Before beginning any work involving lifting, it is critical you take into consideration which lifting equipment suits your requirements. Choosing the right lifting equipment is essential to ensuring safety and efficiency in various industries and applications.
Load Capacity
You should determine the maximum weight of the load that you need to lift, and that the lifting equipment is required to handle. You should also take into consideration any attachments and accessories into the total weight. The load of the lift will also depend on the nature of the good being delivered. Take into account the size, shape and weight of the goods that are being lifted, these could all play a critical point in selecting the right type of equipment.
Lift Height
When considering lift height for lifting equipment, it is important to ensure that the equipment can reach the required height safely and efficiently. What is the vertical distance that needs to be covered during the lift? You should choose equipment that can reach the desired height without overextending. The stability of the load can also be affected as the light height increases, so you need to ensure your equipment can hold the load whilst reaching height.
Application
Different lifting equipment is designed for specific uses and applications. They are utilised to meet the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of specific lifts. You should take into consideration which industry you are working in, as different industries have different needs, safety standards and regulations. Select lifting equipment that suits your specific task or industry.
Environment
Different environments present unique challenges and requirements when it comes to lifting loads. Consider whether the equipment will be used indoors, outdoors or both. You should factor in temperature, exposure, weather conditions and humidity. Moreover, you need to factor in space which is available, if space is limited you need to ensure the equipment and manoeuvrability is sufficient. Furthermore, will the location contain any hazardous materials? Any equipment chosen needs to be certified for use in such environments and compliant with any safety regulations.
Mobility
Mobility is an important factor to consider when choosing lifting equipment. Does the lifting equipment need to be mobile or stationary? Will it be able to be operated over uneven terrain and surface conditions? Mobile equipment, including forklifts and cranes, offers flexibility in moving loads within a job site or facility.
Safety Features
Safety features are of utmost importance when selecting lifting equipment. Ensuring the safety of both the user and worksite is of critical importance. You should identify equipment that includes safety features including load limiting devices, emergency stop controls and overload protection systems. These features enhance safety onsite and reduce the risk or accident or injury.
Compliance with Regulations
Compliance with relevant regulations is critical when it comes to lifting equipment. This provides an extra element of safety and ensures adherence to legal requirements. Regulations vary depending on the work being carried out, so you should ensure the selected lifting equipment complies with relevant industry standards, regulations and laws. All GAP equipment fully complies with Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).
When it comes to Lifting, trust in GAP
By carefully considering these factors, you can select the right lifting equipment for your specific needs while prioritising safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
If you are unsure what lifting equipment is right for your application, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding the lifting equipment selected, our Lifting Team are happy to help. Our Lifting Engineers are fully LEEA Qualified and can advise you on the best lifting equipment for your requirements.
Browse our extensive range of lifting equipment here, and get in touch with our team today.