NIG/Specific/TBT-NIG-021
Night Lifting Operations Safety
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Toolbox Talk
Night Lifting Operations Safety
Night lifting operations combine the standard risks of crane and lifting work with reduced visibility, fatigue, and communication challenges. Slingers, banksmen, and crane operators must work in close coordination despite darkness. Inadequate lighting is the single biggest additional risk factor during night lifts. This talk covers the extra controls needed for safe lifting operations at night on UK construction sites.
Key Hazards
Load struck-by incidents from banksmen unable to see clearly at night
Crane overload from misjudging radius in poor lighting conditions
Communication failures when hand signals cannot be seen in darkness
Fatigue-related errors by crane operators during long night shifts
Control Measures
- Provide task-specific lighting at the load, the landing zone, and the banksman position.
- Use illuminated signal wands or two-way radios instead of hand signals during night lifts.
- Verify the crane load chart radius using the boom length indicator, not visual estimation.
- Brief the full lifting team on the lift plan, communication method, and emergency stop procedure.
- Attach retroreflective tape to slings, spreader beams, and load attachment points.
- Ensure the crane has functioning working lights on the boom, hook block, and cab area.
- Rotate crane operators to manage fatigue during extended night lifting programmes.
- Illuminate exclusion zone barriers so they are visible to all pedestrians and vehicle drivers.
- Conduct a pre-lift check under the night lighting conditions to confirm adequate visibility.
Remember
- Provide task-specific lighting at the load, landing zone, and banksman position for every lift
- Use illuminated wands or two-way radios rather than hand signals during night operations
- Attach retroreflective tape to slings, spreader beams, and load points for visibility
- Rotate crane operators to manage fatigue during extended night lifting shifts
- Conduct a pre-lift visibility check under actual night conditions before the first lift
Applicable Legislation: LOLER 1998 · BS 7121 (Code of Practice for Safe Use of Cranes) · CDM 2015 · Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
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