Lifting Mechanical Equipment (MEICA)

MEICA equipment includes pumps, motors, valves, tanks, and process equipment installed in treatment works and plant rooms.
Many MEICA items are heavy, awkward shapes that require specific rigging arrangements and lifting points.
Manufacturer-designated lifting points must be used — improvised attachment can cause the load to slip or overturn.
Access for cranes and lifting equipment in plant rooms and process areas is often severely restricted.
LOLER 1998 requires a specific lift plan for every MEICA equipment lift, regardless of weight.
Coordination between the crane operator, rigger, and receiving team is essential for safe load placement.
Equipment may need to be lifted over existing process infrastructure, requiring careful route planning.
Some MEICA items contain oil, chemicals, or fragile components that affect handling and orientation during lifting.
Pre-installation checks must confirm foundations, holddown bolts, and grouting are ready before the lift.
Commissioning loads after installation can shift the equipment — ensure fixings are fully tightened first.

Prevent dropped loads	MEICA equipment falling from a crane or hoist causes fatal crush injuries and destroys costly equipment.
Rigging failure risk	Incorrect slinging and use of non-designated lifting points causes loads to shift, swing, or detach mid-lift.
Legal compliance	LOLER 1998 requires a lift plan, competent personnel, and certified equipment for every MEICA lifting operation.

Do

Don't

Prepare a specific lift plan for every MEICA equipment lift approved by the appointed person
Use manufacturer-designated lifting points and rigging arrangements for each item of equipment
Verify the weight of every MEICA item against the crane or hoist capacity at the required radius
Ensure foundations, holding-down bolts, and grouting are ready before the lift is attempted
Brief the full lifting team on the plan, signals, and emergency stop procedure before starting
Establish exclusion zones below and around the lift path during all MEICA lifting operations
Check all slings, shackles, and lifting accessories have valid examination certificates
Use tag lines to control load swing and orientation during placement in tight spaces
Coordinate the lift with process operations to ensure safe access and avoid live equipment
Inspect the equipment for damage after landing and before releasing the lifting accessories

DON'T lift MEICA equipment without a specific written lift plan approved for the task
DON'T attach slings to valves, pipework, or non-designated points on the equipment
DON'T exceed the crane or hoist capacity at any radius during the lift operation
DON'T stand beneath the suspended load or within the crane's swing radius during lifts
DON'T land equipment on foundations that have not been checked and prepared to receive it
DON'T lift equipment containing fluids without confirming the correct orientation for transit
DON'T use damaged or expired slings, shackles, or lifting accessories for MEICA lifts
DON'T rush MEICA lifts in congested plant rooms — tight spaces demand extra planning
DON'T release rigging from landed equipment until fixings are secure and it is stable
DON'T carry out lifts over live process equipment without isolation and route protection

See also: Lifting Operations Awareness (LOLER) | Lift Plan Requirements

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