Envirocon offers a gravity lifter on hire for previous customers who purchased old Interbloc blocks without a lifting anchor. This article cover the safe use of this gravity lifter.
Health & Safety Checks Before Starting:
- Always check all equipment to be used in the lifting process.
- Check the forklift is safe to operate.
- Check the lifter to be certain that it is in full working order.
- Check for any damage or cracks on key welds.
always get the production manager to verify the equipment is fully functional for any uncertainties. - Check the area in which you intend to lift the blocks and ensure there are no hazards that will make it unsafe to do so.
Process
Lifter Specifications:
|
Metric (mm-kg) |
Imperial (Inch-lb.) |
Grip range |
150 – 1100 |
6” – 43.3” |
Working load limit |
3000 |
6614 |
Net weight |
161 |
355 |
Gross weight |
175 |
386 |
Setting Up The Lifter
- Attach lifter to forklift/excavator.
- The lifter should be securely attached to the lifting method chosen.
- Be sure the hook/shackle on the lifter is fully engaged
- Check that the lifter is in full working order
- Check for any cracks on the lifter
- Check the rubber pads are not worn down/torn
- Make sure the pads are locked on their tracks
- If any damage is found do not use the gravity lifter. Any damage must be reported to the production manager
Picking Up the Block
- When ready to begin picking up a block move the lifter over the top of the block
- Be sure that the pads are adjusted so that they can grip the block tightly
- Lower the lifter over the block and allow the lifter to sit fully down on the block
- The lifter should release its internal lock automatically
- DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE LIFTER AT ANY TIME to try to unlock it
- Once the lock has disengaged, begin to lift the forks up
- As you lift, the locking pin will rotate by itself allowing the arms to grip
- If the lock did not disengage DO NOT try to unlock it with your hands
- Re-lower the lifter down fully to allow the lifter to disengage
- As the lifer moves up the pads will begin to squeeze the block and lift it up
- Once the block is lifted off the ground begin to move to where you want to place it
- Keep the block low to the ground until you need to lift it to place to reduce the risk of injury
- When the block is in the air keep all body parts away from underneath
Placing The Block
- Once the block is ready to be placed, begin to lower it down
- Once the block is down, fully lower the lifter down to reengage the auto lock on the lifter
- Begin to lift the lifter off the block
- If the lifter does not disengage from the block, lower the lifter down fully to re-engage the lock
- Do NOT attempt to re-engage the lock using your hands
- Once the lifter has been taken off the block move on to placing your next block
Removing The Lifter
- Once finished using the lifter, remove it from the forklift/digger by placing it down on the ground
- Be sure the lifter is locked in the open position
- If the lifter is not locked, lower it on the ground to lock it
- Remove the lifter from the forklift/digger and inspect for any damage to the lifter
- Any damage should be immediately reported so that the lifter can be assessed and repaired if possible
Visual Instructions: