Lifting Pipes and Ducting

Lifting pipes and ducting involves handling long, heavy, round loads that roll, swing, and are difficult to control.
Pipe weights range from a few kilograms for small plastic pipes to several tonnes for large steel or DI sections.
Round loads require cradle slings, pipe hooks, or purpose-designed lifting beams to prevent rolling off flat slings.
Long pipe sections swing during lifting, creating struck-by hazards for workers in the area below.
Tag lines must be used to control rotation and swing during lifting and lowering into trenches.
The lift plan must account for the pipe length, weight, centre of gravity, and any coatings to protect.
LOLER 1998 requires that all pipe lifting operations are planned by a competent person.
Sling angles must be calculated to prevent crushing the pipe and to keep loads within the SWL.
Lowering pipes into deep trenches requires banksmen and clear communication between crane and trench crew.
Pipes stored on site must be chocked and secured to prevent rolling toward workers and traffic routes.

Crush and strike	Pipes rolling from slings, swinging during lifts, or falling into trenches crush and kill workers below.
Round load challenge	Round loads roll off flat slings and are inherently unstable during lifting, requiring specialist rigging.
Legal requirement	LOLER 1998 requires a lift plan for every pipe lifting operation, with competent planning and supervision.

Do

Don't

Use cradle slings, pipe hooks, or lifting beams designed for round loads.
Prepare a lift plan for every pipe lift specifying weight, rigging, and exclusion zone.
Attach tag lines to control pipe swing and rotation during lifting.
Calculate sling angles to keep within the safe working load and avoid pipe damage.
Establish exclusion zones below and around the pipe lifting operation.
Chock and secure stored pipes on site to prevent rolling and collapse.
Use a banksman to guide the crane operator during lowering into trenches.
Protect pipe coatings from sling damage using softeners or spreader pads.
Brief the lifting team on the plan, signals, and emergency procedures.
Inspect all lifting accessories before each pipe lift for damage and wear.

DON'T lift round pipe sections with flat webbing slings that allow rolling.
DON'T stand under or beside pipes being lifted, swung, or lowered.
DON'T lower pipes into trenches without tag lines controlling the swing.
DON'T exceed the safe working load of slings by using incorrect sling angles.
DON'T leave pipe stacks unchocked on site where they could roll into work areas.
DON'T lift pipes without a documented lift plan prepared by a competent person.
DON'T damage pipe coatings by using inappropriate sling materials or methods.
DON'T guide pipes into position by hand while they are suspended from the crane.
DON'T allow the crane to travel with a pipe load swinging freely.
DON'T skip the pre-lift inspection of slings, shackles, and lifting accessories.

See also: Lifting Operations Awareness (LOLER) | Handling Pipes and Ducting

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