What is lifting equipment in construction?
Throughout the construction process, many heavy lifting and lowering are required; whether it be for safety, legality or the immense weight of an object, lifting equipment is required. Throughout construction sites, you will see a wide range of different types of lifting equipment daily, whether that be forklifts, cranes, and more, even allowing these heavy objects to reach heights they otherwise couldn't.
Having the right type of lifting equipment is highly beneficial to your business, and the task at hand; using the right type of lifting equipment can reduce risk and overall improve efficiency. This means jobs can be done faster and more precisely. Machines don't get tired or need extra workforce to lift, saving you resources and time.
Common lifting equipment and machinery used in construction
Tower Cranes
Cranes are one of the most known types of lifting equipment in construction; this is due to the towering nature of cranes that can be seen from a distance.
Cranes are easier to transport and come by than you think as they're globally available to rent from a range of locations and companies or are even sold to you. There's no question as to why cranes are so synonymous with construction; they're easy to operate, can carry extreme loads up multiple stories and all while being stable, something a simple human couldn't do.
It can be difficult to lift or transport heavy objects vertically, whether this is due to how high your equipment or machinery can lift or the need for ramps to ascend. Tower cranes provide a quick and efficient solution to verticality as well as a variety of other solutions.
Forklifts
Forklifts are iconic; they're widely used to lift loads in the construction industry, and for a good reason. It is easier to train for forklifts than any other option on this list and arguably the most cost-effective option.
They're efficient and get the job done. They're the smallest on this list, but they're arguably the most accessible and convenient and take the least amount of space. Many companies simply own forklifts due to the price and constant use of these lifting vehicles.
Having a fleet of forklifts operated by your works increases work efficiency tenfold compared to workers running around carrying heavy loads. Forklifts also reduce the workforce needed for certain tasks, leaving you with more resources at your disposal.
Excavators
Excavators are a popular form of lifting equipment; while you may believe excavators only purpose is in their namesake, excavators can do more than excavating or digging. While they can't reach the heights a crane can, excavators are great options to consider, easily accessible and rentable. Excavators excel at moving from one position or location to another, which can be highly beneficial around large construction sites and work in just about any soil or weather condition variation.
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks have the least vertical advantage on this list but arguably have the most horizontal advantage. Dump trucks are generally road legal and easily transportable from site to site and are ready to go from the moment they enter the site, or the workday starts. Easily rentable and efficient around any construction site, capable of handling and transport decent load weights and sizes.
Various Types of Lift
A wide range of lifts is used throughout construction, from scissors lifts, knuckle lifts and more, each with its own properties and benefits. Knuckle lifts typically do outweigh scissor lifts due to usability and manoeuvrability and are more favoured. Various other types of lifts offered may have low weight capacity and less movement.
Construction Hoists
a tower and cabin, the object is lifted through the tower vertically. That's not all; however, construction hoists also have the benefit of moving an object horizontally, giving you a great amount of precision and manoeuvrability. Construction hoists are widely available to rent or purchase globally, making them a great option to consider.
Mobile Cranes
You will generally see two types of cranes; their size differentiates these cranes. While smaller than their counterpart, Mobile cranes are easier to move into any position and are mobile; they're movable just like any other type of vehicle. Construction companies heavily rely on mobile cranes for this exact reason; they're the ultimate package.
Hydraulic Elevators
Construction lifting equipment and machinery are always advancing or being innovated; hydraulic elevators are new to the lifting equipment scene but do their job well. Designed to be reliable and safe, hydraulic elevators are a great option to consider for your construction lifting equipment needs. While they may not meet the height of a crane, they're great for moving materials or solutions.
Telehandlers
Telehandlers are a form of construction hoist commonly seen in the construction industry. Telehandlers provide great support and care while handling/hoisting heavy materials to great heights. Besides objects and materials, one of the great benefits of telehandlers is that they can also hoist workers by creating platforms using, say, pallets and handling large amounts of weight.
Hazards of using lifting/carrying equipment and machinery
Hazards can come in many varieties; there are several risks with lifting/carrying equipment and machinery, such as:
Hazards related to loading size or weight capacity
Hazards related to the specific lifting equipment used
Hazards related to vehicle failure or collapse, such as accessories not being properly attached
Hazards relating to negligence or ignorance such as materials being lifted improperly
Hazards related to accidents, usually relating to height mishaps such as falling from platforms or improper safety measures
Hazards relating to musculoskeletal issues -Hazards related to the working environment
Hazards with electricals such as wiring or electrical accessories and equipment
Risk assessment of lifting operations
Employers are legally obliged and accountable for safety and risk assessment. Typical risk assessments of lifting operations include:
Identifying hazards
Assigning and prioritising levels of risk to said hazards
Detailing a hazard prevention plan for said risks and events in the future
Taking action to deter possible hazards in the present
Monitor and detail risk levels and scenarios to assess the effectiveness going forward
If you need to lift heavy objects or machinery, we offer lifting equipment and lifting services for the construction and industrial industries.
Follow the links below to find out more about our specialist lifting services throughout the UK.