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Lifting Equipment
Hydraulic Hoist / Platforms

Hydraulic hoists are used as camera or lighting platforms or to attach aerials or dishes to for the purpose of communications links.
 
In the UK, all hydraulic platforms must be hired from a vetted contractor.  If abroad consult a trade association or BBC Bureau or fixer to identify a reputable hire company to supply this equipment.
 
When hydraulic platforms are being used, you must ensure that prior to the work commencing, the contractor has provided an adequate risk assessment/lifting plan which does not conflict with your requirements. This risk assessment will identify the significant findings and controls which need to be implemented by the hydraulic hoist contractor and the user. It should also deal with the interaction of the hoist with other activities, personnel, contractors etc.
 
To be suitable and sufficient, the contractor's risk assessment/lifting plan should meet your safety requirements and also be checked to ensure it identifies the following precautions:
  • The operator is trained/competent and holds a relevant International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) card for that vehicle.
  • Hoists must come with all current statutory inspection and maintenance certificates which should be checked prior to work commencing.
  • Hydraulic hoists may only be operated on firm and reasonably level surfaces capable of bearing their weight. The ground must have been assessed by the supplier/operator and must take account of any underground ducts, drains, manholes and other underground chambers. The operator must confirm that they regard the position of the machine as safe.
  • Jacks/stabilisers must be deployed and secure. Additional load spreading timbers or plates of adequate strength and size must be provided under stabilising jacks, including outriggers, if the ground is soft. Where necessary the truck and jacks should be parked on aluminium trackway. No attempt shall be made to raise the platform until the jacks are properly extended. Jacks must be checked every hour.
  • Consideration of the proximity of overhead obstructions e.g. overhead power lines, etc. Safe distance must be maintained between the hoist and any power lines (see HSE guidelines). This must take account of the possibility of arcing between the power lines and the hoist. The maximum horizontal extension of the boom must be added to the safety distances specified.
  • Should there be a requirement to use a hoist on a public footpath or roadway local police permission must be obtained first and adequate arrangements made to protect the public.
  • The safe operating parameters of the platform will be observed (e.g. max. loading, max. working radius, etc.) allowing for the effects of the wind.
  • The hoist must be fitted with a working wind gauge at the cage level which can be read by the operator at ground level. Note must be taken of wind conditions and the hoist lowered as necessary. Operations must be suspended immediately wind speeds reach "unsafe" levels. Productions must not attempt to over rule the operator in such situations. In the event of an approaching electrical storm (thunder and lightning) the hoist should be lowered, cleared of all personnel and equipment removed (or isolated).
  • A safety harness will be worn at all times by those in the platform/cage. The number of people in the cage must be kept to a minimum. It is the responsibility of the hoist company to provide appropriate safety harnesses along with suitable anchorage points.
  • Persons going aloft must have been assessed for working at heights and that they will not suffer ill effects such as vertigo etc. No pressure must be put on them to work at height if they do not wish to do so.
  • The operator must never go aloft in the cage (unless a second operator is present at ground level) so as a rescue may be affected in the event of failure.
  • It is the operator's responsibility to ensure the safe operation of the platform and its operating work area.
  • The maximum safe working load (as indicated on the cage or platform) must never be exceeded. In calculating the load, each person and item must be assigned an effective weight by the operator which takes into account the wind loading.
  • All equipment to be carried in or secured to the cage must be securely mounted and safety bonds used where required. A safety lanyard must be used for handheld equipment. No loose items or unsecured items may be carried aloft; where this is unavoidable for operational reasons an exclusion zone must be established below the hoist, marked and enforced.
  • Those in the basket should use hard hats whenever overhead obstructions are likely to be encountered (although all care should be taken to avoid such a situation if possible).
  • There must be effective communications between the operator and personnel in the cage. This must not be a mobile phone but either a fully functioning tannoy or a two way radio. In addition there should be communication between those in the cage and the production.
  • Before going aloft the hoist operator must carry out a safety briefing for those in the cage covering all the emergency arrangements.
  • When left unattended, the hoist and equipment must be adequately immobilised.
  • There must be adequate provision to prevent unauthorised access to the base of the platform. This may be achieved by the use of barriers and/or the presence of stewards or security personnel.
  • The hoist truck should never be moved with the cage aloft unless designed for such work.
  • If anyone is trapped in the elevated cage because of equipment failure or lack of power the operator will lower the cage by bleeding down the hydraulics system. Only if lowering the cage is impossible should the emergency services be called.
  • Under no circumstances should a second hoist be used to effect a rescue (except by the emergency services).
  • Joy riding and other fun uses of hoists whether on official 'open days' or otherwise are prohibited. Only personnel authorised by the production and agreed with the operator may be taken up in the hoist cage.
  • Camera, communication and lighting cables going to equipment in the cage must be securely positioned and care taken to ensure that they cannot snag on anything or trail across any area in which there is physically unrestricted public access (whether permitted or not). No trailing cables shall be rigged onto a hoist except under the direction of a fully trained operator as they can add additional loading to the basket, especially in blustery conditions.
  • Where there are two or more hoists at one site, they should normally be positioned so that their ranges of operation do not overlap. If this is not appropriate, the respective operators must liaise to ensure safety. One operator shall be designated as in charge of the whole operation (by the Production), and only one machine may be moved at a time.
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