Moving and rotating loads

Use this page to find out how to roll, move and stack loads.

Rotating loads

When turning over a load (such as a steel beam), the sling must be attached to the hook on the side of the load that is to be lifted.

This is to make sure that it will be raised on a diagonal through the centre of gravity.

It is then a simple matter to lower the hook, turning the beam over in a safe and controlled manner.

It is important that the beam is slung so that when the beam is lowered the nip will pull against the eye.

Structural steel members (such as universal beams and rolled steel joists) have a high centre of gravity and a narrow base when standing on their flange.

If a sling is nipped incorrectly the beam will flop, topple over and possibly break the slings.

The same principles apply when turning over all loads.

Turning over a steel bin

Moving heavy loads: rollers, skates, and skidding

Moving bulky or heavy loads can be difficult without the proper equipment. Rollers, skates, and skidding are three methods to move heavy loads with ease.

Rollers

Rollers can be used when there's no room to lift the load into position by crane. Ensure that the surfaces underneath are level and hard. Sole planks may be used to provide a level surface if the ground is uneven. There are three types of rollers:

• steel scaffold tube for light loads
• solid steel bar for heavy loads
• timber rollers or logs.

Skates

Skates are a method of moving heavy loads with a set of small rollers fixed into a solid frame. They are built to hold a specific safe working load which should not be exceeded. Prior to use:

• Sweep clean the area in the direction of travel so that there are no obstructions to jam the skates.
• Make sure that the surface is strong enough to take the weight of the load displaced over the small area of the skate, or skates, and that the skates will not damage the surface.
• Make sure that the skates are placed under the load in a position so that there is even loading on every skate and that the load is level. If this cannot be done bearers must be placed under the load to ensure even loading.
• Make sure that there are personnel to keep watch for the load shifting dangerously while it is moving.
• Make sure that all skates run freely and that there is no damage to them.

Do not move a load on skates quickly. Use a restraining purchase at the rear to ensure that the load does not "get away". Skates can be reversed so that the skates remain stationary and the load runs over them. During this procedure, make sure that the load does not run off the skates and topple over.

Skidding

Skidding is where the load slides into place on skids set up on rails. To skid a heavy load:

• Set up well-greased rails strong enough to support the load on sleepers.
• Use loosely bolted fish plates to join the rails together.
• Pack each rail above the next rail in the direction of movement.
• Construct sliding shoes of steel channel sections slightly turned-up on the ends of the web and slightly turned outwards on the ends of the flange.
• Place timber bearers across the rails on the shoes at various positions to suit the balance of the load. The bearers must be strong enough to support the load in the centre.
• Ensure that the shoes and bearers travel evenly when the load is in motion.
• Pack skids level to prevent the load from working or toppling sideways.
• Fit a restraining purchase to the rear where necessary to obtain better control of the load.

Stacking

When materials are moved, it is important to securely and safely stack them. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Arranging Stacks

Stacks of materials must be arranged so that:

• there is enough clearance from machinery that could topple a stack
• there is safe access for persons, forklifts, cranes, and transports
• the slings or attachments can be either removed or attached in a safe manner 'manually' without destabilizing the load
• there is safe access for fire or rescue authorities in an emergency.

Before stacking, make sure that the ground is level, stable, and unlikely to be subject to ingress by water (water seeping in from outside) or other elements in the event of heavy rains. If the ground is not level, use chocks or wedges to ensure stability. When a stack is removed, check the ground area for signs of subsidence (sinking of the ground) before reusing the area.

Clearance

There must be a clearance of:

• no less than 3 metres from railway tracks
• no less than 3.5 metres for truck access
• no less than 1 metre from walkways
• no less than 1.5 metres for access for an overhead crane operator.

There must be access for a stretcher to be carried in case of an emergency.

Stacking steel plate

When stacking steel plates horizontally, establish a stagger in amounts suitable for lifting by weight.

Timber packers can be used to separate the stacks for ease of access for lifting gear or mechanical aids.

When stacking steel plates vertically, use racks that are capable of the weight. Racks should provide safe access for operators to connect lifting equipment (such as plate clamps) for transporting without having to get inside the rack.

Never lift a plate when a person is still inside the rack.

Stacking steel coils or round loads

Round loads need to be blocked or choked at the base to prevent the entire stack from rolling away. Every round load must be blocked. Each layer must have one less item than the layer below to ensure stability.