Multiplelegslingsarecomprisedofmorethanoneleg,whichareconnectedbyintermediatelinkstothemasterlink.

TheyaremarkedwiththeSWLandidentificationserialnumberonthemasterlinkortag.TheSWLshouldbecalculatedbyusingeithertheUniformortheTrigonometricalmethod.

Whenusingmultiplelegslings,itisimportanttoassessthecentreofgravityof acomponentpriortoliftinginordertodetermineaneffectiveslingingarrangement.Ifindoubt,theCraneSupervisormustreferbackfortechnicaladviceandapprovalonthechoiceofliftingslings,asmultiplelegslingsareratedontheassumptionthereisequalloadingineach leg.

Figure 10.11 Examplesofmultipleleg slings

10.16 Other lifting devices

10.16.1 Proprietary lifting devices Whenproprietary liftingdevicesareused, theCraneSupervisormustensure that suchitemsare ingoodconditionandofcorrect sizeorcapacity for the load tobe lifted.Proprietaryliftingdevicesmustbeusedinstrictaccordancewiththemanufacturer’sinstructionsorrecommendations.

TheCraneSupervisormustsatisfyhimselfthatOperativesand/orInstallersinvolvedintheuseofproprietaryliftingdevicesunderstandcorrectproceduresandcanidentifydifferenttypesandsizesofequipment.

TheCraneSupervisormustconductaninspectionofproprietaryliftingdevicesatregularintervals.AnyitemsthatshowsignsofwearorfatiguemustbereturnedtotheCompany.

Cast-inweight-ratedliftingdevicesmustbeusedforprecastconcretecomponentsotherthanflooring,thusensuringthatonlythecorrectcapacitycounterpartdeviceisusedonsite.Forexample,‘CCL’,‘Modform’or‘Frimeda’typedevices,whichonlyallow,say,a2-tonnedevicetobeusedwitha2-tonnecast-infitting,etc.

Informationaboutthecomponent’sweightmustalwaysbeavailableonsitetoenabletheCraneSupervisortoselectthecorrectliftingequipment.Thisinformationmustbeconveyed in the form of a component schedule, on construction drawings, or theweightofthecomponentmaybepainted,orotherwiseindicated,onthecomponentitself.

Considerationmustbegiventofinalplacementofallfloorunits.Whereliftingpointshavebeencastin,allmustbeused.Careshouldbetakentoestablishwhetherliftingpointscastintofloorunitsaredesignedtobeusedforallliftingrequirementsorforfinalplacementonly.Unlessliftingpointsarebeingusedforfinalplacement,safetychainsmustbeused.

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10.16.2 Lifting forks and block handling devices Whenbeamandblockfloorcomponentsaretobeinstalled,someformofliftingforkorblockhandlingdevicemaybeusedtooffloadandmovetheblocks.Block handlingequipmentmustnotbeusedunlessasuitablenetissecuredaroundtheloadinorderthatfallingblocksordebrisarerestrained.Personshandlingtheseliftingdevicesmustbetrainedandcompetentintheiruseandrestrictions.

Thenetsusedmustbeofasuitablemeshandgaugetopreventthefallofmaterial andmustbeinspectedbytheForemanfordamageatthecommencementandcompletionofeachcontract,ormorefrequentlyonlongercontracts.Anynetfoundtobeofsuchpoorconditionthatitsfunctionalabilityisimpaired,mustnotbeused.

Beforeallowingblockstobehoisted,thepersonslingingloadsmustensurethatthepalletorcubeofblocksisstableandproperlypacked.Thisisofparticularimportancewherescissorgrabsorclampsareused.

Themechanicalblockgrabsusedbyinstallersonsiteareoftenlarger/widerthantheequipmentusedtooffloadtheblocksfromdeliveryvehicles.LiaisonbetweenthePrecastCompanyandblocksuppliersmaytherefore,benecessarytoensurepacksofblocksareoffloadedandsuitablyspacedtoallowsiteblockhandlingequipmenttobeinsertedbetweenstackedpacksofblockswithoutriskofstrikingorcollapsingotherstacks.Thisisespeciallyimportantwhereblocksarepre-deliveredtosite.

Aswithotherformsofliftinggear,patentblockhandlingdevicesmustbemarkedwiththeirSWLandidentification.Theyshouldalsobetestedandexaminedinthesamewayasotherformsofliftinggearandshouldbemarkedwiththeirself-weight.

10.16.3 Lifting grabs Liftinggrabsclampontothesideprofileofthefloorunit.Thereforeadditionalvigilanceisrequiredbeforeliftingcommencestoensurethereisnodamagetothisprofile.

Safetychainsmustbeutilisedwhenusingaliftinggrab.Thesemustbefittedtothefloorunitbeforeitisliftedfromthedeliveryvehicleandremovedimmediatelypriortofinalplacement.

Therearetwocriticalfactorswhenselectingaliftinggrab:itslengthinrelationtotheproducttobeliftedanditsliftingcapacity.

TheAppointedPersonmustensurethattheliftingcapacityofthegrabisadequateforthecomponentweightstobelifted.

TheAppointedPersonmustobtainadviceandapprovalfromtheCompanytoestablishthemaximumpermittedcantilever(seeFigure.10.12)andthenselectagrabofthecorrectdimensionstosuittheproductlength.

Holes and notches in the floor unit may affect the allowable cantilever length. TheAppointedPersonmustconsultwith theCompany,toestablish that theproposed liftinggrab or other proprietary lifting devices will be suitable for lifting non-standardcomponents.

Thecontactareabetweentheclampandthesideofthefloorslab iscritical. Ifthecontactarea is reduceddue tonotches in theslabside then the liftingclampmanufacturer’sapprovalmustbeobtainedbeforelifting continues.

Liftinggrabsarenotsuitable for liftingpart-widthfloorunits.

Figure 10.12 Effectiveunitwidthforliftingwithsidegrabs

10.16.4 Forklifts and telescopic handlers Forkliftsortelescopichandlersaresometimesusedtoplacecomponentsinconditionswherereducedheadroomorlimitedaccessmakesotherformsofliftingimpracticable.Liaisonwiththemanufacturer’sdesignermustbesoughtbeforeplanningtouseaforkliftortelescopichandlertotransportprecastconcretefloorcomponents.Theirrecommendationsmaybecriticalinensuringtheunitsdonotbreakduringinstallationduetotheforcesexperiencedduringtransit.

TheForemanshouldensurethatthepersondelegatedtooperatetheequipmentistrained,competentandcertificated,andistheonlypersonallowedtooperatethevehicle.Whenaforkliftortelescopichandleristobeused,theAppointedPersonshouldensurethatadequateaccessandworkingareasareprovided,inthesamewayascraneaccessandstandingareasareagreed.Likewise,accountshouldbetakenoftheterrain,heightrestrictions,noise,workingenvironment,etc.

Should any attachment be used in conjunctionwith a forklift or telescopic handler, theselectionandinstallationoftheattachmentshouldbecarriedoutinconsultationwiththemanufacturerorhireroftheequipmentandtheratedSWLalteredaccordingly.Additionaltrainingmayberequiredfortheoperatorwherespecialattachmentsaretobeused.

Ifitisnecessaryfortheforkliftortelescopichandlertotravelwithunits,therouteacrosssiteshouldbechosenwithcare,avoidingadversegradientsandobstructions.Wherevernecessarytheuseofadditionalhard-coreorsimilarmeasuresshouldbeimplementedtominimisetheunevennessofthesite.Loadsmustbekeptaslowaspossibletothegroundtopreventtheequipmentbecomingunstable.

Atalltimestheoperationofaforkliftortelescopichandlershouldbecarriedoutinfullconformitywiththeinstructionsorrecommendationsofthehirecompanyand/orthemanufacturer,withparticularattentionbeingpaidtotheSWLandweight/heightrestrictions.

Whenhandlingprecastcomponentsontheforksofaforklifttruckortelescopichandler,itwillbenecessarytoensurethattheforksofthevehiclearespacedsuchthattheloadismaintainedinastableconditionandpaddedsothatnodamageiscausedtothecomponentbeing handled.

10.16.5 Excavators

Itisrecommendedthatexcavatorsshouldnotbeusedtoinstallprecastconcreteflooringcomponents.Howeverinveryexceptionalcircumstances,excavatorsaresometimesusedtoplacecomponentsinconditionswheregroundconditionsorlimitedaccessmakesotherformsofliftingimpracticable.Carefulconsiderationshouldbegiventoallaspectsoftheplanningprocesstoensuretheliftingoperationscanbecarriedoutsafely.

Liftingclamp

Cantilever

Effectiveunitwidthisfullwidthminusnotch

Effectiveunitwidth is fullwidthminushole

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11 MOVEMENT OF UNITS BY OTHER MEANS

11.1 Barring

Componentsshouldbepositionedasnearaspossibletotheirfinalpositiontominimisebarring;however,theuseofpinchorcrowbarstomovecomponentsiscommontoalltypesoffloorunitandallcategoriesofcontract.Thebarisusedtomove individualunitsintotheirfinalposition,andtotightenupafloorafterlaying.

Inwhateversituationbarringiscarriedout,therearebasicprecautionsthatmustbeobserved:▪ Theabilityofthestructuretowithstandthistypeofmovementmustbe

consideredatthedesignstage.▪ TheInstallersmustcarryoutavisualassessmenttosatisfythemselvesastothe

robustnessofthebearingsbeforecarryingoutthisoperationandseekprofessionaladviceifunsure.▪ OnlycompetentOperativesshouldcarryoutbarring operations.▪ Onlyauthorisedpersonnelshouldbeallowedwithintheworkingareaand

whilstbarringistakingplace,nopersonshouldbeallowedwithintheexclusionzone(s),assetoutintheSafeWorkingMethod Statement.▪ Ifbarringcannotbeavoidedandthebearingsarenotconsideredrobust

enough,theunitsmustnotbepositioneduntilthebearingisimproved,orsometemporarymeasurestaken,suchasproperlydesignedtemporarysupporttothecomponentsorbracingofthebearings.▪ BarringshouldbecarriedoutbytwoOperatives,movingtheunit

simultaneouslyateachendoftheunit.▪ Thebaritselfmustbeofsoundconstructionandofadequatestrength,and

shouldbelongenoughtoenablethepersonbarringthecomponenttostandupright.▪ Theendofthebarshouldbeshapedsuchthatitcangainmaximumpurchase

ontotheunittobemoved,andtheheelofthebarmustbeabletofullybearontotheunitsorstructurebeingbarredagainst.▪ Whereapossibilityofdamagetoothersurfacesexists,protectivemeasures

shouldbeemployedtopreventspallingor fracture.▪ Componentsshouldnotbemovedbythismethodunlesstherearesufficient

unitsorotherelementsofstructuretoprovideasuitableplatformonwhichtheperson(s)carryingouttheoperationcanstand.Suchaplatformmustbeofsufficientsizetoenabletheperson(s)toproperlybracehimselfandtoensurethat,intheeventofbarslippage,thepersonwillnotfallthroughavoid,oroveranedge.Section 13.4.1ofthisCodeofPracticedealswiththequestionofedgeprotection.Whenmovingcomponentsbythismeans,caremustbetakentoensurethattheunitsarenotdamagedtoanextentthatwillimpairtheirstructural integrity.▪ Componentsmustbepositionedormovedbyasuccessionofsmall

movements.Noattemptshouldbemadetoslideorliftunitsfordistancesthatwould causetheoperativesinvolvedintheoperationtolosetheirbalance,ortoholdexcessiveweightonabar.

