From Misinformation to Safe Practices: Suspending loads with Kibbles in Construction

How many builders, subcontractors and other parties have told you as a PCBU that you cannot safely use a kibble as a method to pour vertical or horizontal elements on a site? Probably too many to count.

Let's clear the air on the interpretation of this particular section in the WHS Regulations.

It is well understood and acknowledged by the construction industry at a whole, that lifting loads over workers is not a recommended practise and is legislated against doing so in several Codes of Practise (i.e. Mobile Crane and Tower Crane). They state something like: extreme care must be exercised when lifting loads in the vicinity of other persons, including other workers and members of the public.

However, there are applications where loads may be lifted or suspended above workers directly involved in the work activity. Section 219, refers to plant that lifts or suspends loads, and is located under Subdivision 3: Additional control measures for particular plant. It states within that the person with management or control of plant at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the plant used is specifically designed to lift or suspend the load.

Subsection (5) expands on overhead suspension and lifting further by stating: the PCBU, so far as is reasonably practicable, must ensure that no loads are suspended or travel over a person unless the plant is specifically designed for that purpose.

Kibbles by their nature were specifically designed, engineered and built to suspend concrete or other materials by an overhead crane.

Safe Use of Kibbles

Whilst overhead lifting should be kept to a minimum on construction sites, kibbles serve as a nimble purpose for pouring or distributing concrete and other materials into vertical and horizontal elements.

To minimise the risk of suspended loads for particular plant coming in contact with workers, the PCBU should:

- Contact the manufacturer for Information and Instructions on how to safely use the particular plant (i.e. keeping chute at waste level height, dogman in control of load, exclusion zones with signage, WhatsApp consultation with work groups, etc).

- Where possible, engineer in control measures such as using elevated work platforms to minimise fixed height releasing, and engineering a release pulley system to avoid excessive overhead reaching.

- Update Safe Work Method Statements and Job Specific Procedures to be in line with recommendations and safe working procedures as listed in any information and instructions set by the manufacturer.

- Obtain a copy of the Safe Working Limits of the Kibble and evidence of which lifting attachments are suitable.

At Safe Lane Consulting, we're here to help you create a culture of safety on your construction site. Let us help you make it a priority. Contact us now for a free consultation.

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