The following guidelines provide an overview on best practice when lifting Interbloc blocks. This should be read in conjunction with the Approved Code of Practice for the Safe Handling, Transportation, and Erection of Precast Concrete available from Worksafe NZ.
Block Lifting Guidelines
OVERVIEW
EQUIPMENT
Lifting Anchors
Interbloc™ blocks incorporate a Ancon® certified lifting anchor as the central lifting point.
In the 600 series family standard Interbloc™ 1200 blocks use a 2t anchor 120mm long. 1800 and 600 blocks incorporate two 2.5t anchors 120mm long.
In the 400 series family standard Interbloc and Stonebloc blocks use a 1.3t anchor 120mm long. 1200 and 400 blocks incorporate two 1.3t anchors.
The Ancon Foot Anchor Capacity Table outlines the Working Load Limits of Foot Anchors for the given strength of concrete at the time of lifting.
Foot anchors should be inspected and free of damage, nicks or rust before lifting.
Note: Foot anchors are designed to be lifted vertically. Under no circumstances should the lifting anchor be used outside its design parameters. Refer to Interbloc™ Quality Control Guidelines for information on minimum block strength.
Lifting Klaws
Interbloc™ blocks are lifted using a Ancon® lifting klaw.
The lifting clutch is easily connected to the anchor head by admitting the anchor head into the slot of the lifting clutch and rotating the tab of the lifting clutch until is rests on the concrete surface.
The clutch is designed so that it cannot accidentally disengage while under load. Despite this care should be taken when lifting.
WARNING: Using any lifting device other than a Ancon® Klaw will void the block warranty and may lead to a failure of the lifting anchor. Lifting clutches should be regularly be checked for wear and tear. You can find more information on the klaws here.
Lifting Machinery
Common equipment used when lifting blocks include:
• Forklift
• Front end loader (tractor, telehandler etc)
• Excavator
• Crane
Regardless of the machine chosen, it should have a minimum lifting capacity of 450kg for moving 400 series blocks and 1.5 tonne for moving standard 600 series blocks.
The use of any of the above lifting equipment is subject to Approved Codes of Practice issued by Worksafe. The operator of such equipment should be competent and aware of industry best practice and regulatory requirements.
Transportation and Shock Loading
Transporting loads over uneven terrain can induce anchor loads that are up to 5 times greater than those calculated from weight of the concrete element. As such always lift the block using forks under the block when moving a block. Failure to do so will void the block warranty and may result in failure of the lifting anchor.
RIGGING
Chains
Chains are used to connect the lifting clutch to the lifting point on the lifting machine. Only certified chains should be used to lift blocks. Chains should have the following minimum lifting capacities; 450kg for 400 series blocks, 1500kg for 600 series blocks.
Before lifting, chains should be inspected for:
• Current test tag
• Corrosion
• Worn, Stretched, or deformed links
• Worn, stretched or deformed hooks and fittings
• Wear on load pins and to ensure retainers are installed correctly
Operators and installers should refer to the relevant guidelines issued by Worksafe.
Sling Angle
There are two main types of machinery used to lift the blocks via the foot anchor.
Forklift or Front-End Loader with Forks or Telehandler
Where a forklift or front-end loader with forks is used to lift and manoeuvres the block, a load tested and certified boom should be fitted to the forks as per the manufacturer of the boom recommendations (correctly chained to the fork mast).
Excavator
Where an excavator is used to lift and manoeuvre the blocks, the chain should be attached to the end of the excavator arm via a certified connection, preferably without the bucket.
Angle of Chains
When lifting a block with one lifting anchor the chain hangs vertically from the attachment point on the machinery. When lifting a block with two lifting anchors two chains are used to connect the lifting clutches to the machinery.
The angle at which these chains hang from the machinery impact the load capacity of the lifting anchors. As a minimum the angle at which the chains hang from the machinery should be no greater than 60°.
SAFETY
Safety is the paramount concern when operating machinery and lifting heavy blocks.
Below are a list of basic safety guidelines – in no way is the list exhaustive or a substitute for a proper job hazard identification process.
• Do not stand under, of near a block while it is being lifted.
• Machinery should only be operated by competent persons with appropriate training and certificates.
• All lifting clutches, chains, and booms should be regularly checked and be in good working condition.
• Only Ancon® Klaw’s should be used, use of any other lifting clutch/device will void the block warranty and may result in failure of the lifting anchor.
• Blocks should never be transported over distances or rough terrain using the lifting anchor.
"We had a small crisis at work, our loading bank for chip and residues was falling. The would stop our operation. The team at Interbloc gave us a solution that we could dismantle and rebuild our wall in 1½ days. The advice was good, the service prompt and the result was great. I would recommend Interbloc when you need a fast, stable wall for a competitive price."
ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
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