Team Lifting and Communication
When to use it
Team lifting is appropriate when the load is too bulky or heavy for one person, when vision is obstructed, or when the route needs a spotter. It is not a substitute for an aid if an aid is reasonably practicable. Team lifting increases the number of people exposed, so the plan must be clear and the load must be within the team's combined capacity.
The rules
Appoint one leader. Plan the route and the landing point. Match heights and positions so the load is shared. Agree commands - 'ready, steady, lift' and 'ready, steady, lower'. Lift and move together, keep the load level, and communicate continuously. Place the load down together, not one side first. The leader controls the pace and stops the operation if anything changes. Each person should be able to see their footing and the load.
Worked example
Four workers move a long bench through a doorway. One is appointed leader. They check the route, remove obstructions, agree hand positions, and use a countdown. The leader calls a stop when a door swings open. They lower the bench together on the agreed command. Without a leader, one side may lift early, putting the load unevenly on the others.
Traps
No leader and no countdown are the classic failures. Do not let one person release the load early. Do not use team lifting to avoid providing a mechanical aid. Do not assume more people always means safer - poor coordination can increase risk. Do not forget the return journey and the landing space.