Using Excavators for Lifting − Skanska UK presentation1

Lifting with Excavators

Public information − Skanska UK presentation2

Lifting with ExcavatorsExample of know problems on five non Skanska sites

in the last 2 years

− Aylesbury – Master link failed during concreting (man injured avoiding falling skip).

− M62 Comms – chain sling snapped pulling sheets.

− East Mid Parkway – chain sling snapped moving rebar.

− M4 – chain sling snapped moving kelly block

− New Tredegar – Master link distorted - Shackle distorted after first lift

Public information − Skanska UK presentation3

Design of Chains

Traditional use of chain slings

Chain slings are designed primarily for use with cranes, where

− The master link would hang freely on the hook

− When using a master link the legs of the chain would connect the master link to the load without impediment

Public information − Skanska UK presentation4

Use of Chains on Excavators - Chain slings must be attached to the excavator using

shackles.

- The upper components of the chain must not come into contact with the excavator during the lift.

− Trapped shackles/links can result in high localised loads which could cause catastrophic failure

− The hydraulically driven joints on an excavator can imposed very high loads on trapped chains

Public information − Skanska UK presentation5

Lifting with Excavators‘Wrist joint’ of excavator should be fully rotated downwards and not halfway as shown by photo.

Public information − Skanska UK presentation6

Lifting with ExcavatorsExcessive force on master link and bow shackle

Public information − Skanska UK presentation7

Lifting with Excavators

Public information − Skanska UK presentation8

Lifting with Excavators

Master link and shackle levered against the hitch unit of the excavator

Public information − Skanska UK presentation9

Lifting with Excavators

Quick Hitch

Shackle

Public information − Skanska UK presentation10

Lifting with Excavators

Quick Hitch

Load

Public information − Skanska UK presentation11

Lifting with Excavators

Quick Hitch

7 x times the load now on the bow shackle and pin due to leverage action of master

link

Public information − Skanska UK presentation12

Lifting with Excavators

Quick Hitch

Damage to Bow Shackle

Public information − Skanska UK presentation13

Lifting with Excavators

Quick Hitch

Bent pin

Public information − Skanska UK presentation14

Lifting with Excavators

Quick Hitch

Public information − Skanska UK presentation15

Lifting with Excavators

Quick Hitch

Public information − Skanska UK presentation16

Lifting with Excavators

Quick Hitch

Public information − Skanska UK presentation17

Lifting with Excavators

Quick Hitch

− Ensure that the machine wrist joint is fully rotated downwards.

− A competent person should carry out regular inspections of lifting tackle – before every use.

− During a lift monitor the position of the wrist joint

− Check the correct size of Bow shackle

− Check the SWL of excavator

− Ensure that a lift plan has been produced, documented, approved and briefed to everyone on site

− A Permit to lift is required for standard and complex lifts