Whether you are looking to move a commercial-grade boiler or oil tank, a printing press, hot tub or farm or factory machinery. You need to figure out how to get your heavy load from A to B safely and efficiently.
Most of us are specialists within our own field of business, but that doesn’t necessarily make us experts on how to move heavy machinery within that sphere. Unless you are in the game of managing this kind of heavy lifting on a regular basis, you might find that getting that new rooftop water filtration tank or a large AHU up onto your roof might not be as simple as you first hoped.
So where do you start? Should you just hire a crane and do it yourself? This is one area where DIY is definitely not your best option. Moving heavy machinery can be not only a complex proposition but a dangerous one as well. A contract lift is therefore an excellent option to meet your needs and ensure a seamless and safe job.
Contract lifting services
Contract lifting services are often sought when moving heavy and complex equipment to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. Contract lifting companies will provide an end-to-end service and be in control of the planning, coordination, and execution of moving heavy machinery and equipment, using specialised cranes and heavy equipment and lifting solutions.
Here’s a general outline of the steps involved in using contract lifting services to move heavy machinery:
1. Assessment and consultation
Your contract lifting company will identify the heavy machinery or equipment that needs to be moved and conduct a thorough assessment of its weight, dimensions and any special requirements.
2. Site survey and planning
The lifting company will conduct a site survey to evaluate the conditions of the location where the machinery needs to be moved. Assess access points, ground conditions, obstructions, and any potential hazards. They will develop a comprehensive lifting plan that includes equipment selection, rigging methods, crane placement and safety measures.
3. Engineering and risk assessment
Depending on the complexity of the lift, an engineering analysis and risk assessment may be necessary to ensure the safe execution of the move. This assessment will determine the load-bearing capacities of the ground, crane and lifting equipment and mitigate risks associated with the lift. These can include things like structural integrity, wind conditions and proximity to other structures.
4. Lifting equipment and personnel
Contract lifting companies will provide the appropriate crane and lifting equipment based on the machinery’s weight and dimensions. They will then ensure that certified and experienced operators and riggers will be assigned to manage the lift.
5. Execution
The contract lifting services team will arrive at the site on the scheduled date and time.
The crane and equipment will be positioned according to the lifting plan, and rigging will be set up to attach to the machinery securely. The machinery will then be lifted, moved and lowered into its new position.
6. Supervision and safety
A qualified appointed person from the contract lifting company will oversee the entire lifting operation to ensure compliance with safety protocols and the lifting plan.
Rigorous safety measures will be followed throughout the lift to protect workers, equipment, and the surrounding environment.
7. Documentation and compliance
A good lifting company will provide the necessary documentation, including lift plans, risk assessments, method statements and certifications for equipment and personnel.
They will also ensure compliance with local regulations and industry standards.
8. Post-lift activities
Once the machinery is successfully moved, the team will conduct an assessment to ensure everything is in place and secure. The lifting equipment will be demobilised and removed from the site.
Contract lifting services: cost-effective and time-effective
Using contract lifting services helps mitigate risks, ensures regulatory compliance and minimises potential disruptions during the movement of heavy machinery. This also makes it a very cost-effective option as everything is managed for you without you having to waste time, money and staff trying to complete the task yourself.
It’s important to work closely with a reputable and experienced lifting company like Fortis to ensure a safe and successful operation. Our roots in the industry go back 3 decades and we are proud to be one of the leading contract lift services in the UK. Get in touch with us today for more information or a quote for your contract lift.
