User Information Ringlock Additional Safety Guidelines
999817902 - 11/2020
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Use of Ladders
Accidents involving ladders frequently occur within
our industry and account for many serious injuries.
Because the ladder is regarded as one of the most
basicformsofaccess,thedangersarenotalways
anticipated.
▪ Inspect ladders each time before they are used and
report defects to your management. Ensure they are
straight with no obvious defects. Do not use
defective ladders.
▪ Setladdersonarmandlevelbase.Ensure,before
climbing,thattheyaresecurelytiedatthetopand
footed such that it cannot slip outwards or sideways.
Ladder access points should be without obstruc-
tions,sothatnoonehastoclimboveratoeboardor
under a guardrail.
▪ Wherever possible use the “one in four rule” i.e. the
ladder should slope one metre out at the base for
every four metres of height.
▪ Ensurethattheladderislongenough,i.e.itmust
project at least 1.0m (usually 5 rungs) above the
landing place.
▪ Ensure that the Ladder is fastened to Ringlock with
an appropriate Ladder attachment coupler or 18mm
polypropylene rope.
▪ Work safely from ladders at all times. Use both
hands to climb and do not overreach when working
fromaladder,youmustmaintain3pointsofcontact
at all times.
▪ Use a safety harness and lanyard connected to a
suitableindependentanchoragepoint,ifyouneed
to have your hands free for working. Refer to “Safety
Harness Attachment Guidelines”.
GinWheelsandRopes
There are special instructions for dealing with Gin
Wheels and ropes. Make sure you are familiar with
the instructions provided by your Company before
starting work.
▪ Ginwheelsandropesusedtoliftandlowerscaolding
componentshavetobeproperlyexaminedandthese
records should be kept for future use. Gin Wheel regis-
ters,instructionsforuseandinspectionandropequal-
ity should be kept with the Gin wheel. Ensure the Safe
Working Load is stamped to the Gin Wheel frame. Any
ropeandwheelMUSThavecurrentcerticationofin-
spectiontoensuretheyaretforpurpose.
▪ Remember the MAXIMUM recommended loading on
a rope and wheel should be restricted to 25kg for a
onemanlift,butshoulddenitelynotexceedtheSafe
Working Load of a Fittings Bag. Loads to be lifted
should wherever possible be broken down into man-
ageable weights which can be easily handled by one
person.
▪ Davit arms should be used where necessary. Gin Wheel
rings must be connected to the Davit arm with a ‘D’ shackle
with a minimum Safe Working Load of 30kN.
▪ Ropes used on Gin Wheels must be of the correct size
(usually 18mm diameter polypropylene rope).
▪ All loads must be properly secured using the correct
knots,liftingcontainers,bagsornets.Testbyraising
the load slightly from the ground or platform and make
certain that it is secure before raising or lowering fur-
ther.
▪ Erect signs to indicate that hoisting activities are tak-
ing place around the safe area. Before any lifting or
loweringoperationscommence,theworkareaMUST
becordonedotopreventtheaccessofunauthorised
personnel.
▪ ALWAYS keep yourself clear when hoisting scaf-
folding components. Never stand directly under the
load.
▪ Faults to look for in a Gin Wheel
- Nocertication
- No Safe Working Load stamped on the wheel
- Split pin missing
- Dents in the main body which will prevent smooth
operation of the rope
- Onlyringtypeginwheelsarepermitted
▪ Faults to look for in a Rope
- Nocertication
- Ropeissleevedwithanidenticationtagateach
end
- Atleastoneofthesetagsisanoriginalidentication
label
- Abrasions,aws,wear,thinningorrotting
- Usually only 18mm polypropylene rope is permitted