Article 7.18a Hoisting and lifting equipment for non-guided loads

• 1

  In addition to Article 7.18, this article applies to the use of hoisting and lifting equipment used to lift or lift non-guided loads.

• 2

  Where two or more pieces of lifting equipment are installed or mounted on a workstation in such a way that their working areas overlap, effective measures shall be taken to prevent collisions between the loads or parts of such equipment.

• 3

  When using a mobile lifting equipment, effective measures shall be taken to prevent the equipment from tipping, inadvertent movement or slipping.

• 4

  It shall be ensured that the measures referred to in the third paragraph are properly implemented.

• 5

  When the operator of a hoisting or lifting equipment cannot follow the full path of the load either directly or by means of information-providing devices, a worker shall be designated to liaise with the operator to direct it.

• 6

  Furthermore, further organizational measures shall be taken to prevent unintentional collisions of the load of the lifting equipment.

• 7

  When loads are fastened or loosened by hand, the work is organized so that the worker can perform these operations safely and maintain direct or indirect control over them.

• 8

  All operations for lifting or hoisting are properly planned to ensure the safety of workers.

• 9

  The operations referred to in the eighth paragraph shall be carried out under effective supervision.

• 10

  In particular, if a load is lifted or raised simultaneously by two or more lifting appliances, a procedure shall be established and applied to ensure proper coordination of the operators' actions.

• 11

  If hoisting or lifting equipment can no longer hold the loads in the event of total or partial failure of the energy supply, effective measures have been taken to avoid exposing workers to the associated hazards.

• 12

  The loads referred to in the eleventh paragraph shall be kept under constant supervision, unless access to the danger zone is prevented and the loads are secured and held perfectly safely.

• 13

  Hoisting and lifting equipment used in the open shall be stopped as soon as weather conditions deteriorate to the point of endangering operational safety and exposing workers to danger. In this case, effective protective measures shall be taken, in particular to prevent the lifting equipment from tilting.