Lifting beams, spreaders and frames are usually designed either for a specific purpose or as general purpose beams for a specified range of lifts. Lifting beams are commonly used for lifting loads with multiple attachment points, such as containers long loads or precast concrete units, in areas with low headroom. They come in different types: single suspension points, multiple suspension points for use with two or more crane hooks or beams with multiple load attachment points.
Suspension, or lifting, points are the part of the beam attached to the crane hook or other lifting device. The load attachment point, also known as the drop point, is that part of the beam to which the load is attached.
Spreaders are often deployed when lifting large or awkward loads outdoors, such as handling boats, vehicles, or heavy machinery and to stabilise loads that might tilt or rotate. A lifting spreader is essentially a strut in pure compression.
The line of action of the top sling and the load suspension point coincide at the neutral axis at the end of the spreader. Some bending will be induced due to self-weight and the position of the suspension and attachment points, as well as the direction of the load applied to them.
A lifting frame is, in effect, a combination of four spreaders and is suitable when you want to avoid crushing or distorting loads that have complex shapes. A lifting frame provides maximum stability from multiple vertical slings and are typically used to lift large, delicate or container-like loads that need balanced support on all sides, such as ISO shipping containers, large modular building sections, fragile equipment, prefabricated units or offshore lifting of subsea structures All of these types, as well as a combination of beams and spreaders, are generally referred to as lifting beams.
Safe use
Given that most lifting beams and spreaders are designed for a specific purpose, they should not be used for any other purposes without reference to a competent person.
Lifting beams with lifting points designed for a particular crane hook size should always be used on the specified hook. Failing to do this risks damage to both the hook and the lifting point.
When using a lifting beam designed for operating with two cranes in tandem, always observe the rules for multi-lifting and reducing the lifting capacities of the cranes. Refer to the instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer or suitable LEEA member organisation for guidance.
The use of load manipulation devices, such as tag lines and push/pull poles, is essential when manipulating long loads on a beam with a single suspension point. If tag lines are used they should be long enough to allow personnel controlling the load to stand well clear of it – but they must not be used to attempt to balance the load.
The lifting beam should remain in its intended attitude during use. Those with multiple attachment points need particular attention to ensure that the Safe Working Load (SWL) on the individual point is not exceeded. When lifting or setting the load down, take care not to overload individual load attachment points.
The lifting beam should not be allowed to foul the underside of the crane structure. If this is possible then consideration should be given to adjusting the limit switch of the crane to a lower position. The weight of the beam must be added to the weight of the load when assessing the overall load on the crane hook. When using beams with adjustable lifting points, take particular care not to exceed the manufacturer’s specified loadings for the chosen centres.
There are several standards available that cover the equipment discussed here in their scopes. Previously, there were no standards for lifting beams, spreaders and frames and, as a result, most manufacturers produced a range of lifting beam, spreaders and frames to their own specifications. These items of equipment can have a long life, making it impossible in a general purpose code to cover every variation.
Also, special precautions or instructions for certain designs may apply. Always, however, seek out and follow instructions from the manufacturer or supplier and consult any specific instructions relating to their safe use.
Further advice can be found in the LEEA COPSULE (Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment), which can be accessed for free at leeaint.com.
