Lifting equipment is generally any gear used in construction sites for lifting and lowering loads, including all accessories that anchor, fix or support the equipment, in performing the task.
Selection of the right lifting equipment is crucial in order to heighten safety standards in the work environment. There is a variety of lifting equipment targeted for various lifting purposes, and it is therefore important to understand which equipment is suited for the task at hand before employing its use.
Such equipment is the cornerstone of the construction industry for the purpose of lifting heavy loads. They ensure the job is done easily, safely and faster. The following are popular types of lifting equipment.
Fork Lifts
These powered industrial trucks are used to lift and move materials over short distances. They are designed to handle heavy loads and work both inside and outside of factories.
Cranes
These electronically powered lifters are located high up in the factory and are designed to raise and lower heavy loads. They also have the capability to move the load horizontally. Cranes have accessories such as sheaves, chains and hoist ropes attached to them.
Hoists
Hoists lift lighter loads in the construction site. Their installation is less complex and they are therefore suitable for short-term jobs. A rope or chain wrap is tied around the load and a lifting hook attached to it before lifting. They consist of a motorised pulley that is attached to a heavy-duty cable.
Slings
They are devices that lift materials using wire or synthetic ropes which are wrapped around the object that is to be lifted. Slings are a multipurpose, expedient and economical lifting tool.
Hydraulic lifts
These are used to transport construction materials in medium height buildings and tall buildings depending on their kind. They include a cage, hydraulic jigger, wire rope, fixed cylinder, sliding ram and pulley, all working to ensure loads are transported up and down.
Bucket trucks
They are used to lift workers to install fittings in both new and old buildings. They can also be used to lift materials at a construction site to heights below 50 metres. They contain a bucket that is attached on one end to a boom.
Lifting equipment and their loads are quite bulky, making them hazardous. Their improper use can lead to devastating accidents and even loss of life to workers and those around them. It is important that lifting equipment is operated by trained personnel to avert the likelihood of accidents in the construction site.
