Maintenance and Safety: Ensure the equipment is well maintained. Injuries can occur if lifting equipment is not maintained. Care should also be taken with the handle grips,when worn or loose, may allow operatives’ hands to slip on the equipment.

Correct Selection of Lifting Equipment

Investigate the differences between equipment available for the proposed work. Ensure the manufacturer has certification / guarantees to ensure that the equipment has been designed for the intended use. Ascertain the lowest safe working load of the equipment. Check the equipment is in good working order and not damaged. Vacuum lifting equipment should have vacuum heads/ pads which are suitable for the units being lifted.

Training: Ensure operatives have been properly trained to use the lifting device chosen.