11.2 Jacking 11.2.1 Jacking of floor units

Theuseofjackstoraiseprecastfloorunitsisuncommonandshouldbeavoidedwhereverpossible.Ininstanceswheretheremaybeparticularrequirementsto

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usejackingitshouldonlybeimplementedafterafullrisk/designassessmenthasbeenundertaken.

11.2.2 Jacking of stair units Theuseofjackstoraiseprecaststairunitsismorecommon.Thesejackingworksshouldbeshort-term,forthepurposeofadjustingunitheightandlevelandshouldnotbeusedfortemporarysupport.Alljackingoperationsmustbeplanned,designed,supervisedandundertakenonlybypersonswiththenecessaryskills,knowledgetrainingandexperiencetocarryouttheworkactivitiessafely.Inallcasesjacksmustbeusedincompliancewiththeinstructionsandrecommendationsofthemanufacturer.

11.3 Other means of installing or moving components

Where,forpracticalreasons,cranesmaynotbeemployed,othermethodsmaybedevisedandused,subjecttoafulldesignandinstallationriskassessmentinagreementbetweentheContractorandtheCompany.Wheneverpossiblesuchsituationsshouldbedesigned out.

12 ADDITIONAL ON-SITE WORKS

12.1 Temporary structural support Thepracticeofinstallingprecastunitsontotemporarybearingsmustbeavoidedwhereverpossible.Incaseswheresuchmeasuresareunavoidable,therequirementtofixontemporarybearingsmustbenotifiedtotheCompanyatthedesignstageof thecontract,andfixingmustnotprogressuntilwrittenconfirmationhasbeenobtainedbytheContractor’sSiteRepresentativefromacompetenttechnicalauthoritythatthetemporarystructurehasbeensuitablydesigned.

12.2 Propping

Shouldproppingberequiredasbearingenhancementduringtheconstructionphase,thiswillbeindicatedontheconstructiondrawingsand/orSafeWorkingMethodStatement.Whererequired,mid-spanpropping,orback-propping,shouldalso beindicatedonthedrawings/SafeWorkingMethodStatement.Allpropsshouldbedesigned,installed,inspected,adjustedandstruckbyCompetentPersonsemployedbythe Contractor.

12.3 In-situ concrete

Wetconcrete,mouldoilandtimbertreatmentsareskin irritantsandtherequirementsof the COSHH Assessment and the Personal Protective Equipment atWork Regulationsmustbecompliedwith.

In-situconcreteworkmustbeexecutedinaccordancewithWorkingDrawings,RiskAssessmentsandSafeWorkingMethodStatement.

Noin-situworksshouldbecarriedoutwithoutreferencetotheCompanysothatanydesignimplicationscanbeassessedandtheworkrecorded.

In-situconcretecanbesupportedeitheronpermanentshutters,oronformwork.Inthecaseofpermanentshutters,theseshouldbetightfittingtooneanotherandtheirsizeshouldbesuchthatthetotalareaofconcreteissupported.Permanentshutterunitsmustbeexaminedforcrackingorotherdamagebeforeanywetconcreteisplacedonthem.Thesemayneedproppinguntiltheconcreteisadequatelycured.Wherepropsareused,thesemustbedesignedbyaCompetentPersonwithdueregardto numberandposition,andinstalledasdirectedbytheBuilding Designer.

Whentemporaryorpermanentformwork isused,thismustbeofsufficientstrengthto support itsownweight,and thatof theconcrete, togetherwith reinforcementand theweightof anyOperativesorplantengaged in thework. Formworkand steelreinforcementmust be designed, constructed and installed by Competent Personsand should be closely examinedbefore, during and after the placing of concrete, inaccordancewith the requirements of current Standards and Codes.

TheContractormustensurethatadequatescaffoldforsafeaccesstotheworkplaceismadeavailable.

Whenusingamobile concretemixingplant andequipment, caremustbe taken thattheseareoperatedbycompetentpersons,inaccordancewiththemanufacturer’sinstructions.

Beforecommencinganyin-situconcreteplacement,theForemanshouldensurethattheweatherconditionsaresatisfactorysofarascouldbereasonablyforeseen(asshowninFigure12.1).Concretingshouldnotcommenceinconditionslikelytocauseitsfailureordisplacement,unlessadequatemeasuresareimplementedtoprotectit.Inallcaseswhereworkisnotcommenced,ordoubtexistsastothesuitabilityofweatherconditions,theCompany’sRepresentativemustadvisetheCompanyofthesituation.

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Figure 12.1 Guidanceforin-situconcreteworkincoldweather

Whilstin-situconcreteworkisinprogress,theForemanandsitemanagementteamshouldensurethattheareabeneaththeworkbeingcompletediskeptclearofallpersonnelnotengagedinthiswork.

12.3.1 Concrete screeds/toppings/grout

Concretecanbedeliveredtothepointofplacementbyvariousmethods, e.g.▪ Concretepump.▪ Craneandskips.

Specialprecautionsarerequiredforalloperations.

Itshouldbenotedthatanyoperativeworkingaconcretepumpmustholdacertificateofcompetence.

TheuseofcranesiscoveredinSection10ofthisCodeofPractice.Allconcreteskipsusedmustbespecificallydesignedforthepurposeandfullysupportedwithcurrenttestcertificates.Particularcaremustbetakenwhenpassingtheconcreteskipthroughotherelementsofthestructuretoensurethatitdoesnotaccidentallystrikethemorbecomeentangled.

Excessiveheapingoftheconcretemustbeavoided(thisisaparticularissueonT-beamandblockflooring).Careshouldalsobetakentopreventimpactloadingfrom theconcrete,e.g.dischargingaskiporpumpfromaheightofmorethan0.5mmust beavoided.

Loadingoutofthefloormustbeavoideduntilthescreeds,toppingsandgrout havecuredfortypicallynotlessthan72hours,andtheflooringmanufacturerorEngineershouldbeconsulted.

Theproceduresforgroutingaresimilartothoseforin-situconcreteandscreeding.TheWorkMethodStatementanddrawingsmustbereferredtoforthemixspecification,jointdetails,surfacepreparationandinformationaboutresponsibilityforcarryingoutthework.

Formworkmustberemovedonlyaftertheconcretehasachievedsufficientstrength,andthecuringtimeallowedshouldbeasstatedbythePrecastDesigner.

Groutingshouldbecarriedoutassoonaspossibleafterinstallationofunits.Wheregroutingisdelayed,stepsshouldbetakentopreventaccidentaldisplacementofunitsfromtheirbearings.

12.4 Forming holes

Normallyholeswillbeformedincomponentsduringmanufacture.However,additionalholesmaybeformedafteragreementwiththeCompany’sdesigndepartment.Non-percussionequipmentshouldbeusedandparticularcareshouldbetakenwhenformingholespost-installationusingadiamondcore-drill.PrestressingtendonsshouldnotbecutunlessapprovedbytheDesigner.TheForemanandsitemanagementteamshouldensurethattheareabeneaththedrillingoperationiskeptclearofallpersonnelnotengagedinthiswork.

Allin-situworkOK Temp.rising

5°C Temp.falling

Allin-situworkOK

GroutOKBeddingOKReady-mixedOKSite-mixedNOTALLOWED

4°C Noin-situworkallowed

3°C

Noin-situworkallowed 2°C

1°C

12.5 Cutting units on site

Wherecuttingisrequiredonsite,modificationstotheunitmaybemadeafteragreementwiththeCompany’sdesigndepartment.CutsshouldbemadeusingtheappropriateequipmentinaccordancewiththeSafeWorkingMethodStatementandriskassessments.TheForemanandsitemanagementteamshouldensurethatallcuttingoperationsarecarriedoutinasafemannerandtheareaiskeptclearofallpersonnelnotengagedinthiswork.

AnywastematerialsshouldbedisposedofinaccordancewiththeSiteWasteManagementPlan.

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13 ACCESS TO WORKING AREA, WORK AT HEIGHT AND PROTECTION AGAINST FALLS

13.1 Introduction

TheWorkatHeightRegulations2005(asamended),givesemployersthefollowinghierarchyofprecautionstofollowwhenplanningworkatheight:

Figure 13.1 Theworkatheighthierarchyofprecautions

ThefollowingistakenfromHSEDocument:HSG150:Healthandsafetyinconstruction.

Thoseincontrolofworkmust:▪ Avoid workatheightwherethey can.▪ Useworkequipmenttoprevent fallswhereworkatheightcannotbeavoided.▪ Wheretheriskofafallcannotbeeliminated,useworkequipmenttominimisethe

distanceandconsequencesofafallshouldone occur.▪ Alwaysconsidermeasuresthatprotectallthoseatrisk,i.e.collectiveprotection

measures (scaffolds,nets, soft landingsystems)beforemeasures thatonlyprotect theindividual,i.e.personalprotectionmeasures(aharness).▪ Ensureworkiscarriedoutonlywhenweatherconditionsdonotjeopardisethehealth

andsafetyoftheworkers.

13.2 General principles for control measures

Generally the installationofprecastflooringandstairs,etc.will require theOperativestoworkatheight.Thisworkwillrequirecarefulplanningfollowingthehierarchyofcontrolstoreducetherisksofworkingatheight.

Thereisarangeofmeasuresavailabletoprotecttheperimeterofthebuilding/workingareaandtheleadingedge;theseincludeworkingplatforms,handrails,workrestraint,safetynets,airbagsandfallarrestsystems.Alloftheseshouldbeconsideredwithinthehierarchyofmeasures,andtheirselectionwilldependuponthetypeoffloorbeinginstalledandthestructurethefloorisbeinginstalledonto.Thesystemthataffordsthemostreasonablypracticablelevelofprotectionshouldbeemployed.PrecastCompaniesshouldendeavortokeepinformedoftechnicalinnovationsandbestpracticewhenplanningworkatheighttoensurethemosteffectivecontrolmeasuresareconsidered.

13.3 Safe access to the working area

Safemeansofaccesstotheworkingareaalsorequirescarefulplanning,particularlywhereworkprogressesduringinstallation.SafemeansofaccessshouldbeagreedwiththeCompanyRepresentativeandpositionedadjacenttothestartpoint,wherereasonablypracticable.

DutyHoldersmust:

• Avoidworkat

heightwheretheycan;• Useworkequipmentorother

measurestopreventfallswheretheycannotavoidworkingatheight;and

• Wheretheycannoteliminatetheriskofafall,useworkequipmentorothermeasurestominimise

thedistanceandconsequencesofafallshouldoneoccur.

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Typicalmethodsinclude:▪ Independentscaffolds.▪ Suitablyprotectedstairsandramps.▪ Fixedormobilescaffoldtowers.▪ Mobileaccessequipment.▪ Securedladders.

MoredetailedadviceontheselectionanduseofaccessequipmentisgiveninHSEguidancelistedbelow:▪ CISNo10(rev.4)Tower scaffolds.▪ HSEInformationSheetMISC614Preventingfallsfromboom-typemobile elevatingworkplatforms.▪ GeneralInformationSheetNo.6(GEIS6)Theselection,managementanduseofmobileelevatingworkplatforms▪ HSG150Healthandsafetyinconstruction(pages14to37).

13.4 Working at height – control measures

ThehierarchyofprecautionstobeusedhasbeenoutlinedinSections13.1.

Inpractice,theperimeterofthebuildingshouldbeprotectedbytheContractor,bymeansofscaffold/guardrails/workingplatformsthatpreventafall.

Theleadingedgeshouldbeprotectedusingthefollowing hierarchy:

Active work restraint systems

Thissystempreventsafall.However,itlimitsaccesstotheleadingedgeandreliesontheoperativetoactandisthereforeactiveandpersonal.Intheprecastflooringindustryexperiencehasshownthatpassiveandcollectivesystemsarefarmoreeffectiveinpreventinginjuryandarethuspreferred(seeSection13.4.2.3Work restraint systems).

Passive and collective systems

Systemsthatdonotrelyontheinstallertooperatethemandareinplacepriortothefirstunitbeinginstalled.Passiveandcollectivesystemsincludenets,airbags,deckingandmanyothersystems.Theyminimisethedistanceandconsequenceofafallshouldoneoccur.

Active fall arrest systems

SystemsforfallarrestrelyonthePrecastInstallertousethemandare thereforeactiveandpersonal. These systems require thecalculationofthemaximumdropaninstallercouldsuffertoensurethatthearresteddropissufficientlyshorttopreventthefallenpersoncomingintocontactwiththefloor.Rescueofthefallenpersonmustalsobeconsideredwhendesigningsucha system.

Note:AllsystemsmentionedmustcomplywithappropriateschedulesgivenintheWorkatHeightRegulations.

13.4.1 Scaffold and edge protection

Toprovidesafeaccesstobearinglevelandaccessaroundtheedgeoftheinstallationarea,ascaffoldwiththerequiredhandrailsmustbeinpositionpriortounitsbeinginstalled.TheContractorandtheCompanyRepresentativeshouldagreeexactlywhatisnecessaryandwhatwillbeprovidedbytheContractor.TheContractorshouldensurethatallscaffoldsareerectedbyaCompetentPerson,andaresuitableandsafepriortoworkcommencing.TheymustcomplywiththeappropriatescheduleintheWorkatHeightRegulations,i.e.thehandrailshouldhaveaminimumheightof950mm,thegapbetweenrailsistobeamaximumof470mm,andthereistobesuitableprotectionagainstfallingmaterials.

Allscaffoldsneedtobeconstructedsoasnottoadverselyaffecttheinstallationoperationortheoperationofthecrane.ThefollowingrecommendationsaremadeforthedifferentcircumstanceswherescaffoldedgeprotectionsystemscouldbeusedandmustbeinstalledtorecognisedstandardssuchasTheNationalAccess& ScaffoldConfederation(NASC)GuidanceTG20:13

13.4.1.1 Masonry construction

Whereascaffoldisconstructedtoallowaccesstoamasonrybearingthescaffoldshouldbepositionednomorethan900mmbelowthetopofthefloorunitand the platform should be of adequatewidth(nolessthan600mm).

Scaffold standardsmust not extend abovetheupperhandrailtoapositionwheretheywillinterferewiththeoperationo f thecraneortheinstallationoftheprecastflooring.

Note:Thisplatformisalsosuitableforthe installationofflooringbeams.Whenfollowingtradesaretousethescaffold itmayrequirefurthermodification

Figure 13.2 Scaffoldingformasonryconstruction

Accesstotheworkingplatformmustberestrictedorpreventedunlessanadditionalinnerguardrailisinplace(seeFigure13.3)orthepassivefallarrestisdeployed

Note:Theplatformpicturedissuitableforasafeworkingaccesspathforthefullworkingperimeterbeforepassivefallprotectionisinplace.

Figure 13.3 Additionalinnerguardrailfitted

13.4.1.2 Steel frame construction Onsteel framebuildingshandrails arerequiredtotheexternalfaceofthebuilding. They should be installed totheoutsideofthesteelframesoas nottointerferewiththeinstallationoftheflooring.

Additionalguardrailsrailsmayberequiredifthedistancefromthetopofthefloortothetoprailisbelow950mm.

Additionalguardrailsmayberequiredtoensurethatthegapisnogreaterthan470mm.Thelowestguardrailtobesetat470mmfromthetopofthesteel.

Figure 13.4 Positionofhandrailsaroundperimeterof floor

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Scaffoldnomorethan900mmbelowtopofslab

Max.950mm Max.

470

Max.900mm

mm

Min.600mm

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Aworkingplatformtotheperimeterofthebuildingisrequiredadjacenttowherethefirstprecastunitistobeinstalled.Asafemeansofaccessmustbeprovidedtotheworkingplatform(seeFigure13.5).

Figure 13.5 Workingplatformadjacenttofirstprecastunit

Workingplatformrequiredadjacenttostartpoint.ScaffoldMUSTbe designedtowithstandstaticanddynamicloading,e.g.doublelanyardandrestraintharnesswork,fixedtospecificallydesignedhandrails.

Unlessitispracticaltoinstallaperimeterworkingplatformtoallbays,uponcompletionofBay1,asingle operativeisrequiredtogainaccesstoGLCtoinstalltheperimeterunittoBay2(andrepeatedonfurtherbays),subjecttoadequatefallprotectionbeinginplace(seeFigure13.6).

Figure 13.6 Provisionofworkingplatformforsteel-framedbuilding

13.4.2 Leading edge control measures

13.4.2.1 Working platforms (e.g. decking, bird cage) Whereprovided,workingplatformsshouldfullycovertheinternalareaunderthefloorinstallation.Severaloptionsareavailabletoachieveaworkingplatform,includingenhancedlightweightdeckingsystemsand scaffolding.

Whenscaffoldsystemsareused,careshouldbetakentoensurethatscaffoldpolesdonotextendabovethelevelofthedeck,wheretheycouldcauseinjurytoafallingpersonorcauseatriphazard.

Whenlightweightdeckingsystemsareused,careshouldbetakentoensurethatthesystemisdesigned/installedasaworkingplatformandthatthesurroundingstructureaffordsadequatelateralrestraintwhererequired.Somesystemsrequireenhancementoverandabovethestandard‘crashdeckonly’assemblyconfiguration.Anyplatformbeneaththeinstallationareashouldbeamaximumof900mmdownfromthetopoftheprecastunitbutshouldalsobeaminimumof200mmdownfromthebearingleveltoallowliftingchainstoberemoved.WorkingplatformsaretobeinstalledbyCompetentPersonsinaccordancewiththerelevantschedulesintheWorkatHeightRegulations.

13.4.2.2 Access platforms, mobile towers and other mobile equipment

Awiderangeofequipmentisavailable.Forworkofshortduration,suchasinspectionandminormaintenance,mobiletowersorMEWPscanprovidesafeaccess,andtherisksassociatedwithscaffoldinstallationcanoftenbeavoided.

GLA GLB GLC

Bay1 Bay2

GLDBay3

Startpoint

Workingplatform Workingplatform installedrequiredadjacent toBay2beforeworkstartstostartpoint

Workingplatform

Whenpower-operatedmobileworkplatformsareusedonsitethesemachinesmustbeoperatedonlybyaCertificatedOperator.Theequipmentchosenshouldbeappropriateforthegroundconditionsonthesite.Thegroundmustbefirmandlevel andsuitableforthistypeofwork.Particularattentionmustbepaidtowindspeedwhenworkingatheight,asthiswillaffectstability.Manufacturers’adviceonthemaximumwindspeedatwhichitcanbesafelyoperatedshouldbefollowed.

Equipmentshouldbemaintainedinasafeconditionandbeoperatedonly byCompetentPersonnel.

MobiletowersmustbeusedonlyonafirmlevelbaseandshouldbeconstructedbycompetentInstallersinstrictaccordancewiththemanufacturer’srecommendationsandHSEGuidance,attentionbeingpaidtohandrails,bracings,out-riggersandtyingtothestructure.Mobiletowersmustbefittedwithlockablewheelsandshouldonlybemovedwhenunoccupied.

Whenusingtowerscaffolds,onlythosetrainedintheirinstallationshouldbegiventhetaskofinstallingthismethodofaccess.TherearetwoapprovedmethodsrecommendedbythePrefabricatedAccessSuppliersandManufacturersAssociation(PASMA),whichhavebeendevelopedinco-operationwithHSE:thesearethe‘throughthetrap’and‘advancedguardrailsystem’.SeeHSECISNo10(revision4).

TheForemanmustvisuallyinspectallsuchequipmentprovidedforuseduringtheinstallationprocess,andanydefectsnotedmustbebroughttotheattentionoftheCompany,orwhereappropriatetheContractor’sSiteRepresentative,sothattheparticularitemcanbereplaced,orrepaired,beforeitisused.

WhenusingmobiletowerstheContractoristoensurethatsurfacesareevenandallvoidsaresecurelycovered.

13.4.2.3 Work restraint systems

Workrestraintcanpreventafallbyrestrictingthemovementofapersontoasafearea.Itshouldnotbepossibletoreachanyunprotectededge,holeorfragilematerialwhenrelyingonthissystem.

Thissystemconsistsofasafetyharness,lanyardandsuitableanchoragepoint.Itisimperativethatasuitablesecuremethodoffasteningthelanyardtoananchorpointisprovided.Practicalmeasurestoachievethisincluderunninglinesandlanyardsattachedtosuitableanchoragepoints,whichmaybeincorporatedintotheprecastunit.

Thelanyardshouldbeafixedlengthorasshortaspossiblewhilstallowingtheoperativetoreachtheplaceofwork.Thispreventsthemfromgettingintoafallposition,astheyarephysicallyunabletogetclosetotheopenedge.

Inchoosingaharness,caremustbetakentoensurethat itwillgivetheuser,as farasis compatiblewith safety,maximumcomfortand freedomofmovement.Properfittingsandadjustmentareessentialtoachievetheseaims.

Whereactiveworkrestraintisbeingconsidered,adequatetrainingmustbeprovidedtoOperativesandInstallersandtheequipmentmustbeinspectedby CompetentPersonsbeforeandafteruse.Supervisionandtrainingareneededtoensurethatthesystemofworkadoptedisunderstoodbyallusersandismaintained.

Although,whencorrectlyused,work restraintequipmentwithaharness, shortlanyardandadequateanchorpointcanpreventafall, it ismoresuitableforlightshort-durationworkand isnotalwayspracticalto implementwhen installingprecastfloorsas the leadingedge(s)constantlymove.Similarly, theanchorpointmayneedmoving repeatedly. A short lanyardwould restrict themovement of theOperativethat is required tofix theunit, as they requireaccess close to the leadingedge. Inthissituationit ismorepracticaltouseacollectiveprotectivesystem(i.e.safetynets,airbags) thatdoesnot restrict themovementof theoperativebutprovidesprotectiontoallthoseatrisk(ratherthananindividualOperative)andminimisesthedistanceandconsequenceofafall,shouldoneoccur.

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13.4.2.4 Passive and collective systems

Lightweight decking systems

Lightweightcrashdecksusually taketheformofplasticplatforms,whicharesuitableforuseinmost internalareas.Thedeckingprovidesasafeguardwhenworkingatheightsandcanallowfull freedomofmovementovertheworkingarea.Mostsystemswillrequirethepresenceofperimeterwallsforlateralstability.Thefloorareaonwhichtheplatformsupportsarepositionedmustbefirmandreasonablylevel.On-siteinstallationof the lightweightdecking isusually carriedout thedaybefore installationof theflooringand removedon completionofworks.

Lightweight crashdecksmust be installedbycompetentpersons tomanufacturers’instructions.

Safety nets

Safetynetscanbeeffectivelyemployedtoreducethedistanceandconsequenceoffalls.Theyofferpassivecollectivemeasuresbyprotectingeveryoneworkingwithintheirboundary,withoutrequiringthoseworkerstoactinordertobeprotected.Theyallowabroadrangeofactivitytocontinuewithminimumrestriction.

Safetynetshavehighenergyabsorptioncapability,andthereforeoffera'softlanding'thatminimisesinjury.Theyshouldalwaysbefittedascloseaspossibletotheundersideoftheworkinglevel.

Thosewhoinstallnetsmustbeawareoftherelevantstandards,betrainedandbecompetenttocarryouttheworksafely.ThiswillrequiretheuseofspecialistInstallersandriggers.TheForemanmustensureahandovercertificatehasbeenprovidedandmustvisuallyinspectthenettingbeforeallowingworktoproceedaboveit.

ShouldanInstallerfallintothenet,significantsaggingcouldresult.Toavoidriskofinjurythewholeareabeneaththenetsmustbekeptclearofmaterialsand/orobstructions.

Theself-weightofthenetandshockloadingtoanchoragepoints,intheeventofafallshouldbe consideredinthedesignandimplementationofthenettingsystem.

SafetyNetsshouldnotbesupportedbyanydrilledanchorfixedintoastructureunlesstheRiggingCompanycanprovideevidencethatthestructure,theanchoringmaterial,andtheanchorarecapableoftakinganappliedloadof6kNat45°.Ref:FasetBulletinNo.14(August2012)DrilledFixings.Wheresafetynetsareriggedsothatthefallislessthan6m,thenetmustextendaminimumof3mbeyondtheleadingedgewhereoperativesareworking.Iftheworkingareaisinclinedbymorethan20degreesthentheremustalwaysbe3mminimumbeyondtheleadingedge.

Airbags

Airbagsystemscomprisebagsofvaryingsizesthatareclippedtogethertoeffectivelyformaprotectionsystem.Theairbagscanbeindividualunitswiththeirownintegralairpumporcanbeconnectedbyasystemofhoses andconnectors,whichinturnareconnectedtoanairpump.Theairpumpisusedtoinflatethebagsandmaintaintherequiredpressure.

Installationofairbagsmustbecarriedoutby trainedandcompetent Installerswithadequateaccessforinstallationandremoval.

Priortopositioningtheemptyairbags,thewholeoftheareamustbecleared.Theairbagsarethenarrangedtocoverthedesiredarea,connectedtogetherandinflated.

TheContractorshouldensureopeningsinexternalwalls,suchasdoorsandwindows,havebeensuitablyprotected,e.g.byscaffoldortimber,topreventOperativesrollingofforfallingthroughthevoid,shouldafalloccur.Careshouldbetakento avoidblockingoutallnaturaldaylightifusingboarding.

Airbaginstallersshouldtakecaretoavoidexertingexcessivelateralpressuretovulnerablewalls.TheContractormustensurethetemporarystabilityofthestructureandenhancethefallprotectionorprovideanalternativemethodlocallywherestabilityproblemsarereasonablyforeseeable.Allwallsshouldbeadequatelycuredbeforeinstallingairbags.Ifthestoreyheightexceeds4mtheairbagsystemshouldbeemployedwithacoversheetabove.Wherethedistancefromtheworkingleveltothefloorbelowisover6.0m,secondarymeasuresshouldbeused(e.g.clampsandharnessesattacheddirectlytothehollowcoreunits)Thereshouldbenooverheadworkinprogressabovetheairbaginstallationareaatanytimewhileairbagmodulesarebeingset-up,moved/adjustedor de-rigged.

Theabsoluteminimumairbagcoverageshouldbe4.8maheadoftheleadingedge(directionofinstallationsequence),2.4mbehindtheleadingedgeand2.4mtoeachside(thesetobeincreasedto4.8mifthestoreyheightexceeds4m).

Thisistheabsoluteminimumareapermittedandshouldnotberegardedastargetcoverage.Bagginginstallersshouldwholefillrooms,wherepracticable,toavoidtheneedforrepeatedaccesstotheairbagareatomoveoradjustthemodules. P r e ca s t Compan ie s s hou ld planworkaccordinglytoensureadequatetimeisallowedforairbaginstallerstoprovideadequatefallprotection.FlooringOperativesandInstallersshouldbeinstructedthatfixingmustnotcommenceuntilthisisinplace.

Thesystemmustbecontinuallymonitoredduringitsoperation,i.e.toensureairbagsarefullyinflated,andworksuspendedimmediatelyinsituationsofnon-compliance.

Other proprietary systems

Othersystemsnotlistedabovemaybeutilizedsubjecttoriskassessment,takingintoaccountfalldistanceontotheproduct,anditsabilitytomitigatetheconsequencesofanyfall(byreducingtheseverityofinjury).

13.4.2.5 Active Personal Fall arrest systems

Fallarrestsystemsdonotpreventafall,arenotacollectiveprotectionmeasureandarethereforeregardedasapersonalprotectionmeasureandanactivesystem.TheyarethereforelowerdownthehierarchythanthepassivesystemsdescribedatthestartofSection13.4.

Thesesystemsconsistofasafetyharness,lanyardandadequateanchoragepointandaimtoarrestafallandminimiseinjuryonceafallhasoccurred.Specialistadviceandapprovalshouldbesoughtfromthesupplieroftheequipmentontheprovisionandlocationofsuitableanchoragepoints.

Asuitablesystemofrescuingthefallenpersoninlessthan10minutesmustbepresentbeforeworkstarts;seriousinjuryordeathcanoccurifthepersonremainssuspendedforprolongedperiodsfollowinganarrestedfall(Section13.9).

Fallarrestsystemscanprovidevaluableprotection,buttheyarenotasubstituteforeffectivefallpreventionmeasuresorcollectiveprotectionmeasures.Itmustbeclearlyunderstoodthat,wherepracticable,properworkingplatforms,handrails,safetynetsandairbagsmustbeusedinpreferencetofallarrestsystems.

It is imperativethatasuitablesecuremethodoffasteningthe lanyardtoananchorpoint isprovided,andthatthe lanyard lengthwillprevent injurybyarrestingthefallbeforeanypartofthebodyhitsthefloororanyotherpartofthestructure.

Practicalmeasurestoachievethisincluderunninglinesandlanyardsattachedtosuitableanchoragepoints,whichmaybeincorporatedintotheprecastunit

Inertiareelsmaybeusedinfallarrestsystemsbutassessmentsmustbebasedontheirdesignlimitationsandmanufacturers’recommendations.

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Inchoosingaharness,caremustbetakentoensurethatitwillgivetheuser,asfarasiscompatiblewithsafety,maximumcomfort,freedomofmovementand,intheeventofafall,everypossibleprotectiontothebodyfromtheshockofsuddenarrest.Properfittingsandadjustmentareessentialtoachievetheseaims.Theuseoflanyardsfittedwithshockabsorbersisrecommendedwherethepotentialdropheightpermitsthefulllanyarddeployment.Wherefallarrestdevicesarebeingconsidered,adequatetrainingmustbeprovidedtoOperativesandInstallersandtheequipmentmustbeinspectedbyCompetentPersonsbeforeandafteruse.Supervisionandtrainingareneededtoensurethatthesystemofworkadoptedisunderstoodbyallusersandtheequipmentismaintained.

13.4.2.6 Use of active and personal work restraint/fall arrest equipment Allpersonswhowillusefallarrest/workrestraintequipmentmustbefullytrainedintheunderstanding,inspectionanduseofthatequipmentand,inthecaseoffallarrest,therescueproceduresinvolved.Thetrainingmustbeprovidedbyasuitablyqualifiedinstructor.

Theuser’slifemaydependuponthegoodworkingorderofthefallarrest/workrestraintequipmentprovidedandthereforetheequipmentmustbesubjecttoroutineinspection,maintenanceand,whererequired,replacement.

Thefollowingcriteriamustbetakenintoaccountbeforeusingworkrestraintsystems:▪ Adequateanchoragepoints.▪ Meansofadjustmentof lanyard.▪ Correcttypeofbodyharness.

Thefollowingcriteriamustbetakenintoaccountbeforeusingactivefallarrestsystems:▪ Anchoragepointsandpositionrequireanadequatemarginofstrengthandstabilitytowithstandthedynamicandstatic forces.▪ Typeoflanyard.▪ Freefalldistance.▪ Correctbodyharness.▪ Timetakenforrescueprocedure.

Inpracticeitisunlikelythatactivefallarrestsystemswillbecapableofprovidingasafesystemofworkwheninstallingprecastconcreteflooringproducts.Beforeitisused,athoroughriskassessmentandmethodstatementmustbeproduced,takingintoaccountalloftheforegoing.

13.5 T-beam and block above ground floor levels Wherepracticable,aworkingplatformwillberequiredbeneaththefloorinstallationareawheninstallingbeam-and-blockatupperfloorlevels.Thisisrequiredtocontroltheriskoffallingbetweenthebeamsandalsotherisksassociatedwithmanualhandlingofblocks.

Wheninstallingbeam-and-blockontosteelbearingsatupperfloorlevels,thereisariskofbeammovementonsteelwork.Thiscancausefallsbetweenbeamsduringandafterinstallation.BuildingandFloordesignersmusttakethisintoaccountandsuitablemeasuresshouldbetakento‘designout’thisissuebyensuringmovementoffloorcomponentsisnotpossible.

13.6 Staircases

Layoutofflightsandlandingsandthesupportingstructuredifferonallstairwells.Eachstaircaseshouldbeassessedonitsownmeritsandariskassessmentcarriedouttodeterminethemostadequateandeffectivewayofcontrollingthehazards.

13.6.1 Planning and co-ordination

Wheninstallingprecaststairsandlandings,itisoftenarequirementforassociatedtradestocarryoutworksduringthesamedayofinstallation,i.e.riggingand de-riggingofsafetynets,installationanddismantlingofscaffoldorotherpassivefallarrestsystems.Fullconsiderationmustbegiventotheplanningandco-ordinationofalltrades,ensuringthatallassociatedtradesarefullyawareoftheirrequirementsandsequenceofattendance.Itisgoodpracticeforprecaststairunitstobeinstalledafterthesurroundingflooringunits.

It istheContractor’sduty,undertherequirementsoftheCDMRegulations,toco-ordinate therequirementsofscaffoldprotectionto thestairwellduring theconstructionphase. Thismaynecessitate a scaffolder being in attendance during theinstallationofastaircase.

13.6.2 Hazards

Themainhazardsassociatedwithstaircases/stairwellsare:§ Workatheightwhilst installingtheflooringproductaround/closetothestairwell.§ Workatheightwhilstinstallingthestairflights/landings.§ Workatheightwhilstworkingonthesurroundingfloorareaafterthestairshavebeen

installed.13.6.3 Safety in the working area

13.6.3.1 Installing the flooring product around/close to the stairwell Thesurroundingfloorshouldbeinstalledaroundthestairwellbeforethestairflights/landingsareinstalled.Inturnthiswillformaworkingplatformwheninstallingthetopofthestairs.ThestairwellvoidshouldbeprotectedbytheContractorviathemostpracticablemeans,e.g., scaffold handrailsorbymeansofpassivefallarrestoracombinationofboth,before installationofthesurroundingfloororstairs inthatareacommences.Thiswillprotectagainstfalls intothestairwellduringtheinstallationofthesurroundingfloorunits.

Figure 13.7 Whenfixingsecondfloorandabove

2ndfloorlevel

Airbag

Airbag

1stfloorlevel

Fullyboardedplatform

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Wheninstallingflooringatsecondandupperfloorlevels,fullyboardedplatformsshouldbesetimmediatelybelowsoffitlevelatthepreviousfloorlevelbytheContractor.Thisplatformprovidessupportforthepassivefallarreste.g.airbagswhilstinstallingtheflooringaroundthestairwellandalsoallowsaccesstothelowerflightandintermediatelanding.

Scaffoldstandardstobekeptbeloworcappedoffimmediatelyabovethisplatform.

Fullconsiderationmustbegiventoprovidingadequateaccesstotheupperfloor levelfortheairbaginstallers.Insummary:1. WorkingplatformprovidedbyContractor.2. Airbagspositionedonworkingplatformwhichprovideleadingedgeprotection

tostairwellwheninstallingflooraroundstairwell3. Workingplatformprovidessafeaccesstoinstallintermediatelandingandstair

flight.4. Workrestraintequipmentusedatfloorlevelswhilstinstallingflightand

removingchains.5. Stairwellprotectedatupperfloorlevelby Contractor.

13.6.3.2 Installing the stair flights/landings into steel-framed buildings Accessisrequiredtoeach‘floor’landinglevelandeachintermediatelanding level(wheretheintermediatelandinglevelcannotbereachedfromthelevelbelow).Inmostinstancestheaccesstothe‘floor’landinglevelwillbeformedbytheprecastfloorunits.

IntermediatelandingswillnormallyrequirescaffoldprovisionbytheContractor.

Onstair-onlycontractsorinsituationsthatnecessitatethestairflightsandlandingsbeinginstalledindependentlyofthefloorunits,accessandworkingplatformsmustbeprovidedtoallintermediateand‘floor’landinglevelsbytheContractor.

Thefollowingdiagramgivesguidanceandsomeexamplesofcontrolmeasuresthatcanbeadoptedwheninstallingthestairflights,landingsandtheadjacentfloorunits.Eachinstallationmustbeassessedonitsownmeritstoensurethemostappropriatemeansofprotectingpersonsfromfallsfromheightisachieved.Pleaserefertosection13.4.2Leadingedgecontrolmeasures.

Figure 13.8 Stairsinsteel-framedbuilding

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Priortoinstallationofthestairstheperimeterofthestairwellshouldbeprotectedby theContractor (via scaffoldhandrails).Thiswillprotectagainstfallsintothestairwellduringandaftertheinstallationofthesurroundingfloorunits.

Whereitisnotpracticaltoprovidethehandrails, passive fall protectionmustbeinstalledtothestairwellarea(i.e.safetynets)priortoinstallationoffl o o r i n g .

Passivefallprotectiontobe removedafter installationofthetoplandingunits,Installersshouldthenuseworkrestraint/fallarrestequipmentattachedtotheinstalledproduct,scaffoldhandrailorthestructurewherepracticablewhilstinstallingthestairs. Thisshouldalsobeusedwhenstandingonstairflightstoremovec h a i n s .Onsteelframestructuresaccess/platformswillberequiredtoallbearingpositions.Workingplatformsprovidesafeaccesstoinstallintermediatelandingandstairflight.

Thesurroundingfloorwillnormallybeinstalledaroundthestairwellbeforethestairflights/landingsareinstalled.Inturnthiswillformaworkingplatformwheninstallingatfloorlevel.

13.6.3.3 Installing stair flights / landings in a masonry structure (upper floor level)

TheperimeterofthestairwellvoidshouldbeprotectedbytheContractor(byinstallingscaffold handrailsorbymeansofpassivefallarrestoracombinationofboth),beforeinstallationofthesurroundingfloororstairs.

Theprotectionmayneedtobeadaptedtoenablestairplacement.

Thesurroundingfloorwillnormallybeinstalledaroundthestairwellbeforethestairflights/landingsareinstalled.Inturnthiswillformaworkingplatformwheninstallingthetopofthestairs.

Thefollowingexamplesofgoodpracticemayassistindeterminingsuitableprotectionisaffordedtoinstallers.▪ Atalltimes,considerationmustbegiventotheGeneralprinciplesforcontrol

measureswhenworkingatheight.Refertosection13.2forinformation.▪ Ensuresurroundingfloorsareinstalledpriortoinstallationofstairunitsasthis

providesasuitableworkingplatform.▪ Wherepossibleascaffoldershouldbeinattendancethroughoutthestair

installationtomodifyandadaptworkingplatformsatsuitableintervals.▪ Restrictaccesstotheworkingareatoessentialpersonnelonlyinvolvedinthestair

installation.

13.6.4 After the stairs and surrounding floors have been installed Immediatelyafterinstallationofeachstairwelliscomplete,protectionmustbeprovidedagainstfallsintotheformedstairwellwhilstworkingonthesurroundingfloorarea.Inaddition,thestairsmustnotbeconsideredsafeforaccessuntilhandrailsandedgeprotectionhasbeenprovidedbytheContractor(seefig13.9).

Figure 13.9 Exampleofprotectionfollowinginstallationofstairunits

Firstfloorlevel

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13.6.5 Multi-storey stair cores Specialconsiderationmustbegivenatdesignandplanningstagetotheprovisionofcast-inanchoragepointstoaidscaffoldarrangementsandprecastcomponentinstallationensuringthatcomponentscanbe installedwithouttherisktothehealthandsafetyofanyperson.

13.7 Falls from delivery vehicles TheContractorhasadutytoensurethatalldeliveryvehiclesareoffloadedsafely.

WhereanOperativeisrequiredtoaccessthetrailertounloadtheproductthereisasignificantriskofinjuryfromfalls.Workatheightonthetrailer,andontheload,shouldthereforebeavoidedwherereasonablypractical.

Whereworkatheightonthetrailerandloadcannotbeavoided,thentheContractorshouldliaisewiththePrecastInstallerandcarryoutanassessmentofthesiteconditions.ThehierarchyofcontroloutlinedintheWorkatHeightRegulationsshouldbeappliedtoreducetherisksofinjuryduetofalls,asfarasisreasonablypracticable.

Controlmeasuresrangefromworkingplatformgantries,handrailsystems,airbagsystems,safetynetsystems,personalworkrestraintsystemsandpersonalfallarrestsystems.Suchsystemsshouldbeadoptedwherereasonablypracticable.Themosteffectivesystemtobeusedwilllargelydependuponthesiteconditions,thevehicleandthesize,heightandtypeofloadsbeingdelivered,thelocationofsiteandsitecondition.

Allsuchsafetysystemswillrequirecarefulplanning.TheContractorshouldliaisewiththePrecastInstallerandplantheoffloadingpositions.TheContractorshouldalsoconsidertheSiteTrafficManagementPlan,othertradesanddeliveries,andensurethatadequatearrangementshavebeenmadetoaccommodatethesystembeingused.Suchplanningmustensurethattheoffloadingpositioniswithinreachofthespecifiedcrane,hasadequatespacefortheinstallationandhasadequateground bearingcapacity.

Allsystemsmustbeexamined/inspectedbyaCompetentPersonandused inaccordancewiththemanufacturer’srecommendationsandshouldbevisuallyinspectedbeforeuse.

Whereverpossible,workatheightonthetrailershouldbeavoided.Whereitcannotbeavoided,safeaccesstoandfromthetrailerisessential,andsuitablein-builtstepsorsecuredladders/handholdsshouldbeused.

13.8 Use of ladders

Laddersshouldbeusedonlyasaccessorforlightworkofshortduration, lastingnomorethan15to30minuteswhereothersafermeans,suchasscaffoldtowersorMobileElevatingWorkPlatforms(MEWPs)havebeenconsideredandfoundnottobereasonablypracticable.

Properlyconstructedandsecuredladders,combinedwiththeuseofsafetyharnesses,staticlinesoranchoragepoints,mayalsobepracticableincertainconditionswheretheworkingheightprecludestheuseofmobiletowers.

