Lifting and Carrying an IRB
Your duties will involve the lifting and carrying of equipment and people. If you do not handle and manoeuvre equipment or people safely, not only could you injure yourself, but you may also damage equipment and cause harm to others around you. Injury can be caused by incorrect lifting or handling of heavy, awkward or large objects. Heavy items should be carried on a trolley or with the assistance of other team members.
Examples of safe handling procedure for SLS Equipment
| SLS Equipment | Safe Handling Procedures |
|---|---|
| IRB (unladen) | The hull is to be lifted and carried by a minimum of two people and transported on a trailer by a vehicle to and from the beach |
| IRB (fully laden) | The hull is to be carried by a minimum of four people and transported on a trailer by a vehicle to and from the beach The hull can be dragged by a minimum of two people in and out of the water The hull can be lifted onto and off a trailer by a minimum of two people with a third assisting moving the trailer |
| Outboard Motor | Ideally lifted with a hoist or lifting straps. Where necessary a motor is to be lifted by two people and transported by trolley or vehicle to and from beach |
| Fuel Cell | To be lifted by one or two people and transported by trolley or vehicle to and from beach. Consider contents to determine appropriate lifting and transport practices |
| Fuel Container (20L) | Avoid carrying where possible. Where transporting is required the fuel container should be lifted by one or two people onto a trolley or vehicle. Consider the weight and size of the fuel container and its contents to determine appropriate lifting and transport practices |
| Other Objects such as signs/ poles, tents etc. | These items should be transported using safe handling procedures, especially in windy conditions or over uneven terrain. To be lifted by one or two people and transported by a vehicle ensuring they are appropriately secured |
Please be aware that there may be various state/territory regulations that specify lifting and carrying limits.
How to Lift an IRB
It is important that the environment or area that you are required to lift in is safe. This will depend upon:
- where and how the equipment is laid out
- the storage method of the equipment
- the size and weight of mobile equipment
- how far you need to carry equipment or goods
- the terrain you need to negotiate
Below is a set of steps that describe how to lift correctly. These steps outline how to lift heavy items on your own or when lifting with two or more people. It is important to plan the lift before you start.
- Face in the direction in which you intend to lift
- Bend the knees and crouch down, with a straight back
- Balance with a wide base of support and take hold of the object securely
- Keep the load close to the body wherever possible
- One person coordinates the lift and calls ‘ready, one, two, three, lift’ or similar pre-agreed cue
- Brace your stomach muscles and, while keeping your back straight, lift the object using your legs
Lifting a motor
Although a motor can be carried utilising two people it is recommended where possible to use a trolley, lifting straps/slings or mechanical lifting systems such as a winch/ pulley to reduce manual lifts.
Lifting an IRB off a trailer
Select the best place to launch and carefully remove the IRB from the trailer using the following method:
Four Person
- With four people, once near the water’s edge each person hold one of the lifting handles at the bow and stern of the IRB
- On the ‘lift’ command, all four people lift at the same time and move towards the water’s edge
- On the ‘lower’ command, all four people lower the IRB to the sand into a draining position.
Three Person
The three person lift is suited to specifically designed beach trailers and would be difficult to achieve with a road trailer
- With three people, once near the water’s edge two people hold a lifting handle at the bow on either side of the IRB. The third person is positioned at the trailer connection point.
- On the ‘lift’ command, both people holding the lifting handles lift at the same time to approximately their chest and allows the rear buoyancy tubes to take the weight on the sand.
- The third person will pull the trailer out and place it well above the high tide mark.
- Alternatively, where suitable to do so the third person may carefully drive the SSV (or other suitable vehicle) with the trailer attached out from under the IRB.
- Once the trailer is clear from the IRB, on the ‘lower’ command, the two people lower the IRB to the sand into a draining position.
It is noted that some IRB’s may be left on a trailer when on patrol. Patrol members are to use one of the above methods to remove the IRB from the trailer.
