ESW - 30 : WELL WHEELS (GIN WHEELS) FOR LIGHT WEIGHT (MATERIAL) HOISTING

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WELL WHEELS (GIN WHEELS) FOR LIGHT WEIGHT (MATERIAL) HOISTING 

Where light materials need to be raised or lowered, a well wheel (or gin wheel), used in conjunction with a hoist arm (or davit), will make the hoisting of materials easier than with a rope alone. One application of gin wheels is in roofing. The gin wheel and davit allows the hoisting to be done by workers on the ground. This is much safer and eliminates the risk of workers failing if they pull materials up by rope from above.

Loads lifted by a gin wheel are limited by the capacity of the structure supporting the wheel, the individual components used, and the anchor point. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations when determining the maximum load that can be safely raised.

Lifts should normally be no more than 100 lb (45 kg) unless engineered structural provisions are made. Although the gin wheel itself may have a capacity far in excess of 100 lb, the maximum load is dependent on the weakest link in the entire system. The OSH Code requires the load rating and weight to be legibly stamped or cast on the “hook block.”

In this type of system, the weakest links are usually the structure supporting the wheel, the capacity and condition of the rope used to lift the load, and the worker. The weight and strength of the person pulling on the rope limits the weight that can be hoisted with a safemeasure of control of the lift.

The physical limitations of the operator can be overcome by using a hand-operated ormachine-operated winch. Using a winch requires careful planning. Mechanical devices can generate a great amount of force quickly. Evaluate the rigging components to ensure that you won’t exceed their limitations.

SNATCH BLOCKS

Heavy loads or powered winches may overpower the capacity of a gin wheel. In these situations a snatch block may be required. Snatch blocks typically come with a hook, swivel shackle, or eye. Some snatch blocks are designed for multiple reeving.

Like gin wheels, snatch blocks are used to change the direction of pull.

Switching to a snatch block from a gin wheel for the extra capacity requires a review of the loading on all rigging components to ensure that the increased loading does not exceed the capacity of any of the components.

Load Calculations

There is no mechanical advantage to a single-part line system as is used in this type of rigging. Generally speaking, the force required to lift the load is equal to the weight being lifted. More importantly, the total load on the anchor point (and davit) equals the combined pull of each line. As the angle between the pull line and the load line increases, the total load on the anchor point decreases. To determine the total load on the davit and anchor point, consider the following examples for a 100-pound load. (The angle is measured between the two lines.)

1. 
   straight pull (angle = 0º). Load on block or wheel (and anchor) is 200 lb. [100 lb (load) x 2.00 (load factor)]
2. A 45-degree pull (angle = 45º). Load on block or wheel (and anchor) is 184 lb. [100 lb (load) x 1.84 (load factor)]
3. A 60-degree pull (angle = 60º). Load on block or wheel (and anchor) is 173 lb. [100 lb (load) x 1.73 (load factor)]
4. A 90 degree pull (angle = 90º). Load on block or wheel (and anchor) is 141 lb. [100 lb (load) x 1.41 (load factor)]

Working Load Limit (WLL)

Always consider the safety factor of each component when calculating loads. The safety factor provides additional protection from dangers such as accidental overloading and wear and tear on components. It is used in calculating the Working Load Limit (WLL) of a component. The WLL is the maximum load to be applied to a component. To incorporate the safety factor in calculating the WLL of a gin wheel, consider the following example:

For a gin wheel rated at 1000 lb, having a manufacturer's designed safety factor of 3, what is its WLL?

Section 172 (1)(d) of the Construction Regulation requires a safety factor of 5. This requirement is greater than the designed safety factor. The gin wheel capacity must be reduced accordingly.

The WLL of the gin wheel is calculated as follows: 1000 lb x (3 / 5) = 600 lb.

In this example, even though the gin wheel has a stamped capacity of 1000 lb, it can be used to lift only a maximum of 600 lb safely.

Horizontal Force

Be aware that pulling on the wheel at any angle other than straight down will impose a horizontal force on the davit or anchor point. This force could impose loads on the davit and anchor that they were not designed to take, and could result in sliding of the anchoring system, twisting and collapsing the davit, or tipping the structure supporting the davit (such as a scaffold).

Additional safety measures

• Keep the landing areas clear, both above and below.
• Ensure workers are using appropriate fall protection where required.
• Keep hands, body, and clothing away from moving parts to avoid pinch points.
• Wear gloves to protect hands from rope burn. Other personal protective equipment such as eyewear and a hard hat should be used to protect you from falling dirt or material.
• Take into account the potential for shock loading. Shock loading results from rapid movement or jerking of the load and can significantly add to the total load. Examples of what can contribute to this type of loading include sudden pulls on the line during lifting and lowering, and sliding the load over the edge of a roof (without first having taken up the full weight of the load).
• Ensure all loads are secured to prevent shifting of the load.
• Inspect the equipment and line before use and after any shocks are placed on the system.

If you find any problems, take the system out of service until repairs have been made by a person competent to do so. At the very least, check for the following:

• The anchor mechanism for the gin wheel and/or davit is secure.
• Proper attachment of the gin wheel: make sure the hook latch is in place and closed.
• Deformation of support components (including the gin wheel).
• Integrity of the line.
• Loose nuts, bolts, pins, or other locking devices.

ESW - 29 : Fall Protection While Installation Of Elevator.

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Fall Protection While Installation Of Elevator.

These refrence are intended to describe the importance fall protection for elevator installation.

They are not intended to describe the fall protection or the specific requirements for various types, designs, or manufacturers for the installation of elevator at job site

Definitions:

Fall arrest system: An assembly of components joined together so that when the assembly is connected to a fixed support, it is capable of arresting a worker’s fall.

Fall restricting system: A type of fall-arrest system that has been designed to limit a worker’s fall to a specified distance.

Travel restraint system: An assembly of components capable of restricting a worker’s movement on a work surface and preventing the worker from reaching a location from which the worker could fall.

Vertical lifeline: A rope or wire that is attached to an anchor. The lanyard of a fallarrest system is attached to the lifeline. The lifeline extends the reach of the lanyard to an appropriate anchor point. An example of a lifeline is a 5/8" diameter synthetic rope (polypropylene blend) with a spliced loop and thimble for attachment to an anchor point using a shackle. It must extend to the ground or the lowest point that a worker couldaccess.

If synthetic rope may be subjected to damage such as from welding or cutting operations, as approved Organisation or National OSH Standards only approved diameter wire-rope lifeline along approved rope grab that is matched to the wire rope must be used.

A vertical lifeline must meet National OSH standard Fall Arresting Devices and Vertical Lifelines. Vertical lifelines sold on a reel or in a container will have the standard information attached or etched on the container or reel. Once removed from the original packaging, pertinent information such as the purchase order number and certification should be identified on the lifeline (with tags or otherwise) to ensure it does not get confused with hoisting rope and cable. The lifeline should be stored separately from hoisting ropes and cable.

Exposure to the sun may damage or weaken synthetic lifelines. Ensure that material being considered for lifelines is UV-resistant. There must be a separate lifeline for each worker using a fall-arrest system.

Anchor point (for a vertical lifeline): A structure, or a device attached to a structure, which will support a fall-arrest load.

A support used in a fall-arrest system must be capable of supporting a static force of at least 8 kilonewtons (1800 lb) without exceeding the allowable unit stress for each material used.

Horizontal lifeline: A horizontal lifeline is a lifeline connected horizontally with an anchor point at each end. Because of its configuration, it may have very high end loads in the event of a fall arrest. Horizontal lifelines, including the end anchorages, must be designed by a professional engineer.

FALL PROTECTION TRAINING

The Fall Protection should to imparted :- 

1. Employers ensure that workers using a fall protection system are trained in its use
2. Training records are kept, including training dates and participants’ names
3. Employers have training records available for upon request.

RESCUE PROCEDURES

Before use of a fall-arrest system or a safety net by a worker on a project, the worker’s employer must develop written procedures for rescuing the worker in the event of a fall arrest.

Minimizing the time between a fall occurrence and medical attention is vitally important.

INSPECTION

All fall protection equipment must be inspected for damage, wear, and obvious defects by a competent worker before each use. Any defective component must be replaced by one that meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s minimum performance standards for that particular system.

FALL ARREST SYSTEMS

Depending on the application, a fall-arrest system typically consists of a full body harness, shock absorber, and lanyard as specified above, attached to an adequate anchor point.

Anchorages for the system should be designed by a professional engineer and a sketch stamped by the engineer should be available on the project showing the details. Such anchorage will usually be attached to the crosshead.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

To protect workers or debris from falling into an open hoistway, completely board up or otherwise fully cover hoistway openings. If the hoistway opening is not fully covered, provide overhead protection in the hoistway and guardrails at the opening. The overhead protection should not be more than 3 storeys or 9 metres (30 feet) above a working area (Refer Below Image ).

The overhead protection should be capable of supporting 2.4 kN/m2 (50 pounds per square foot). Planks of 48 mm x 248 mm (2" x 10") No.1 spruce (rough sawn, full size) with a span no greater than 2.1 metres (7 feet) will provide sufficient overhead protection. Beams supporting the planks should be secured in place and have a bearing surface of at least 200 mm (8 inches) at the ends. Do not use the overhead protection as a working platform. Post signs indicating that planking for overhead protection is not to be used as a working platform (Refer Below Image).

A fall-arrest system attached to a suitable anchor must be worn by workers while installing or removing guardrails and overhead protection, and while boarding up or tearing down elevator doorways (Refer Below Image).

ESW - 28 : Safety Practices for Special Overhaul / Repair Works on Elevator (Lifts) / Escalators

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Safety Practices for Special Overhaul / Repair Works on Lifts / Escalators

Some overhaul/repair works in the industry such as the replacement of main hoisting ropes in traction drive lift, the replacement of hydraulic jack in hydraulic lift, the replacement of safety gear etc. require special attention on the employees’ safety and health at work. A proprietor/contractor should devise a safe system of work for a special overhaul/repair work by taking into consideration the current legal safety requirements and the instructions, in particular, the safety precautions and warnings included in the maintenance manuals published by the lift/ escalator manufacturers. All the engineers/supervisors and workers should observe and follow strictly the safe system of work and the safety instructions of the maintenance manuals. Any alteration and deviation to the safe system of work and/or the safety instructions in the maintenance manual should be made only under the instructions and supervision of persons who are competent and having the appropriate technical skill and experience. In addition to the relevant safety precautions as mentioned in the previous section, special attentions should be paid to the following when carrying out the special overhaul/ repair works:

1. During the special overhaul/repair works, safe method of lifting or mechanical handling of spare parts such as the lift car or hydraulic jack, etc. should be devised in advance in the site safety assessment. Reference should be made to the recommended method of the maintenance manual published by the manufacturers.
2. The wire rope used for rigging a lift car should be of adequate strength and length. The sharp corners of the lift car should be padded to avoid any damage to the wire rope.
3. During the lifting of a lift car, the wire rope should be fixed at the anchorage points for the frame instead of tying around the top beam of the lift car. The wire rope should preferably be of simple 1:1 suspension system at the anchorage points in order to eliminate the relative movement of wire rope with respect to the anchorages.
4. If the wire rope is tied around a diverter pulley for lifting a lift car with a 2:1 suspension system, the wire rope should be placed in the groove of the pulley.
5. Lifting hook spreaded beyond the allowable limit should be discarded immediately.
6. When a wire rope is required to be looped or is making short bend, thimbles should be used in the application. U-bolts of all clamp fastening should be on the dead end of the wire rope.
7. In clamping a wire rope into an eye, the loose end should be clamped against the main rope with minimum three clamps. The distance between two clamps should be 6 to 7 times the rope diameter apart. Clamp fastenings should be inspected and maintained regularly.
8. As a safety precaution, when the lift car (with its car top as the working platform) is hoisted up to the required position for working purposes, the safety gear of the lift car should be immediately activated so as to securely fix the lift car in position.
9.  Main Hoisting Rope Replacement Work
1. Replacement of all the old main hoisting ropes in one goal for a traction drive lift is not recommended. For the sake of safety during the rope replacement work, at least some numbers of the old hoisting ropes should remain intact to hold the lift car in case of emergency.
2. The main switch of the lift should be turned off, locked out and tagged. Proper warning notices warning that the lift is out of service should also be posted at prominent positions so as to avoid any disturbances caused by the persons in the building intending to use the lift.
3. The counterweight should be set at the lowest level at the lift pit and should be securely and adequately supported to prevent it from moving during the replacement work.
4. For easy and safe handling of new hoisting ropes during the rope replacement work, the new ropes to be used should first be cut to the required length before delivering to the work site.
5. For safety sake, the old hoisting ropes should be replaced with the new hoisting ropes one after the other.
6. In replacement of the main hoisting ropes, the old ropes should be properly transported down to the ground for removal from the work site. Safety requirements for Manual Handling and Mechanical Lifting in sections 7.2 and 7.3 of this Code should be complied with.
10. Hydraulic Jack Replacement Work
• The main switch to the hydraulic lift should be turned off, locked out and tagged.
• The pressure at the hydraulic jack to be replaced should be released and the jack should retract completely to the lowest position after the hydraulic lift car has been supported by the lifting appliance installed at the top of the lift well or at the machine room located above.
11. Safety Gear Replacement Work
• The lift car should be set near the bottom terminal landing to reduce the risk of falling from height during the replacement of safety gear at the bottom of the lift car.
• Proper working platform erected from the lift pit should be provided for the working personnel carrying out the safety gear replacement work.
12. After the special overhaul/repair work, the lifting appliance and the lifting gear for lifting/rigging purposes should be dismantled properly and the support for counterweight should also be removed before putting back the lift to normal service in the building.

ESW - 27 : Safety Practices for Installation and Dismantling of Elevator (Lifts)/Escalators

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Safety Practices for Installation and Dismantling of Lifts/Escalators

The installation and dismantling of lifts/escalators involves many activities similar to those as others in construction industry. In the following, only those practices peculiar to the lift/escalator industry are highlighted:

1. Installation, major overhaul, maintenance, repair or dismantling of lifts and escalators quite often involves the use of scaffolds. The scaffolds provided with suitable working platforms should comply with the requirements stipulated in the Standards, Rules & Regulation for Scaffolding Safety issued by the Countries . Besides, additional requirements on the safe erection, use and dismantling of metal scaffolds should also be complied with.
2. For major alteration works of lifts in occupied buildings, which involve welding and cutting, the scaffolds used should be constructed of non-combustible materials. Hoarding of one hour fire resisting period should also be provided for any lift door opening where the lift door is removed as required by the Buildings Department.
3. If the foundation support for the scaffold has to be removed for the lift works, other supporting means such as the provision of substantial steel brackets should be provided. The steel brackets should be strong enough to withhold the imposed load and the scaffold.The aforesaid alternative means of support should be designed and approved by a professional engineer in structural discipline or equivalent.
4. The scaffold used inside the lift wells or other locations in the workplace should be inspected before use and thereafter at regular intervals as required mentioed  in Countries Rule & regulation.
5. The provision of a safe working place for workers, such as a suitable working platform, should always be the first choice. However, if it is impractical and there is a risk for a worker to fall more than 2 m, a safety net should be provided or the workers should wear a safety harness/ belt with suitable lanyard securely attached to an independent lifeline or an anchorage as an alternative.
6. If suspended working platform is used for lift work, requirements in the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Suspended Working Platforms) Regulation should be observed.
7. Temporary Protection at Lift Landings
• New Buildings under Construction
• Safety protection for landing entrance openings in buildings under construction is required to prevent working personnel or objects falling through the openings. The type of protection provided should be identical to that used elsewhere on construction sites.
• Existing Buildings
• When modernising or dismantling existing lifts, landing doors should be retained in place and kept locked until replaced. If more than a single lift door is removed at the same time, hoardings of one hour fire resisting period should be provided for lift door openings and no scaffolds made up of combustible materials should be allowed inside the lift well as required by the Buildings Department.

ESW - 26 : Safety Practices for Working on Escalators

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Safety Practices for Working on Escalators

Safety Practices for Working on Escalators

1. Before the installation of an escalator, the floor edge along the escalator landings from which a worker is liable to fall more than 2 m should be securely fenced by the erection of suitable guard-rail. The guard-rail should be erected to a height between 900 mm and 1150 mm above the floor. Toe board of not less than 200 mm in height and mid-rail should also be provided. Warning notices to warn against the removal of guard rails should also be provided at prominent positions.
2. During the lifting of an escalator truss or its other part, workers are prohibited to ride on the materials being lifted.
3. Lifting appliances and lifting gears used in the escalator work should be tested, examined and used in accordance with the country / Organisation standards.
4. Prior to carrying out any escalator work, fencing and warning notices should be provided at both landings indicating that there is no access to the escalator. If traffic signs are provided at the escalator, they should be switched to the “NO ENTRY” mode to alert the users of the escalator not to use it so that disturbances to the working personnel during their work would be avoided.
5. Precautions should be taken such that the escalator cannot be set into motion without the consent of the persons performing the work. For example, the main switch of the escalator should be turned off, locked and tagged by the person-in-charge.
6. All the emergency stopping switches, overspeed and other protection devices incorporated in the escalator should be tested of their effectiveness before the work starts. Emergency stop switch should be triggered/ activated before any work is carried out in the machinery space and on the escalator truss.
7. The landing plates of the driving and return stations, if required to be removed, should be stored in a safe location. They should be placed back to cover the void space at the driving and return stations immediately after work is completed or temporarily suspended.
8. Dismantling of steps should be done carefully and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. All the dismantled parts such as the steps, skirting, etc. should be stacked properly and stored or placed in a safe location.
9. When walking or working on the escalator truss with all or part of its steps removed, extra care should be exercised not to drop into gaps or openings left on in the truss. Excessive grease and lubrication oil left on the truss should be removed to prevent slipping.
10. If one or more steps or step-treads of the escalator are dismantled and a gap/opening is created along the escalator, no one is allowed to operate and run the escalator on his own. Furthermore, if a person needs to ride on this escalator for visual inspection/examination purpose, he should ride behind the gap/opening so created to perform such work and the escalator should be operated under the manual control mode, preferably by a pendent remote control.
11. No working personnel should enter the escalator truss to carry out work such as the installation of balustrade and skirtings, etc. unless the main switch to the escalator has been turned off, locked out and tagged, and the escalator is stationary. Besides, warning notices should be displayed at the main switch indicating that work is in progress at the escalator at that time.
12. Vacuum cleaners should be used to remove the dust/dirts accumulated inside the escalator truss before maintenance or repair work is carried out.
13. When step, step-treads, landing plates, combplates, combplate teeth or trap doors, etc. of an escalator are removed, the escalator should never be run for testing or adjustment, etc. purposes unless the entrances at bothends are securely fenced off and all the workers have left the escalator.
14. Escalator should not be re-started unless all obstructions are removed and coordination with other workers working within the same escalator is made. The operator who handles the switch should be able to see the entire escalator to ensure nobody is working at the escalator before re-starting.

ESW - 25 : Safety Practices for Working Elevator (Lift)

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Safety Practices for Working Elevator (Lift)

General Safety Practices for Working on Elevator (Lifts)

1. In carrying out the lift work, the specific safety practices and recommendations made by the lift manufacturers should be strictly adhered to. There should be no passenger inside the lift car and the lift car should always be kept in the closed position, except when workers are working inside.
2. Adequate lighting for the works should be provided. It should be ensured by the workers together with the safe refuge area provided prior to entering any pit or car top. For emergency purpose, portable torches or emergency lights (battery-operated) should be provided to workers working inside the lift well.
3. The lift should be made inoperative and locked out before any inspection, cleaning, oiling or lubrication of wire ropes and moving parts. Lift car should be blocked to prevent any downward movement prior to removing any hanging cables or repairing any support system of an electric/ hydraulic lift.
4. When more than one lift is installed within a common lift shaft, a partition of appropriate height should where practicable be provided between adjacent lifts to prevent trapping hazards. The requirement of the partition as specified in the National Construction of Buildings and Building Works for the Installation and Safe Use of Elevator/Lifts and Escalators issued by National Buildings Department should be followed.
5. If it is necessary to gain access into the lift well, a safe means of access and egress should be clearly provided before entering and the means should be readily accessible from the workplaces.
6. The number of persons working within a lift shaft at the same time should be kept to a minimum. The simultaneous employment of different tradesmen working independently of each other should be avoided if possible.
7. Any items of equipment for dismantling should be lowered under control and should not be dropped down under all circumstances.
8. Protection guard should be reinstated as soon as the maintenance work for the dangerous part of any machinery is finished.
9. A lift should not be returned to normal operation when the work is finished unless it has been ascertained that there is no person, tools, access equipment, etc. in the lift well. All equipment and facilities for maintenance, service or installation work, e.g. propping device, should be returned to their proper positions.
10. For the safety sake of the workers carrying out work for installation, the installation manuals and the up-dated shop drawings, such as the plant layout, equipment arrangement, wiring diagrams, etc. shall be properly kept and be referred to at the workplace.
11. Regarding the operation and maintenance of a elevator(lift)/ escalator installation, the operation and maintenance manuals, operation/maintenance log books, working procedures, checklists, etc. are essential elements of the hardware of a safe system of work. Together with the as-built diagrams, including the electrical wiring diagrams, hydraulic circuit diagrams, process flow charts, etc., they should be properly kept at the work site and be referred to by all workers for safety sake.

Safety Practices for Working on Car Top

1. A car top stopping device should be positioned within 1 m of the landing threshold and capable of being operated from the landing. The normal lift control circuit should be positively isolated before any worker attempts to gain access to the car top from the landing.
2. Where headroom above the elevator(lift) car is less than the current standard requirement or may only accommodate one person, a warning sign should be displayed in a prominent position close to the car top control station.
3. Guard rails of 900 mm to 1150 mm in height should be provided on the car top where the worker may fall via the gap between the elevator(lift) and the well enclosure. Such guard rails should be sufficiently strong and secure.
4. Appropriate safety sign and notice should be displayed in a prominent position on the car top if the lift installation is without any car safety gear or a hydraulic rupture valve to alert the workers.
5. Positive means should be provided to interrupt the normal control circuit for preventing car movement when the car landing doors are kept in an opening position for the purpose of the lift work.
6. The car top control should be inspected and checked for its effectiveness before any work on the car top commences.
7. The number of persons allowed on the car top at any one time should be kept to the minimum. They should stand clear away from any moving rope, sheaves or other moving objects. Special care should be taken where the car tops are curved or domed.
8. One and only one person should be appointed to take the sole control of the car movement when workers work on the car top. All persons travelling on the car top should fully understand the procedures adopted for activating the car movement. Regarding the safety of the elevator(lift) car, the requirements of relevant legislation and Codes of Practice of country should be followed.
9. The car top should be clean, free from oil and grease and structurally sound. Standing on the emergency exit cover of the elevator(lift) car is prohibited. The car top should be cleared up and cleaned before leaving it after the work.
10. The working personnel should be able to hold firmly on the crosshead or other rigid parts of the car structure when the car is moving. Holding any wire rope by a worker may result in serious injury and therefore is prohibited.
11. If there is an adjacent elevator(lift) in the same elevator(lift) well, the worker should avoid contacting with any counterweights and keep within the limits of his elevator(lift) especially when the car is moving.
12. As a general rule, the car top should be accessed from the top terminal landing.

Safety Practices for Working below a Elevator(lift) Car

1. Before entering a elevator(lift) pit, the stopping devices of the elevator(lift) should be tested for their effectiveness.
2. If there is no direct access door to the elevator(lift) pit, suitable safe means with hand holds of access to the pit should be provided from the lowest landing entrance.
3. When working below a car with restrictive space which can accommodate only one person, appropriate restraint device for the elevator(lift) car should be properly installed prior to gaining access into the pit.
4. Counterweight screen of an appropriate height above the pit floor should be provided to avoid hazards created by descending counterweight. The requirements for the height of the screen as stipulated in the Design and Construction of elevator(lift) and Escalators should be followed.
5. Worker should activate the pit-stop switch to prevent any movement of the car before entering the elevator(lift) pit.
6. No worker should enter or work in a elevator(lift) pit with standing water.
7. The shoes of workers should be free from any oil or grease to prevent slipping. Potential tripping hazards such as oil lines or sump holes should be watched out. In this respect, warning signs/notices should be displayed at prominent position of the lift pit.

Safety Practices for Working at elevator(lift) Landings

1. When workers are engaged in maintaining and examining lifts, the landing door may from time to time be requiredto remain open even at where the car is not there, e.g. to gain access into the lift pit or to the car top. Appropriate dedicated devices instead of normal hand tools should be utilized to keep the lift doors in an open position. To protect the workers at work, a fencing/barrier between 900 mm and 1150 mm in height with preferably a mid-rail and toe-board of not less than 200 mm in height should be erected in front of the entrance at the lift landing.
2. The fencing/barrier should bear the relevant safety signs and warning notices in both Local and English language  to warn against the danger of removal of fencing/barrier.
3. To facilitate the worker to work on the correct equipment safely, multiple elevator (lift) installations should be individually identified on the lowest and highest landing entrances as well as the associated equipment in machine rooms and pulley rooms.
4. When the car is not at its normal position at a landing, unlocking or opening of a landing door should only be done if it is absolutely necessary for carrying out work by the working personnel. Special unlocking device should be used to unlock or open a landing door and be kept in a safe place. A check should be made to ensure that the door is closed and relocked each time after use.
5. Without the provision of fencings/barriers and warning signs, a landing door/gate should always be kept close except during the short period of entering/leaving the lift well at the landing by the workers or the transportation of materials for work via the landing.

Safety Practices for Working in Elevator(lift) Machine and Pulley Rooms

1. Safe means of access to the machine room and the pulley room should be provided and permanent warning signs should be displayed on the outside of the machine and pulley room doors. Additional permanent warning signs should be displayed inside the room adjacent to the trap door when the access is via a trap door into the machine room and the pulley room.
2. Adequate electrical lighting should be provided inside these rooms’ floor level and at equipment. All the permanent lighting should be controlled by switches on entry inside the rooms at appropriate height. The requirements on the lighting standard as stipulated in the National Design and Construction of elevator(lift) and Escalators should be followed.
3. All dangerous parts of the machine and the whole elevator(lift) installation should be effectively guarded to prevent injury to the workers carrying out the elevator(lift) installation, repair or maintenance work. The dangerous part which by reason of its position, its construction or the nature of the work being performed does not give rise to any reasonably foreseeable hazard to the safety of any working personnel need not be guarded.
4. Properly designed, installed and maintained lifting facilities should be provided for handling heavy equipment. The facilities should be tested and examined in accordance with the National standards. The safe working loads of the lifting appliances and lifting gears should be legibly marked in accordance with National Rues & Regulations. Under no circumstances are these lifting facilities operated in excess of their safe working loads.
5. Electric shock treatment notices as required under national Rules & Regulation should be prominently displayed in the machine room.
6. Insulation rubber mat complying with national standards should be placed on the floor in front of the controller and other electrical switchboards and also preferably at the rear for better protection against electric shock.
7. The dimensions of any holes in the slab and the floor should be reduced to a minimum as far as practicable. Ferrules which project at least 50 mm above the floor should be provided to prevent objects from falling through holes situated above the well.
8. The floor of the machine room should be made up of nonslip materials to prevent any tripping hazards. Preferablyit should be of same level. If the floor comprises more than one level and each is differing from another by more than 0.5 m, stairways or steps and guard-rails should be provided along the levels.
9. If access to the main switch for the elevator(lift) is inconvenient from the lift machine or controller, a suitable stopping device should be fitted near the lift machine. The requirements for the stopping device as stipulated in the National Design and Construction of elevator(lift) and Escalators should be followed. A means of interrupting the main supply should also be provided on or adjacent to the controller. In multiple installations within the same machine room, the stopping devices should also be located adjacent to their relevant pulleys.
10. Before commencing work, a thorough check should be made to verify between a specific machine and its corresponding well and associated equipment. No work should be carried out on machinery while it is in motion or which is capable of intermittent motion.
11. Updated electrical wiring diagrams, hydraulic circuit diagrams, schematic diagrams, etc. of the lift installation should be made available to the working personnel for reference before work commences.
12. No work should be carried out on or close to any live electrical equipment that electric shock  danger might foreseeably arise. If this is unavoidable, adequate precautions such as the wearing of suitable insulated gloves and boots, the provision of insulating mats, temporary shrouding and the use of insulated tools, etc. should be taken to avoid electric shock or burn injuries. Also, the work should only be conducted by workers with adequate qualification and experience on electric work, and with adequate guidance/warnings and supervision given to the workers. Working alone in this situation is not recommended.

Safety Practices for Working on Observation or Partially-enclosed Elevator(lift)

When working on observation or partially-enclosed lifts, in addition to the safety requirements stipulated in previous sections, the following should be included:

1. Temporary fencings/barriers on landings should be provided so as to prevent the fall of persons and objects (e.g. tools or equipment) from the landing into the elevator(lift) well.
2. The car top treatment should follow the recommendations in national Rules and Acts, such that the hinged covers provide a barrier and some weather protection.
3. Means should be provided to prevent the falling of objects from the car top.
4. Working personnel should take travelling on the car top of any lift as a last resort.
5. Work should not be carried out in severe weather conditions such as heavy rain and strong wind etc.
6. Suitable working clothing should be worn to protect against wind and coldness during work.
7. Only working personnel authorized by the contractor should be permitted to clean the glazed exterior of the car or the interior of a glazed lift well enclosure.

Safety Practices for Working on Dumbwaiters

1. Nobody should stand and work on the car top of a dumbwaiter unless the following safety features/ precautions are provided:
• The dumbwaiter should be equipped with safety gear. 
• The rated load of the dumbwaiter should exceed the weight of the working personnel plus the weight of his tools.
2. The dumbwaiter should not be used for carrying persons.
3. When working from the car top, extreme care should be exercised to ensure that the body of the working personnel is within the confines of the car and clear of all elevator(lift) well protrusions while running.
4. All devices operating the car should be rendered inactive (such as push buttons, automatic leveling and homing circuits, etc.) except those under the immediate control of the working personnel.
5. The turnbuckles on car and counterweight ropes should be checked to ensure that they are double-nutted and pinned securely.
6. A elevator(lift) well door should never be left open or unlocked at a landing when the car is not there or under such conditions that the car can leave.
7. Adequate headroom and under-car-clearance should be checked before getting on top of the car or in the pit.
8. None should enter the pit unless the main switch to the dumbwaiter has been turned off, tagged and locked out.
9. For dumbwaiters with automatic transfer devices, all such devices should be isolated before working on the dumbwaiters.
10. When working through an open elevator(lift) well door or through the machine room door and the car is to move, care should be exercised to avoid contact with the car gate spreader.

ESW - 24 : Elevator (Lift) / Escalator :- Site Safety Assessment

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Elevator (Lift) / Escalator :- Site Safety Assessment

As an essence of a safe system of work for elevator(lift)/escalator, an initial site safety assessment should be made to the work site by a person who is competent to do so before the commencement of every elevator(lift)/escalator work. Such a person should preferably be a safety professional or an experienced engineer/supervisor, with adequate experience of safety and health at elevator(lift) and escalator works. After making the assessment, the following should be identified and recorded as appropriate:

1. Safe means of access to and egress from each place of work should be provided. For example, there should be safe access to/egress from the machine room and the lift shaft, etc.
2. Rescue procedures and evacuation arrangements in case of fire, explosion, accident or other emergency situations, etc. occurring in any part of the building during the work should be provided.
3. The make and type of elevator(lift)/escalator, control system, the type of work to be carried out and other relevant information should be identified and recorded.
4. The need for putting workers to work on live electrical equipment. If it is unavoidable, the safety precautions required to be carried out for such work.
5. All dangerous parts of the machinery should be effectively guarded. The anticipated removal of machine guardings during the work and the prompt re-instatement of those guardings after the completion of the work should be clearly specified.
6. Arrangements for the use of communication equipment by the working personnel during the work should be made. Also, key words/signals to be used in the communication should be specified.
7. Arrangements and procedures for safe manual handling operations which will be taking place during the work.
8. For elevator (lift) works:
• Safe spaces/clearances under the car in the pit and safe headroom above the car at the top of its travel should be ascertained. Relevant safety and warning signs should be displayed and other safety precautions should be considered if there are only limited spaces/clearances.
• The car top control station should be functioning properly. Especially, the effectiveness of those emergency stop switch and manual control mode switch should be checked.
• The car safety gear in electric lift or hydraulic rupture valve in hydraulic lift should be checked for their effectiveness if the working personnel are required to stand or travel on the car top.
• The car top should adequately support the anticipated loads, e.g. personnel and hand tools, etc.
• The working conditions in the machine room, pulley room (if provided) and the lift well/pit should be assessed. For example, there should be adequate working space for the working personnel to manouvre especially when working at any electrical equipment where live conductors might be exposed during work. Environmental factors including temperature, ventilation, lighting and etc. inside the room and the lift well/pit should be suitable for working during different processes of work, such as the welding and cutting.
9. For escalator works:
• Safe and easy ways and access routes with sufficient headroom to the machinery spaces should be provided.
• The enclosure and supporting structure should be sound and free from defects.
• The handrail, steps, combs, drive for steps should be functioning properly. Besides, the braking system and the manual control and emergency stop switches should also be functioning properly.
• The protections against risks of overspeeding and unintentional reversal of the direction of travel should be checked for their effectiveness.
10. After making the site safety assessment, a method statement should be provided and include in particular the following:i.
• The way in which work would be performed, and the number/trade of working personnel involved in carrying out the work ( including those from the subcontractors) should be stated clearly.
• The anticipated equipment required to perform the work including the use of lifting appliances and lifting gear for mechanical handling, and the arrangements made for it to be available at the appropriate time should be ascertained and provided.
• The availability and location of secure fencing, portable access ladders, personal protective equipment such as safety boots, safety helmets, safety goggles, safety gloves, safety harnesses/ belts, secure anchorage, fittings for the safety harnesses/belts, independent lifelines and etc. should be ascertained and provided.
• The time and duration available for the work to be performed should be identified and recorded.
11. The number of parties, and the respective timing, working on the same lift/escalator installation should be ascertained.
12. Emergency procedures and facilities, including first aid, should always be made available for dealing with emergencies on site. Such facilities should be regularly maintained and upkept properly.
13. The safety and health management system for the control of the safety performance of the subcontractor(s), if any, should be effective and efficient. Reference can be made to “A guide to Construction Safety Management” issued by the Labour Department foran example of such safety and health management system.
14. The application of any of the relevant safety regulations should be identified and recorded. Compliance of those regulations should be checked.

Besides, subsequent periodic re-assessment of the site conditions should be made. For most of the time the appropriate frequency for carrying out this re-assessment would be decided by the person performing the initial assessment. Generally speaking, the following factors should be considered for determining the frequency: the nature of the task, the likelihood of changes in the working personnel, the equipment and the location of the work.

The interval decided should be specified and recorded at the initial assessment and any changes to it should be recorded. Also, any changes to the initial safety assessment after the re-assessment should be recorded as well.

When work is to be carried out for the braking assemblies of lifts and escalators, it is the responsibility of the proprietor or contractor to ensure that the work does not involve any asbestos-containing material, especially in the brake linings. Otherwise safety measures in accordance with the provisions under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Asbestos) Regulation should be taken.

When work is to be carried out in certain work sites which are subjected to special regulations and working practices,

e.g. power stations, gas installations, marine installations, container terminals and chemical works, additional safety requirements or permit to work systems might be required as agreed with the site management.

The safety of working personnel engaged in other activities within the working area should also be considered in the site safety assessment.

ESW - 23 : Safety Management System Guideline for Elevator Installation Site

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Safety Management System Guideline for Elevator Installation Site

Safety is one of the most important aspects of a smooth and effective functioning of any activity. Good safety performance ensures an accident free work environment. To eliminate or minimize risk associated at work to be maintained  by effective management for workplace activities, worker safety and protection is the remark that settles sometimes conclusively to less desirable state or condition of work related injuries. Elevator installation is a multi-dimensional workplace that deals with construction safety, electrical safety and safe material handling etc.

Safety management should focuses on workers safety and it recommends safe practices for those proprietors or contractors to protect their employees engaging in elevator (lift) and escalator works which is incorporated fas per Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. The good practice and performance ensure an accident free workplace 

• To minimize risk to employees 
• Improve business performance 
• Assist to establish a responsible image

The safety knowledge, standards and regulations concerning safe elevator installation procedures in today’s work environment should be priority not an option. In the elevator installation, the safety of the persons engaged in elevator installation work is the responsibility of the proprietors/ contractors, the supervisors and the persons working on elevators. All persons working on elevator installation activities are expected to take due care and pay attention to potential hazards, make proper use of safeguards and follow defined working procedures such that accidents and ill health can be avoided.

Safety at work with the internal and external relationships that involves in the multi-dimensional workplace which is the elevator installation site. The external relationship addressed involves engineers, owners, contractors. The internal relationship involves each workers, other disciplines. To achieve the best safety in the elevator installation the focus should be on the precautionary measures recommended for enhancing the safety of works involved in the elevator installation stages and also promotes safe practices for elevator installation works, with reference to core ingredients of an Occupational Health and Safety Management Specification.

Major Hazards on Elevator Installation

Scaffolds

• Fall hazard
• Scaffold collapse
• Struck in collapse
• Bodily injuries
• Life loss

Portable Electrical Hand Tools

• Electric shocks and burns
• Electrocution
• Cardiac arrest

Electricity on Sites

• Electric shocks
• Severe burns
• Fatal
• Cardiac arrest

Hand Tools

• Blows and cuts
• Eye injuries
• Sprains
• Electrical contact

Manual Handling

• Ergonomic problems
• Material damage

Noise

• Hearing loss
• Speech interference
• Lack of concentration
• Annoyance

Apart from hazards listed above the more exist in the installation site is based on the work environment, condition of the workplace, supplementary activities, worker behaviour and psychological hazards to exist due to work related stress or a stressful environment. A person in a hazardous state can be under the influence of alcohol, illness and lack of training.

ELEVATOR INSTALLATION SAFETY MANAGEMENT

The organisation must develeop safety policy  to endeavour to maintain a safe and injury/illness free workplace. It supports the management commitment to safety and continues improvement of safety performance in all their undertakings. It shall also include the safety and wellbeing of employees, subcontractors, customers and end users as well as the prevention of damage to property and equipment.

The Organisation should include the installation manager, installation team, sub-contractor, safety executive and customer, where safety executive is directly linked to all the members of the team.

Hazard Identification: To perform a safe and injury/illness free workplace, hazards involved in each stages of work has been identified by means of Job Safety Analysis (JSA). JSA will be done positively with the help of Job Hazard Analysis Standard. This methods of hazard identification and risk control should be done before the commencement of any installation work and other relevant activities that comprises hazard of causing injury/illness. No effort to be made until the identified hazards are eliminated or controlled to make the workers and equipment safe at the workplace.

Legal & Other Requirements: Elevator installation team should keep an eye on the legal and other requirements[6][7] as per the state and local laws to maintain a legal register that comprises several areas of law that is especially relevant to the installation work. The state and local laws that reinforce work credibility and keep workers safe at workplace in the elevator installation are listed

• Building and Other Construction Workers Act
• Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act
• Motor Vehicles Act
• Contract Labour Act
• Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923
• Child Labour Act 1986
• Following Bureau of Standards
• Contractor Document
• Elevator & Escalators Rules & Acts

Roles and Responsibility:  Defining roles and responsibilities and delegating authorities to facilitate safe and injury/illness free workplace are the most important function of the safety management. The H&S Organization authorities are trained to plan, organize, lead, and control all the happenings under his control. Responsibilities should be effectively communicated to all those working at all levels within the installation site.

Training and Awareness: Safety training to be given to all the workers involved in the installation project to make them competent. Identifying the hazardous jobs and provide the compulsory training to the workers involved to it. Safety and Health training also to be given to installation managers, engineers and other personnel aiming to improve the safety culture and performance in the installation site. Refresher training program to all employees, Toolbox talks every day, safety oath daily without fail to be followed. The training that is required for management team, workers include [8]

• Safety Orientation
• Incident/Accident Investigation & Reporting
• Hazard Identification & Risk Analysis
• Fire Fighting
• Power actuated hand tool operating
• Electrical/Mechanical Isolation
• Material Handling
• Electrical safety
• Emergency response & preparedness

Communication:- There should be internal communication among the various levels of workers, contractors and customers. Safety and Health measures to be communicated through poster campaigns in the local language. Changing Posters at least once in a month will maintain the impact

Participation and Consultation:- To make the workers participate and consult with the safety and health, their involvement in hazard identification and innovative ideas to control the risk are encouraged. The safety committee and tool box meetings are conducted for the succeeding help the worker participation and consultation.

Documentation:- Develop and maintain the documents to meet the safety and health standards at the workplace. Some of the documents should be mandatory that includes

• Safety and Health Policy
• Legal register
• Procedures established for Job Safety Analysis
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Job procedure
• Accident / Incident report formats
• Contractor document

The mentioned documents are controlled by the responsible persons and maintained up to date. It should be kept readily accessible whenever it is asked for inspection.

Emergency Preparedness and Response:- An Emergency Response Plan for all work sites as required will be submitted as part of the plan to avoid the loss of life in the emergency conditions. Arrangements to be made for emergency medical treatment and evacuation of the victim in the event of an accident or dangerous incident. The Responsible persons with the telephone numbers and addresses for quick communication will be adequately publicized and conspicuously displayed in the workplace. The Emergency equipment’s are provided in adequate quantity and tested at specified intervals.

Internal Audits:-  Internal Audit to be performed by the person Competent in functioning safety audit. Project Manager and Safety Management Team should take the duty of the internal audit. The audit copy of the Audit report must be sent to management and discussed for the actions to be taken.

CONTROL MEASURES TO OVERCOME THE MAJOR HAZARDS ANALYSIS

Scaffold Safety

Scaffolding system is defined as the planning for the design, erection and the inspection of the use and the dismantling of any scaffolding following the safety code for scaffolds and ladders [IS:3696(Part I)-1987] . The scaffolding design criteria consider the strength; stability; rigidity of the supporting structure and the safety of persons engaged in the erection, alteration and dismantling of the scaffold. It must be designed for the most adverse combination of dead loads, live loads, impact loads and environmental loads that can reasonably be expected during the service life of scaffolding.

Electrical Safety

It has been stated that roughly 50% of electrical incidents involve workers whose primary function is not electrical in nature. It also encouraged all to address electrical safety for all workers and not just workers whose job responsibilities involve working on or near energized electrical circuits.

The top three scenarios of fatal injury from electrical hazards are contact with overhead electric lines, contact with wiring, transformers, or other electrical components, and contact with electric current of machine, tool, appliance, or light fixture. These scenarios involve different exposures to electrical hazards, different types of workers, different work activities, and different hazard control measures. Electrical Safety in the workplace currently focuses on the application of a hierarchy of hazard controls used in safety management to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards and to eliminate or reduce risk of injury as low as reasonably practicable. It is a widely accepted methodology with applications ranging from highly hazardous processes with potential for catastrophic consequences to life, property and the environment to prevent injuries when using portable hand tools.

Material Handling

Lots of material is to be handled and re-handled for project activities. Material handling equipment forklift should be of proper capacity and well maintained, inspected and recorded. The correct signalling practices and rigging methods can avoid many accidents, which are otherwise caused due to bad slinging practices and rigging methods. Things to be done while handling materials are as follows

• Need clear supervision
• Do preventive maintenance
• Regularly care out third part inspection
• Secured work area
• Avoid using mobile phone at working area
• Avoid consuming alcohol
• Training to operator and supervisor

Noise

Noise is a factor that affects the human being in the workplace. Prolonged exposure to noise levels result in irreversible damage to human health. Categories of hearing impairment are listed below which should be considered

Category

Mild : DB : for adult :25-40, for children :15-40

Moderate : DB : 41-55

Moderately severe : DB : 56-70

Severe : DB : 71-90

Profound : DB : 90 or greater

The human can maintain concentration to perform the given task even they are exposed to elevated levels of unwanted noise for a short period of time.

Too ensure the safety and health of workers and it recommends safe practices for those Organisation, Proprietors or Contractors to protect their employees engaging in lift and escalator works (i.e. installation, commissioning, alteration, examination, inspection, testing, servicing/maintenance, repairing and dismantling work on lifts). It also strongly suggest that developing and implementing the good management practices recommended for enhancing work safety of site personnel working near or inside a lift shaft during lift installation stage to be followed to overcome the major hazards associated with the installation activities.

ESW - 22 : ELEVATOR SHAFTS AND OPEN HOLES

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ELEVATOR SHAFTS AND OPEN HOLES 

Every Year thousands individuals gets injured due to falls. Many these falls are associated with unguarded floor opening or building shafts.

A Building Shaft:- A continuous vertical space substantially enclosed on all sides that extends for two or more floors, and includes elevator shafts, ventilation shafts, stairwells, and service shafts

A Floor Opening:-  An opening in a floor, platform, pavement or yard that measures 300 mm (12 inches) or more in its smallest dimension.

Holes in Floors

It is the duty of an employer, contractor, or owner to ensure any openings or holes in a floor, roof, or other work surface where a worker could step, or fall is:

• Covered with a securely installed covering that can support a load of 360 kilograms per square meter.
• Provided with a guardrail and a toe board. 

Where the covering or guardrail and toe board mentioned above or any part of the guardrail or toe board is removed for any reason, an employer, contractor or owner shall immediately provide an effective alternative means of protection.

Building Shafts

• Any work platform used at the opening or inside of a building shaft must be designed by a professional engineer to withstand the maximum foreseeable load and is constructed, erected and used in accordance with that design.
• If there is no work platform installed at the level of a doorway or opening in a building shaft, an employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that the doorway or opening is covered by a solid barrier that extends from the bottom of the doorway or opening to a height of at least two meters and can prevent a worker or loose material from falling down the shaft.
• An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that at least one warning sign indicating the presence of an open building shaft is placed on a barrier erected

Why do workplace injuries and fatalities occur?

• Protective devices are not used including proper covering, barricades, guard rails, etc.
• Hole coverings are constructed of unsafe material
• Poor lighting and work materials may make a floor opening difficult to see
• Poor housekeeping practices
• Over time, workers may become complacent
• Work practices are poor due to unclear job procedures
• Lack of training for workers
• Workers rushing and taking short-cuts to meet deadlines

SAFETY TIPS 

• Assess the worksite, identify any hazards prior to beginning work; noting any openings, holes in floors or building shafts, both secured or non-secured, and communicate with others in the work area
• Practice proper housekeeping around the construction site
• Develop and follow safe job procedures and safe work practices
• Develop and implement a fall protection plan and have it accessible on all work sites where there is a risk of workers falling
• Always use another form of fall protection when installing, removing or working near an unprotected edge

For openings in floors:-

• Guard rails and toe boards surrounding the entire opening or securely cover the entire opening with material that can support any load that may be encountered on the worksite
• Install protective devices on any openings on floors or building shafts

For building shafts:-

• Ensure that the doorway or opening is covered by a solid barrier that extends from the bottom of the doorway or opening to a height of at least two meters
• Covering must be capable of preventing a worker or loose material from falling down the shaft.
• Label the covering to warn of an opening or building shaft below/behind the cover (label must stand out on a busy construction site)

ESW - 21 :- ELECTRICAL SAFETY WHEN WORKING ON ELEVATORS

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY WHEN WORKING ON ELEVATORS

INSTRUCTION FOR WORKING ON ELEVATOR

This general instruction is valid for installation, servicing and modernization work done on elevators. It describes safe working procedures for preventing electric shock and other possible hazards from unwanted movement of equipment to yourself and others when working on elevators. Read and follow all related instructions and comply with your local safety codes and rules.

Electrical work on elevators may be done by authorized persons only. Where more than one person is working on an installation, the responsibilities and tasks for electrical safety should be clarified by the supervisor before the work is started.
Do not work on live equipment unless it is absolutely necessary (e.g. fault finding, fine tuning, etc.) If necessary a standard hazard and risk assessment, (refer to local procedures), should be made to define when to work live and when to isolate.

All persons working on the equipment are to attach and remove their own tag and, where possible, lock.

TOOLS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Ensure that you have the necessary tools and equipment to complete your work tasks safely.

Use only approved insulated tools which are in a serviceable condition. Electrical test instruments must comply with local regulations and must be regularly tested in accordance with your local unit procedures.

Safety equipment

Tools, equipment and devices shall comply with the requirements of relevant European, national or International standards where these exist. Tools, equipment and devices must be used in accordance with the instructions and/or guidance provided by the manufacturer or supplier.

Examples of tools, equipment and devices:

• Insulating boots, gloves and overshoes
• Eye or face protection
• Head protection
• Insulated and insulating tools
• Locks, notices and signs

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Familiarize yourself with the site and the building representatives

Get familiar with the working practices and the safety procedures of the worksite.

To ensure your safety, liaison with the site agent/builder/building owner or his representative is recommended especially where single man working is involved. Tell the building/site representative where you are working and when. If possible, ensure that a responsible person periodically monitors your welfare.

Avoid working in a building that is otherwise unoccupied.

Working area

Be aware of all the electrical risks, (including other non-elevator equipment), in the working area. These should be minimized by guarding, (temporary or permanent). If this is not possible you must maintain a safe working distance from any exposed conductors.

Keep your work areas clear. Do not unnecessarily open covers, shields or guards. Replace them immediately when you have completed your work task. This rule applies even if you have planned further work at a later stage.

Where necessary place safety warning signs and barriers to protect both yourself and others.

Other people who may be affected by your work

Ensure that your work is not causing any safety hazard to other people in the building. Place warning and information signs as required. Agree with the building owner or his representatives about the appropriate safety measures. Keep the machine room doors locked unless you are working in there.

When working in the lift well and it is necessary to keep the landing door open, protect the working areas on the landings so that other building users cannot come into contact with elevator equipment. The entrance protection should be constructed according to the local regulations.

The elevator and its associated equipment

Take time to familiarize yourself with the elevator if it is new to you. This is particularly important when working with other manufacturers equipment where the level of training and information available may vary and circuit diagrams are in an unfamiliar style . Even if you have worked on the same elevator before check for possible changes, (where applicable refer to the elevator log book for past service history). Ensure that you know the location of all isolators and fuses.

Ensure you have adequate information to do the work and fully understand all the possible effects of your actions.

Read the manuals, circuit and wiring diagrams and other available relevant material. Ensure that the material you are reading is up to date - IF IN DOUBT - ASK. Talk to your supervisor if you have any doubts about the working method or safety related issues.

Environment

Check that there is no potential hazard for yourself or others in the immediate vicinity of the elevator, (other equipment, water, oil leaks etc., ...).

Do not cause environmental hazards. Use suitable containers for the removal of old rope oil. Follow your local regulations when hazardous waste needs disposal.

Areas of Special Risk

Assess requirements for safety signage, high voltage warnings and procedures. Ensure there is sufficient lighting for you to do your work safely.

If working in a multiple well installation ensure you are not at risk from moving parts of an adjacent elevator. If there is no well protection between adjacent elevators, if possible, arrange for the adjacent elevators to be switched off and keep all the cars at the same working level.

If it is not possible to switch off adjacent elevators ensure you maintain a safe working distance from all moving parts.

Be aware of the risks from overcrowding if more than one person is working in a restricted space. Be aware of the risks from unexpected movement of the elevator or associated components.

Watch out for other hazards such as oil, tripping etc.

Check all the supplies to the elevator including lighting supplies and any other optional devices. Check also for possible emergency backup supplies, common supplies to all elevators in the case of multiple installations and other “kick back” energy sources.

Protect Yourself

Before commencing work in the lift well area ensure that you can exit the well quickly and safely in all circumstances.

Do not deviate from the prescribed working method.

Use personal protective equipment as required. Wherever possible, avoid working on live equipment when you are on your own.

Never attempt to make repairs when equipment is live.

When it is necessary to work with live equipment take extreme care to avoid any possibility of hand to hand, or hand to foot/leg electric shock. Keep one hand away from the electrical conductors and any possible earthing connections. Use clip on leads for the test equipment particularly on the negative terminal.

When working on an elevator installation there are many components which are likely to be at earth potential, these can include control panels, connection boxes and trunking, landing doors, guide rails and ropes.

Do not wear jewelry, I.D. badges with metal chains or other loose items of conducting material which may put you at risk.

Evaluate the situation

ALWAYS ASSUME THAT EQUIPMENT IS STILL LIVE UNTIL IT HAS BEEN LOCKED, TAGGED AND

TESTED FOR ZERO ENERGY STATE - Locking and tagging must be used wherever possible

Always test, using approved equipment that equipment is safe, i.e., DE-ENERGISED. Do not rely on led’s or other indicator lights and always allow sufficient time for all stored energy to discharge.

Check the measuring tools to ensure they are operative.

Ensure that switching off the power will not affect other people (e.g., people in the elevator car).

STEPS TO ENSURE ELECTRICAL SAFETY

1. Disconnect power supply completely

1. Safe procedures for de-energizing the equipment shall be determined before circuits are de- energized.
2. Ensure ALL electrical energy sources are identified and disconnected including elevator main switch, lighting switches, auxiliary supplies, emergency batteries, and emergency generators.
3. All stored energy must be released. Do not attempt to discharge capacitors, this is highly dangerous and will damage the equipment. Allow capacitors to discharge normally and then test to ensure that they are safely de-energized. Secure any machinery that may be capable of producing electrical energy from moving.
• WARNING! When rotated manually, for example when moving the car/counterweight by releasing the brake, machines will act as generators and may recharge the intermediate circuit to some extent even though the power is turned off.
4. Depending on the work task it may be necessary for other non-electrical stored energy to be made safe, (counterweight/car may need supporting and in the case of hydraulic systems a pit prop may be required.) Ensure there is no other possibility of moving equipment that may cause, trapping, falling or crushing hazards.

CAUTION:- The drawings shown in this document are typical examples based on to the most common elevator component layouts. The components and their positions may vary between deliveries. Special attention must be paid to ensure that all circuits are isolated.

2. Secure against re-connection

1. A lock and tag must be placed on each switch. Always lock the switch. If this is not possible agree an alternative safe method with your supervisor.
2. The tag must state clearly:
• The equipment MUST NOT be turned on.
• The name of the person responsible for removing the tag.
• If it is not possible to fit a lock one additional safety element to the tag must be provided, (e.g., removal of fuses and storage in a secure place).

3. Verify that the installation is de-energized

Test and inspect that the circuit is safely de-energized using suitable approved test equipment. The test must verify that:

• There are no energized circuits.
• There are no related risks from capacitance, induced voltages or other feedback.

WARNING:- Inverter drives (UPS) usually remain energized for about 5 minutes after the power has been disconnected. DO NOT work on the drive, hoisting motor or braking resistors until you have verified that this energy has been discharged.

Where voltages above 600V DC or 400V AC are tested the test equipment must be checked before and after the test.

4. Check the requirements for earthing in special circumstances

1. Emergency Back Up Supplies (in the event of mains power failure)
• Some buildings such as hospitals and large computing facilities are equipped with emergency power supplies, usually these are generators but sometimes a completely independent power source is utilized.
• It is essential that you, together with your supervisor, liaise with the building owner or his appointed representative to verify that the emergency backup supply is also safely disconnected from the elevator equipment and that this disconnection has not impaired the function of other essential facilities in the building.
1. Bonding of Conductors
• This is employed in very rare cases where the isolation of electrical equipment is made at a remote location and it is considered necessary for safety reasons.
• This technique is not normally used with low voltage (below 1000v ac) supplies.
• The operation may only be carried out by qualified personnel in co-operation with the person responsible for the building electrification who must ensure that the technique can be safely employed in this situation.
• When this technique is employed, all conductors supplying the elevator equipment should be bonded together and to the MAIN EARTH of the building. Earth bonding may be achieved by connecting conductors of suitable size to carry the potential short circuit currents to the electrical installation earthing system.

5 Provide protection against adjacent live parts

If there are parts of an electrical installation in the vicinity of the work location, that cannot be de- energized, then special additional precautions are necessary and shall be applied before work starts.

• Provide protection by screen, barrier, enclosure or insulating covering.
• If the measures above cannot be carried out, protection shall be provided by maintaining a safe distance to bare live parts and when necessary, providing appropriate supervision.

WARNING: When working in the vicinity of moving parts (For example, a neighbour elevator left in use), the additional protections may be needed.