Whenladdersareused,theyneedtobeofthecorrecttype,i.e.asuitablegradeofindustrialladder.Theyshouldbeingoodconditionandeffectivelysecuredtopreventmovement(Figure.13.10).Permanentmeansofsecuringladdersatidentifiedaccesspointscanimproveladdersafety.Thisavoidstheneedforfootingwhenladdersaretiedanduntied.Thosewhouse,inspectandsecureladdersshouldbecompetenttodoso.

Laddersmayprovidesafeaccess,buttheiruseisnotalwaysappropriate.Factorstobeconsideredinclude:▪ Thelengthoftheladderrequired.Verylongladdersareheavytohandleandmay

needstayingtoreduceflexingin use.▪ Correctangleofladder–foreveryfourupgooneout(Figure13.11).▪ Theremustbeanextensionofatleast1mabovelandingpointtoprovideasecure

handhold.▪ Ensuretheladderisadequatelysecuredatfootandlanding point.▪ Theneedtocarrytools,equipment,materials,smallcomponents,etc.Bothhands

shouldbefreewhenclimbinga ladder.▪ TheOperativemusthaveasecurehandholdandatleastthreepointsofcontact

whenusingtheladder.▪ TheOperativemustnotoverreach.▪ TherequirementforrecordsofformalperiodicinspectionsbytheContractorin

accordancewiththemanufacturer’srecommendations.

TheForemanmustvisuallyinspectallladdersprovidedforuseduringtheinstallationprocess,andanydefectsnotedmustbebroughttotheattentionoftheCompany,orwhereappropriate,theContractor’sSiteRepresentative,sothattheparticularitemcanbereplacedorrepairedbeforeitisused.

Figure 13.10 Secureladderfixing

Figure 13.11 Correctladderangle

13.9 Rescue procedures

Arescueproceduremustbeinplaceonalloccasionswherepassivefallarrestoractivefallarrestareutilisedandwhere,therefore,afallisstillpossible,e.g.fallintoairbag,safetynet,useoffallarrestsafetyharness.Anypotentialrescueproceduremustbeevaluatedattheplanningstageofthejobandrecordedaccordingly.Whenplanningforrescue,considerationshouldbegiventothetypeofsituationfromwhichthecasualtymayneedtoberecovered,andthetypeoffallprotectionequipmentthatthecasualtywouldbeusing.Itisessentialthatindividualsundertakingworkatheightarecompetentinappropriaterescuetechniquesandemergencyprocedures.Theseshouldformpartoftheirinitialandongoingtraining.Inadditiontothis,rescuetechniquesshouldbepracticed atregularintervals,andatthestartofanyworksituationthatisunfamiliartoanyoftheworkteam.

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ItmustbestressedthatrelianceupontheEmergencyServicestoassistwitharescueshouldnotbepartoftherescueplan.Thisisbecausethereisapossiblelack ofappropriateequipmentfortherescue,aswellasthelikelihoodofanextendedtimeperiodbetweentheonsetofthefallandthearrivaloftheEmergencyServices.

Itisalsoimportanttoconsiderwhatequipmentisgoingtobesuitableforarescueandwhetheritwillbeavailableonsite.Equipmentthatcouldbeutilisedcouldinclude:▪ AMEWP.▪ Aproprietaryrescuesystem.▪ AsystemprovidedbytheContractor.▪ Acranewithapersonriding cage. Note: Manufacturersprovidevarious typesofsuspensiontraumareliefequipment forusebyasuspendedperson.Thesecandelay theeffectsofsuspensiontrauma,buttheyonlyworkonconsciousandablecasualties; theyarenotanalternativetorescue.

Allrescueplanningandoperationsshouldaddressthefollowingissues:▪ Thesafetyofthepersonscarryingoutorassistingwiththe rescue.▪ Theanchorpointstobeusedfortherescue equipment.▪ The suitabilityof equipment (anchors, harnesses, attachments and connectors) thathasalreadyarrestedthefallofthecasualtyforuseduringthe rescue.▪ Themethodthatwillbeusedtoattachthecasualtytotherescue system.▪ Thedirectionthatthecasualtyneedstobemovedtogetthemtothepointofsafety,(raising,loweringorlateral).▪ Thefirstaidneedsthecasualtymayhavewithrespecttoinjuryorsuspensiontrauma.▪ Thepossibleneedsofthecasualtyfollowingthe rescue.

13.9.1 Suspension Trauma

Suspension Trauma (Orthostatic intolerance) is a condition in which a personsuspended inaharnesscanexperiencepallor,coldsweats,nausea, ringing in theears, blurred vision, dizziness, feeling faint, loss of consciousness and eventuallydeath.

Allusersofpersonalfallprotectionsystems,andothersinvolvedwithworkataheight,shouldbeawareofthefollowingprecautionsthatmightneedtobetakenintheeventofacasualtybeingheldinasuspended position.▪ Thelongerthecasualtyissuspendedwithoutmoving,thegreaterthechancesareofsuspensionTraumadevelopingandthemoreseriousitislikelytobe.Therefore, ifan injuredperson issuspended inaharness, theaimshouldbetocarryouttherescuewithin10minutes.Thisisparticularlyimportantforacasualtywhoismotionless.▪ Unlessthesuspendedpersoncanbeimmediatelyretrieved,forassistancecall999or112.▪ Aconsciouscasualtyshouldbeencouragedtomobilisetheirfourlimbs,tostimulatecirculationoftheblood.Frequent‘pumping’ofthelegsagainstafirmsurfacewillalsoactivatethemusclesandimprovebloodcirculation.Elevationofthelegsbythecasualtyortherescuerwheresafelypossiblemayalsoprolongtoleranceofsuspension.▪ Afterrescue,providingtherearenoinjuries,therewasnomedicalreasonforthefallandthecasualtyisconscious,theyshouldbecheckedbyacompetentfirstaiderwhomayadvisethemtoavoidstandingandtositdownuntil satisfiedtheyhavefullyrecovered(maximum30minutes).

▪ Afterrescue,ifthecasualtyisunconsciousorsemi-conscious,theymustbeattendedtobyacompetentfirstaiderwhomusthavealsocontactedtheemergencyservices.Theymustensurethatthepatient’sairwayisopen,thepatient isbreathingandonly thenplace thepatient in the traditional recoverypositionuntil theemergencyservicesareinattendance.Theambulanceserviceshouldbeadvisedthatthepatientneedstobetreatedfororthostaticshockorintolerance.Important! Onlymovethecasualtytoafullyhorizontalpositionontheadviceofqualifiedmedicalpersonnel.Layingthecasualtydownhorizontallycouldbelifethreatening,asthebloodthathasaccumulatedinthelegsflowsabruptlyintotheheartcreatingariskofheartfailureduetooverstrain.

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14 PROTECTION OF THIRD PARTIES 14.1 Other trades or persons on site

TheWorkAreaassociatedwiththeflooringinstallationmustbedesignateda‘prohibitedarea’toallpersons,otherthanthoseengagedintheinstallationofthefloor.TheContractormustactivelyenforcethisprohibition,andtheForemanmustco-operatewiththeContractortoensurethatfencing,gatesandbarriersremainsecureandthatnoticesarenotremovedorobscured.

TheContractorandForemanmustensurethatcomponentsarenothoistedoverareaswhereotherpersonsareworking.Thismayincludeseverallevelsinmulti-storeywork.

Operativesand Installersengaged in the installationof theflooringmustatall timesexecutetheirworkwithadueregardforthehealthandsafetyofotherworkersorpersons. Theymustobserveand complywith the SafeWorkingMethodStatementinforceonanyparticularcontractinsofarassuchrulesorrequirementsaffecttheiroperations,andtheymustalsocomplywithanyrulesorrequirements imposedbythe Contractor.

TheForemanmustensurethattheworkareaiskeptcleanandtidysofarasthisisreasonablypracticableandattheendoftheworkingdaytheareashouldbeleftfreeofdebris.Materialsmustbesafelystacked.

14.2 Members of the public

Theliftingofcomponentsandmaterialsmaypresentahazardtothepublic,especiallywherethedeliveryvehicleisunloadedfromthepublichighway.

Whenunloadingfromthepublichighway,theContractormustobtainthenecessarystatutorypermissionsandtheareausedforoffloadingmustbedesignateda‘prohibitedarea’toallpersonsotherthanthoseengagedintheinstallationofthefloor.

TheContractormustprovideallnecessarycones,warningbarriers,notices,trafficsignsandlightingtoallowthesafepassageofpedestriansandroadstraffic. Ifdeemednecessary,theprohibitedareamayhavetobepoliced.

Onsiteswherethebuildingoperationsare incloseproximity topublicplacesorhighways,additionalcaremustbetakentopreventmaterialsordebris falling fromtheworks.WheretheContractorhasprovidedmeasurestopreventsuchfalls,or toprotect thepublic, theOperativesand Installersengaged in the installationof theflooringmustnotremoveorinterferewiththesemeasuresinanyway.

Anydebrisormaterialthatfallsfromdeliveryvehiclesmustberemovedfromthepublichighwayorpublicareaandthearealeftcleanandhazardfree.

When the installation involves theoperationofa crane ina thirdparty’sairspace, theContractormustobtain thenecessarypermissionsandensure that theappropriatestepsare takentoprotect thirdpartiesandthepublic in theseareas.Wherepracticable,loadsshouldnotbehoistedoveroccupiedbuildings.Dueconsiderationshouldbegivenwhenliftingclosetoanyadjacentoccupied building.

DuringthecourseoftheliftingoperationtheContractormustensurethatmembersofthepublicarenotinthevicinityofthesuspendedloadorliftingequipment.

TheForemanmustliaiseandco-operateinallrespectswiththeContractor’sSiteRepresentativetoensurecompliancewithanymeasures,provisionsorrulespreviouslyagreedwiththeContractororwithanystatutoryprovisionsfortheprotectionofthepublic.

In the event that any of the foregoing requirements are not met, lifting should cease immediately.

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15 SUPPLIER AND SUB-CONTRACTOR COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT

15.1 Introduction

EmployingcompaniesmustassesssuppliersandInstallersandsatisfythemselvesthattheyhavethenecessaryskills,knowledgeexperienceandtrainingtocarryouttheproposedworksafely,inaccordancewiththeCDMRegulations2015.ThisistoincludesuppliersandInstallersofsafetyequipmentandinstallationcompanies.

15.2 Assessment criteria

GuidanceonhowtoassessindividualsandorganisationsisgivenintheCDMRegulations2015legalguidancedocumentL153underRegulation8GeneraldutiesParagraph58–AppointmentofDesignersandContractors.

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APPENDIX A: Precast Flooring Federation standard health, safety and welfare attendances Requiredonsub-contractsforthesupplyandfixingofprecastconcreteflooringandcomponents.

ThisdocumentformspartofandshouldbereadinconjunctionwiththePFFCodeofPracticeforsafeinstallationofprecastconcreteflooring,availablefromthePrecastFlooring Federation, TheOldRectory,MainSt,Glenfield,LeicesterLE38DG orwww.precastfloors.info

TheAttendancescontainedhereinshallbeprovidedonsitebytheContractorforthePrecastFlooringSub-contractor’suse,freeofcharge,andshallcomplywiththerequirementsoftheHealthandSafetyatWorkActandsupportingRegulations(WherenoContractorexistsallreferencestotheContractorshallmeanthePrecastFlooringSub-contractor’s client).

1 Crane and vehicle access and hardstanding

1.1 TheContractorshallprovideandmaintainhardroads,hardstandingandstackingareas,entirelysuitablefortheoperationsandforsafepassageandworkingofpersonnelandplant;thiswillincludelevellingifnecessary.Maintenanceofthesameshouldtakeintoaccountdeteriorationduetoadverseweather,continueduse,etc.Thehardstandingforthecranemustbemaintainedasindicatedontheliftingplan,forthedurationofthecontract.

1.2 FortheguidanceoftheContractor,thePrecastFlooringSub-contractorshallprovideinformationregardingthedeliveryvehiclesandcranesidentifiedduringtheinstallationplanningstageanduponwhichhisquotationsarebased.

1.3 Parkingand/oroffloadingfacilitiesforInstallers/OperativesmustbeprovidedbytheContractor.

1.4 Wherepracticable,fallprotectionsystemswillbeusedarounddeliveryvehicles.PlanningisrequiredbytheContractortoensurethatadequatespaceismadeavailabletoaccommodatethesystemandtominimise disruption.

1.5 TheContractorshallprovideandmaintainanyaccessontositefromthepublichighway,entirelysuitableforthesafepassageoflorriesandcranesidentifiedatinstallationplanningstage.Shouldroadsigns,bollards,etc.,orpolicepermissionberequiredinconnectionwithsuchaccess,thentheprovisionof,orapplicationforthemshallbetheresponsibilityoftheContractor.

1.6 Whereerectionoperationsaretobecarriedoutfromthepublichighway,allroadsigns,traffic and pedestrians control, all necessary permissions, etc., shall be theresponsibilityoftheContractor.

1.7 Wherecraneageoranyothertypeofliftingapplianceistobeprovidedby theContractor,hemustprovideanAppointedPerson(BS7121)toplantheliftunlessagreedotherwise.CraneagemustbeadequateforthepurposeandthePrecastFlooringSubcontractorshallbeaffordeditsunrestrictedusewheneverrequired,includingtheuseofatrainedoperatorandsignallerwhere applicable.

1.8 WherecraneageisworkingtheContractormustpreventaccessbyanyotherpersonstothecrane’soperatingarea.

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2 Structural obstructions 2.1 TheContractorshallberesponsibleforthere-routing,removaland/ormakingsafe

ofanyobstructions(includingpartsofthestructuresuchaspurlins,cross-bracingandscaffoldstandards)whichwillfoulorhinderacraneboomorsuspendedload.ThismustbecarriedoutbeforethearrivalonsiteofthePrecastFlooringSubcontractor.TheContractorshallalsoberesponsibleforanysubsequentreplacementofsuchitems.

3 Proximity hazards 3.1 TheContractormustinformthePrecastFlooringSubcontractorattenderstageof

anyproximityhazards.Suchhazardsmayincludeoverheadelectriccables,electricitysubstations,railwaylines,airfields,waterways,environmentallyprotectedareas,restrictionstothirdpartyair-space,basements,undergroundservices,etc.TheContractorshallberesponsibleforobtaininganynecessaryapprovals/permissionfromrelevantauthorities/owners.ThePrecastFlooringSubcontractoruponrequestmustbeprovidedwithevidenceofanyapprovals/permissionsgrantedbyrelevantauthorities/owners.

4 Safe access and protection against falls 4.1 Safeaccesstoallworkinglevelsshallbeprovidedbythe Contractor.

Scaffoldingtotheperimeterofworkingareas,togetherwithhandrails,guardrails,platformsorstagingrequiredforaccessand/ortopreventOperativesfalling,shallbeprovidedandinstalledbytheContractor.Perimeterworkingplatformsshallbenomorethan900mmbelowthetopoftheprecastfloor.

4.2 Whenworkingatheights,wherethereisariskofsignificantinjuryduetofalling(e.g.fromupperfloorsand/orfloorsoverbasements),thehierarchyoffallprotectionmustbefollowed.Thereforepassivefallprotectionmustbeprovidedwhereverreasonablypracticablebeforeinstallationofallprecastconcretefloors.ThePrecastFlooringSubcontractormayathisdiscretionofferthis service.

4.3 Protectioncanbeachievedbyusingworkingplatforms,staging,lightweightdeckingsystems,safetynetsorairbagsandthechosenmeasureshouldprotectthewholeoftheupper-levelworkarea.

4.4 TheContractorshallberesponsibleforensuringthatallvoidsandexternalopenings,suchasdoorsandwindows,havebeensuitablyprotectedtopreventOperativesorequipmentfromfallingthroughorrollingoff.

5 Welfare 5.1 AllwelfarefacilitiesshallbeaffordedtothePrecastFlooringSupplier/Installerbywayof

anAttendancebytheContractor.

6 Structural stability 6.1 PriortothePrecastFlooringSupplier/Installercommencingworkonsite,adequate

hard,levelbearingsdesignedtotakeaccountoftheconstruction loadings/processesshallbeprovidedbytheContractor.Inaddition,theContractorshallberesponsibleforensuringthat:▪ Allbrickwork,blockworkorconcreteiscured,stableandfittoreceiveprecast

concreteunits,andthatsteelworkissecureand stable.▪ Isolatedpiersortoothedwallsaremadestableandadequatebytheapplicationof

temporarymeasuresasnecessary.▪ Lintels,steelanglesandRSJsetc.arebeddedasnecessary,securelyfixedtothe

wallandhaveadequatesafebearingateachendtoavoidcollapse,displacement orsimilarmovement.Proppingmaybenecessarytoachievethisrequiredstability,inaccordancewiththelintelmanufacturer’s/buildingdesigner’srecommendations.▪ Allwallsandpartitionsnotprovidingbearingtounitsshouldbeleftonecoursedown

fromthesoffitleveltoallowtheunitstobesafely positioned.▪ Ifweepholesareprovided,theyarekept clear.▪ Thepracticeofinstallingprecastunitsontotemporarybearingsshouldbeavoided

whereverpossible.Incaseswheresuchmeasuresareunavoidable,fixingmustnotcommenceuntilwrittenconfirmationhasbeenobtainedbytheContractorfromacompetenttechnicalauthoritythatthetemporarystructurehasbeensuitablydesigned,takingintoaccountthemoreonerousforcesduringtheconstructionphase.PermissionmustalsobeobtainedfromthePrecastFlooringSubcontractor’sTechnicalDepartment.

7 General 7.1 IftheContractorshallfailtomakeavailableanyofthefacilitiesabovestipulatedtobe

providedbyhim,thePrecastFlooringSubcontractormayathissoleoptionsuspendworkonthecontractuntiltherequiredfacilityhasbeenmadeavailable.

7.2 AnydelayintheperformanceoftheworksarisingfromsuchsuspensionshallnotbedeemedafailureonthePrecastFlooringSubcontractor’sparttoproceedwiththeworksinaccordancewithprovisionsofhissubcontract,andheshallbeentitledtoclaimagainsttheContractorinrespectofanyloss,damageorexpensehemayhavesufferedbyreasonoftheContractor’sdefaultorthedelaycaused thereby.

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APPENDIX B: Precast Flooring Federation Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 InstallingprecastconcretefloorsisahighriskactivitythatusuallyinvolvestheuseofcranesandOperativesworkingatheights.

Thepurposeofthefollowinginformationistohighlightsomeofthepoints coveredinthisCodeofPractice,toassistEngineers,Designers,ContractorsandPrincipalDesignersinmeetingtherequirementsoftheCDMRegulations.MoredetailedinformationisprovidedintheCodeofPractice,inparticularSection4–DesignConsiderations.InthetextwhichfollowsthePrecastDesignerisnottheBuildingDesigner.

1 The existing environment 1.1 Thesizesandweightsofthecomponentswilldeterminethemethodofoff-loadingand

placingtheunits.Theprecastunitsareusuallydeliveredtositeonarticulatedlorries;narrowroadsorrestrictedaccessmaynecessitatetheuseofrigid lorries.

1.2 Pedestrianandtrafficmanagementmeasuresshouldbeconsidered,especiallyifthedeliverylorriesareoff-loadedfromthepublic highway.

1.3 Excavations,undergroundservices,drainsandbasementsareahazardandstrengtheningmayberequiredtosafelysupporttheloadsimposedbythecrane’soutriggers.Adequateaccesstotheseareasmustbeprovidedandmaintained.

1.4 Thepresenceofpowerlines,railwaytracks,treesoroverheadstructuralobstructionsmayhindertheoperationofcranes.Onrestrictedsitesitmaybenecessaryforloadstobeliftedoveradjacentlandandbuildings.Inthesecircumstances,permissionshouldbeobtainedtooperatewithintheairspaceofthird parties.

2 Design and planning 2.1 Theregulationsrequirethatadesigner(includingaprincipaldesigner)appointedtowork

onaprojectmusthavetheskills,knowledgeandexperienceand,iftheyareanorgansisation,theorganisationalcapability,necessarytofulfiltherolethattheyareappointedtoundertake,inamannerthatsecuresthehealthandsafetyofanypersonaffectedbytheproject.MembersofthePrecastFlooringFederationshouldbeabletodemonstratetheirexperienceandcompetenceinthedesignandmanufactureofprecastflooring.

2.2 ToassistthePrecastDesigner,thefollowinginformationshouldbeprovidedatTenderStage:▪ Pre-constructioninformation/ConstructionPhasePlan.▪ Designloadsincludingfinishesandimposed loads.▪ Drawingsshowingthesupportingstructurefortheprecastunitsanddirectionofspan.▪ Phasingorsequencingoftheworks.▪ Siteandservicesplan.

2.3 BuildingDesignersmust take intoaccount stabilityof the structureduring theinstallationofprecastunits:▪ Thedesignshouldallowfortheremoval,priortotheinstallationoftheunits,of

overheadobstructionssuchaspurlinsorbracing,thatarelikelytofoulorhinderthecraneboomorsuspended load.▪ Precastunitscanbeheavy.Bearingsmustbeadequateandberobustenough to

withstandnormalunitfixingoperationsincludinglandingandbarring.

