Monthly Safety Awareness - December 2020
03-12-2020
Hired equipment is not only third party equipment brought out to a rig site, but it can also be temporary fixtures to a rig. Equal awareness should be placed on hired equipment and permanent equipment.
Hired Equipment
Hired equipment is not only third party equipment brought out to a rig site, but it can also be temporary fixtures to a rig. Equal awareness should be placed on hired equipment and permanent equipment. The user needs to verify exactly what has been reviewed and actioned by the hire company such as:
- Verifying the handling equipment such as a crane, front end loader, telehandler or fork-lift is suitable for the job
- Confirming it has been properly inspected and maintained
- Confirming it will be operated only by competent and/or qualified personnel
- Checking the supplied equipment documentation is complete.
The user should always carry out their own third-party equipment inspection if any doubt remains.
Falling Objects
Objects free falling from lifting machinery, vehicles, or other plant equipment, have the potential to fall onto or strike people at the workplace or adjoining areas if precautions are not taken. As these tend to be site specific hazards, the user should undertake their own "Potential Dropped Objects Inspection" which should include any hire equipment.
Moving a Load
When moving a load, a safe means of raising and lowering should be provided. Examples of specific control measures include:
- Following the safe working load limits
- Taking into account all relevant factors such as stability of ground conditions, use of outriggers or stabilisers, slewing rate and wind conditions (as applicable)
- Ensuring the load is well balanced and secured before the load is lifted
- Verifying the areas that loads are being lifted over remain clear whilst the load is raised
- Establishing ‘isolation’ or ‘no-go’ zones with barriers (as neccessary)
- Training workers in managing restricted access, and only utilsing trained personnel
Reviewing Control Measures
Controlling health and safety risks in the workplace is an ongoing process that requires taking into account changes in the workplace. Hired equipment is often different to that familiarly used. This is why procedures and risk control measures must be reviewed regularly to ensure they are still effective.
