Plant and Equipment Operations Flashcards

What must a specialist lifting supervisor ensure is prepared before any complex lifting operation (such as tandem lifts or lifts near structures)?

Answer: A written lift plan that covers all aspects of the operation including crane positions, ground conditions, load details, rigging methods, exclusion zones, and communication procedures

BS 7121 and LOLER 1998 require a written lift plan for complex or higher-risk lifting operations. This must detail the crane(s) to be used, ground bearing capacity, load weight and centre of gravity, rigging arrangement, lift radius, exclusion zones, communication methods, and contingency procedures. The plan must be prepared by a competent appointed person.

A specialist contractor notices that the rated capacity indicator (RCI) on a mobile crane is not functioning. What action must be taken?

Answer: Immediately cease all lifting operations until the RCI is repaired and verified as functioning correctly

The RCI is a critical safety device that warns the operator when the crane is approaching its rated capacity for the current radius and configuration. Operating without a functioning RCI is extremely dangerous and is prohibited. The crane must be taken out of service until the RCI is repaired and calibrated by a competent person.

Under PUWER 1998, what specific requirement applies to specialist equipment that has dangerous moving parts?

Answer: Effective guards or protection devices must be provided to prevent access to dangerous parts, and must not be easily bypassed

PUWER 1998 Regulations 11-13 require that dangerous parts of machinery are guarded with fixed guards, interlocked guards, or other protection devices (light curtains, pressure mats). Guards must not be easily defeated or bypassed, must not create additional risks, and must allow essential maintenance to be carried out safely. Information and training must also be provided.

What is the legal requirement for specialist plant and vehicles operating in areas where pedestrian workers are present on a construction site?

Answer: Traffic management segregation must be established, including designated pedestrian routes, vehicle exclusion zones, and banksman control where segregation cannot be achieved

CDM 2015 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations require separation of pedestrians and vehicles wherever practicable. This means designated pedestrian walkways, vehicle-only routes, physical barriers, signed crossing points, and trained banksmen where complete separation cannot be achieved. Vehicle-pedestrian interface is a leading cause of construction fatalities.

A specialist contractor is using a telehandler to lift a suspended load. Under what condition is this permitted?

Answer: Only when the telehandler is specifically rated and configured for lifting duties with an appropriate attachment, and a LOLER thorough examination for lifting has been completed

Not all telehandlers are rated for lifting suspended loads. The machine must be specifically designed or configured for lifting duties, fitted with an appropriate lifting attachment (hook, lifting jib), and have a current LOLER thorough examination certificate for use as a lifting machine. The rated lifting capacity at various radii must be clearly marked and not exceeded.

What must a specialist plant operator do before leaving any item of plant unattended on a construction site?

Answer: Lower all attachments to the ground, engage the parking brake, switch off the engine, remove the key, and secure the cab to prevent unauthorised use

When leaving plant unattended, the operator must lower all buckets, forks, or attachments to the ground, apply the parking brake, switch off the engine, remove the ignition key, and lock the cab. This prevents unauthorised use (particularly by children on open sites) and eliminates the risk of uncontrolled movement from hydraulic drift or brake failure.