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▪ Lintelsorsteelbeamsmustbesecurelyfixedandhaveadequatesafebearingateachendtoavoidoverturning,excessivedeflection,orcollapsewhentheprecastunitsareplaced.▪ Considerationmustbegiventotheunequalloadingofunrestrainedwalls,steel

beamsorlintelswhenprecastunitsarebeingplaced.Similarly,considerationmustbegiventothefixingofpassivefallarrestsystemse.g.safetynets,airbags, etc.▪ Thepracticeofinstallingprecastunitsontotemporarybearingsshouldbeavoided

whereverpossible.Incaseswheresuchmeasuresareunavoidable,thetemporarystructuremustbedesignedandinstalledbyaCompetentPersonprovidedby theContractor.

2.4 Whenanorderisplacedfortheprecastconcreteunits,theContractorshouldprovidethePrecastFlooringSub-Contractorwiththefollowing information:▪ AnyrelevantamendmentstothePreConstructioninformationandthe

ConstructionPhasePlan.▪ Fullydimensioned‘ConstructionIssue’drawings,detailingthesupportingstructure

forthefloorsandanyotheraspectswhichmayaffectthefloordesign.▪ Loadings,includingtypeandlocationofpartitions,typesoffinish, etc.▪ Positionsandsizesofallholes,notchesorrebatesrequiredinthe flooring.▪ Provisionalsequencingandprogrammedates.▪ Whereworkinginthevicinityofrailtracks,undergroundrailwaylines,orenergy

supplystructuressuchaspowercables,allpermissionsthatarerequiredfromownersorcontrollersaretobegiveninadvance,alongwithanyinstructionsforthesafeworkingofthe installer.

3 Construction phase 3.1 Theinstallationofprecastconcreteunitsshouldonlybeundertakenbyspecialists.

MembersofthePrecastFlooringFederationemployInstallerswhoaretrained,competentandexperiencedinthiswork.

3.2 TheContractormustensurethatthePrecastFlooringFederationStandardHealth,SafetyandWelfareAttendanceshavebeen provided.

3.3 Installingprecastfloorsisahigh-riskoperationandshouldnotbeundertakenwithouttheprovisionofajob-specificmethodstatementandriskassessments,whichmayaddresssomeorallofthefollowing activities:▪ Manualhandling▪ Workingatheightswithriskofpersonnel/objects falling▪ Workingwithcranes▪ Handlingorcuttingconcreteproducts,workingwithwetconcreteormortar

3.4 ThePrincipalContractormustensurethatothertradesandthepublicarekeptoutoftheworkingareacoveredbycranesusedforinstallingtheprecastunits.

3.5 AmajorconsiderationfortheBuildingDesignerandContractorshouldbethestabilityofthestructureduringtheinstallationoftheprecastconcreteunits:▪ Sufficienttimemustbeallowedformasonrymortartomaturesufficientlytoachieve

adequatestrengthand stiffness.▪ Thedesignershouldgiveconsiderationtotheprovisionofadequatewallthickness,

particularlywheresharedbearingsoccuronlightweightmasonryblocks.▪ Considerationshouldbegiventotheproposedsequenceofconstructionand

theeffectsofanytemporaryremovalofpartsofthestructuretofacilitatethesafeinstallationoftheprecastunits.▪ Sufficienttimemustbeallowedforagroutedfloortomaturepriortoloadingout

withmaterials,whichshouldnotexceedtheloadforwhichthefloorhasbeendesigned.Adviceshouldbesoughtpriortothestorageofunfixedmaterialson thefloorsbyfollowingtrades.

4 The Health and Safety file 4.1 ThePrecastFlooringSub-Contractorwillprovide‘asinstalled’drawingsatcompletion

oftheinstallation,showinganychangesfromtheoriginalfloorlayout.Thereafter,theContractorwillberesponsibleforrecordingdeparturesfromtheasinstalleddrawings.

4.2 Theflooringlayoutdrawingswilldetailtheloadsforwhichthefloorshavebeendesigned.

4.3 Care should be exercised to ensure that both during the construction phase and duringthe lifeofthebuilding,thedesign loadsarenotexceededandthatfurtherholesorchasesarenotmadeintheflooringwithoutreferencetotheflooringmanufactureroraCompetentPerson.

4.4 MostprecastfloorsareconstructedfromprestressedunitsandadviceondemolitionshouldbesoughtfromaCompetentPerson,withaccesstotheHealthandSafetyFile.

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APPENDIX C1: HSE general guidance on manual handling

1 Manual handling assessments

Hollowcoreflooringistooheavytoliftmanuallyandthereforeanassessmentcoveringmanoeuvringandplacementshouldbecarriedout.

HandlingofT-beams(asusedinbeamandblockflooring)concretefloorelements andinfillblockscangiverisetoawiderangeofinjuries,includingseriousinjurieswheredamagemaybegradualandprogressiveoverasubstantialperiodof time.

Toreducetheriskofaninjury,floordesign,siteconditionsandthewaytheworkisorganisedmustbeproperlyplanned.Thisguidancecontainspracticaladviceon thesemattersandwillhelpdesignersandspecifiers,thosemanagingworkonsiteandthosewhohandlebeamsandblocksonsite.

Individual companiesmustmake theirownassessment in respectof the requirementsfor theirownproductsandemployees incompliancewith theseRegulations.Whereassessments indicateapossibilityof risks toemployees fromthemanualhandlingofloads, the following requirements of the Regulationsmust be followed.▪ Avoidhazardousmanualhandlingoperationssofarasisreasonablypracticable.This

maybedonebyredesigningthetasktoavoidmovingtheloadorbyautomatingormechanisingtheprocess.▪ Makeasuitableandsufficientassessmentofanyhazardousmanualhandling

operationsthatcannotbeavoided.▪ Reducetheriskofinjuryfromthoseoperationssofarasisreasonablypracticable.

Particularconsiderationshouldbegiventotheprovisionofmechanicalassistance.Wherethisisnotreasonablypractical,otherimprovementstothetask,theloadandtheworkingenvironmentshouldbeexplored.▪ Riskassessmentshavebeencarriedoutontypicalcontractsincludinggroundfloor

andupperfloorapplications.Theassessmentsrevealedthatthemainrisksare:y Heavy loads and poor posture leading to excessive stress and strain causing injurytomuscles and tendons, particularly when the handling involves bending, twisting,stoopingorotherdifficultpostures.

y Slips,tripsandfalls,particularlywhencarryingloadsacrossfloorbeamsthathavebeenlaidouttoreceiveinfillblocksandwhichnecessarilyhavegapsbetweenthem.;

y Fallsfromupperfloorlevelswhereinsufficientedgeprotectionisprovided.y Sharpedgescausingcutsandabrasionstotheskin.

WhenhandlingT-beamandinfillconcreteblocks,theriskofinjuryislargelydeterminedbytheweightofindividualitemsandthepostureofthehandler-thelongertheT-beam,theheavieritsweight;theheaviertheconcreteblock,thehighertheriskofinjury.Poorposturecanleadtoinjury.

Where,becauseofsiteconditions,T-beamscannotbepositionedbycraneorothermechanicalhandlingequipment,manualhandlingandcarryingrisksaregreatlyincreased.Insuchcases,theteamliftingprocessaswellastheroutebetweenthedeliverypositionofthebeamsandtheinstallationlocation,mustbecarefullyplannedandpreparedtominimisetheriskscreatedbytheliftingoperation,obstaclesortrippinghazards.

ThefinalpositioningofT-beamsonthegroundfloorusuallypermitstheinstallertostandbelowthelevelofthefloorbeam.Althoughthemovementrequiredisnotexcessive,ifconsiderablestoopingoutsidethefloorareaisrequiredtograspthe load,theriskofinjuryishigh.

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ThefinalpositioningofT-beams inupperfloors typically requires the installer tostandonthesamelevelasthatonwhichthefloorbeamisresting.Inthissituation,iftheinstaller isrequiredtograspthe loadatorbelowfoot levelandtheriskof injury ishigh.

When‘blocking-out’,packsofblocksareplacedontopre-positionedT-beams.Theblocksarethencarriedfromthepacksandlaidintothefloorbeamrecessbelowfootlevel.Careshouldbetakentominimiserisk

2 Precautions ▪ Wherepossibledesignersandspecifiersshouldminimisethelengthoffloorbeams

inordertokeeptheirweightaslowasreasonablypracticable.Typically,150mmfloorT-beamsweigh32kg/metreand225mmfloorT-beamsweigh60 kg/metre.▪ Infillblocksshouldbeofthelightesttypeavailablewithinthespecificationrequired

forthepropertiesofthefinishedfloor.▪ ProjectPlanners,DesignersandContractorsshouldensurethattheitemslisted

belowaretakenintoaccountwhenplanningtheworkandwhendevisingsafesystemsofwork.Contractorsshouldalsogiveinstructionandexercisesupervisiontoensurethatworkersfollowtheseplansandsystemsofwork.

3 T-beam and block systems – safe working

method considerations ▪ Thefollowingshouldbeconsideredwhenwritingthecompanyproceduresforthe

handlingandinstallingofT-beamsandinfill blocks:▪ Plantooff-loadfloorbeamsfromthedeliverylorrydirectlyontothewallsonwhich

theywillbefinallypositionedusingacraneorothersuitablemechanicalhandlingequipment.▪ Whereverreasonablypracticableprovidecraneageofsufficientcapacitytocoverthe

wholeofthefloorareabeing laid.▪ WherepositioningofT-beamsandblockscannotbeachievedusingacraneor other

mechanicalhandlingdevice,trolleysorbogiesshouldbeusedtoconveythe items.Theroutemustbepreparedandbeclearofobstaclesortripping hazards.▪ Installersshouldadjusttheirworkratetopermitshortbreakstobetakenatregular

intervalsandshouldrotatetheir duties.▪ Ensuresufficienttimeisallowedforthecompletionofthework allocation.▪ Packsofinfillblocksshouldbepositionedascloseaspossibletothelaying positions.▪ Blocksshouldneverbethrownfromonepersonto another.▪ HSEGuidanceCIS37Handlingheavyblocks.

APPENDIX C2: Example safe working method statement

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APPENDIX C3: Example site-specific COSHH Assessment and Control Plan – Petrol

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APPENDIX C4: Example site-specific COSHH Assessment and Control Plan – Wet concrete

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APPENDIX C5: Example site-specific COSHH Assessment and Control Plan – Cured concrete

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APPENDIX C6: Example guidance on minimum standards for PPE

APPENDIX C7: Example daily pre-start checklist

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Documents

THE SAFE INSTALLATION OF PRECAST CONCRETE FLOORING … · Precast Flooring Federation Code of Practice for: THE SAFE INSTALLATION OF PRECAST CONCRETE FLOORING AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS