INTRODUCTIONTOTHE APPEA GUIDELINES FOR LIFTING EQUIPMENT

Abstract

The APPEA Guidelines for Lifting Equipment were published in August 1999 as a working draft in recognition of the potential risks associated with 'off-boat' offshore lifting operations. This paper presents the background, contents and ramifications of the APPEA Guidelines as they affect lifting operations, particularly offshore.

A technical working group comprising operator and service company representatives was formed at the request of APPEA to develop the Guidelines. The group examined a number of areas, including competency requirements for personnel involved, factors of safety for rigging, visual inspection criteria and justification for the reduced dependence on load testing for offshore containers. The group also carried out a field study of dynamic amplification due to offshore lifting.

The Guidelines will introduce a uniform standard of lifting equipment for all Australian offshore operating areas and will become an important tool in the safe management of 'off-boat' lifting operations. They will be referenced in various Government publications including 'Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of Safety Cases'.