The PSC EzyLIFT™ Pipe Lifting Tool changes that method.
Instead of gripping the pipe directly, the worker holds an external handle while the tool engages the pipe opening. This creates a defined interface between the worker and the load.
PSC EzyLIFT™ is designed to improve manual pipe handling by reducing direct hand-to-pipe contact, supporting a neutral wrist position and creating a more consistent carrying method.
What is the PSC EzyLIFT™ Pipe Lifting Tool?
PSC EzyLIFT™, part number PSC-EZL, is a manual pipe lifting and carrying tool for compatible pipe sections.
The lifting portion of the tool enters the pipe opening. The operator then uses the external handle to lift and control the pipe without gripping its outer surface or placing the hand inside the bore.
The tool is designed to provide:
- A defined lifting interface
- Zero direct hand-to-pipe contact during the carry
- Positive engagement under load
- A neutral wrist position
- Consistent use in gloved, wet or tiring conditions
- A repeatable method for two-person pipe handling
The PSC datasheet describes the product as an engineered pipe lifting tool developed from the study of actual lifting movements, worker posture and load behaviour during slips and shifts.
Why direct manual pipe carrying creates risk
Pipes can be difficult to handle because they are cylindrical, may rotate during movement and do not provide a natural handhold.
During direct carrying, the worker's hand becomes part of the load system. When the pipe moves unexpectedly, the hand moves with it.
This can create exposure between:
- The pipe and a wall
- The pipe and the floor
- The pipe and a storage rack
- The pipe and nearby equipment
- The pipe and another worker
Direct handling may also expose workers to sharp pipe ends and unfinished surfaces.
A sudden stumble, change in direction or loss of coordination can transfer force directly through the pipe to the hand. The PSC datasheet therefore identifies the carrying method — not simply the worker's behaviour — as the underlying concern.
Why instructions alone are not enough
Training, communication and supervision remain essential. However, instructions cannot physically separate a hand from a pipe.
Telling workers to grip carefully or watch surrounding structures still leaves their hands directly connected to the load.
PSC EzyLIFT™ introduces a physical control by placing an engineered tool between the hand and the pipe. This supports the product's central principle:
How PSC EzyLIFT™ improves the pipe-handling process
1. It removes direct hand-to-pipe contact
The operator holds the tool handle rather than the pipe.
This can help reduce exposure to:
- Pinched fingers
- Trapped knuckles
- Sharp pipe edges
- Pipe-to-wall impact
- Pipe-to-rack contact
- Finger exposure while carrying
The tool does not remove every risk from manual handling. Workers must still assess the pipe, route, weight, working area and lifting method. Its specific function is to remove direct hand contact during compatible pipe carries.
2. It creates positive engagement under load
PSC EzyLIFT™ uses its geometry to engage the pipe.
According to the datasheet, grip pressure increases as the load increases. This means the tool is designed to engage more firmly under higher load rather than depending entirely on the worker squeezing the pipe surface.
This helps reduce reliance on:
- Hand strength
- Surface friction
- Individual gripping technique
- Constant hand repositioning
The tool must still be inserted correctly and used only with compatible pipes.
3. It supports a neutral wrist position
A cylindrical pipe can force workers to bend, rotate or tighten their wrists to maintain control.
PSC EzyLIFT™ provides an external handle designed to keep the wrist in a more neutral position. This creates a clearer load-transfer point than direct cylindrical gripping.
4. It creates a consistent carrying method
Without a designated pipe handling tool, workers may use different techniques.
One worker may grip the pipe end. Another may hold beneath the pipe. A third may place fingers close to or inside its opening.
These variations make it harder to standardise:
- Risk assessments
- Method statements
- Toolbox talks
- Pre-use checks
- Worker training
- Shutdown procedures
- Supervisor expectations
PSC EzyLIFT™ gives workers a defined point to hold and a repeatable method to follow.
5. It can reduce unnecessary handling movements
A poorly defined grip can create repeated adjustments during lifting, carrying and lowering.
Workers may stop to:
- Reposition their hands
- Restore balance
- Change wrist position
- Correct pipe rotation
- Coordinate a new grip
- Avoid nearby structures
A purpose-designed pipe carrying tool can reduce some of these unnecessary movements by providing a more consistent interface.
This is the operational meaning behind the poster statement:
The tool should not be promoted as a guarantee that every task will become faster. Its value is in improving consistency, hand positioning and the handling method.
PSC EzyLIFT™ versus direct hand carrying
| Handling factor | Direct hand carrying | PSC EzyLIFT™ method |
|---|---|---|
| Hand position | Directly on the pipe | On the external tool handle |
| Grip method | Depends on hand strength and friction | Tool geometry engages the pipe |
| Wrist posture | Varies by worker and pipe position | Neutral position by design |
| Wet or gloved conditions | May affect direct grip | Designed for consistent engagement |
| Work method | Can differ between workers | Defined handling interface |
| Hand exposure | Hand remains connected to the load | Direct hand-to-pipe contact is removed |
| Two-person carry | Grip points may differ | One tool is used at each end |
How to use the pipe lifting tool
The following process is a general summary. Users must follow the approved product instructions and their organisation's manual-handling procedures.
Assess the pipe and task
Before lifting, confirm:
- The pipe is compatible with the tool
- The pipe can be handled manually
- The carrying route is clear
- Workers have adequate space
- The task complies with company lifting limits
- Both operators understand the movement
Inspect both tools
Check the tool geometry and engagement areas before every use. Do not use a tool showing:
- Cracks
- Deformation
- Excessive wear
- Damage
- Loose or uncertain engagement
Use one tool at each end
For a two-person pipe carry, each operator should use one PSC EzyLIFT™. Using the tool at only one end leaves the second worker using direct hand contact and therefore maintains part of the original exposure.
Insert the tool fully
Insert the lifting arm completely into the compatible pipe opening. Do not force, hammer or modify the tool to make it fit.
Lift and carry together
Raise the handles in a coordinated movement. Workers should:
- Communicate clearly
- Maintain a controlled pace
- Watch the route
- Avoid sudden direction changes
- Keep the pipe stable
- Follow the planned movement
Lower before removing the tools
Place the pipe securely on its intended support or surface before disengaging the tools. Do not remove either tool while the pipe remains unsupported.
Where can PSC EzyLIFT™ be used?
Fabrication & engineering workshops
For moving pipe sections between storage, cutting, welding, inspection and assembly areas.
Pipe manufacturing facilities
For manual movement during production, inspection and dispatch-related operations.
Construction & pipeline work
For pipe movement at work fronts, installation areas and locations where powered equipment is not practical for every small movement.
Oil and gas facilities
For maintenance, replacement and repositioning tasks involving compatible pipe sections.
Offshore environments
For manual pipe carrying in confined or exposed deck areas where surrounding structures can affect hand positioning.
Shutdown & maintenance operations
For creating a standard method across different teams, shifts and contractors.
Steel plants & heavy industry
For compatible pipe movement during fabrication, repair and plant-maintenance activities.
Important safety limitations
PSC EzyLIFT™ is a manual pipe carrying tool. It is not rigging equipment and must not be treated as mechanical lifting gear.
- Inspect the tool before use
- Confirm that the pipe is compatible
- Use appropriate gloves and required PPE
- Insert the tool fully
- Use one tool at each end during a two-person carry
- Plan the carrying route
- Communicate throughout the movement
- Follow company manual-handling limits
- Lower the pipe before removing the tool
- Use the tool for overhead lifting
- Attach it to a crane or hoist
- Connect chains, hooks, cables or slings
- Use it as a beam clamp
- Use it as a hammer or pry bar
- Bend, drill or modify the tool
- Force it into an incompatible pipe
- Use it when cracked, damaged or deformed
How HSE and maintenance teams can implement PSC EzyLIFT™
A new tool should be introduced as part of an approved work method.
Observe the current task
Review how workers currently lift, carry and lower pipes.
Identify:
- Existing hand positions
- Common pinch points
- Areas of repeated regripping
- Narrow routes
- Pipe-to-structure contact zones
- Differences between worker methods
Confirm suitability
Identify the approved pipe dimensions, weights and work environments where the tool can be used. Do not assume that one tool is suitable for every pipe.
Update the risk assessment
Document how the tool changes the hand position and carrying interface.
The assessment should also consider:
- Pipe weight
- Carrying distance
- Ground condition
- Route restrictions
- Number of workers
- Communication requirements
- Required PPE
Demonstrate the complete method
Training should include:
- Inspection
- Correct insertion
- Coordinated lifting
- Carrying
- Controlled lowering
- Tool removal
- Storage
- Damaged-tool reporting
Standardise approved use
Once the tool has been assessed and approved for a task, it should be integrated into the relevant procedure rather than treated as an optional accessory.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pipe lifting tool?
A pipe lifting tool is a manual handling aid that provides workers with a defined interface for lifting and carrying compatible pipe sections.
What is PSC EzyLIFT™ used for?
PSC EzyLIFT™ is used for manually lifting and carrying compatible pipes while keeping the operator's hands on an external handle rather than directly on the pipe.
How many PSC EzyLIFT™ tools are required?
A normal two-person pipe carry requires two tools, with one operator and one tool at each end.
Is PSC EzyLIFT™ suitable for crane lifting?
No. It is a manual carrying tool and must not be attached to a crane, hoist, chain, cable or other mechanical lifting system.
Can it be used with every pipe?
No. The pipe opening, dimensions, condition, weight and overall task must be assessed for compatibility before use.
Does the tool replace gloves?
No. Workers must continue to use suitable gloves and all other PPE required by the organisation's risk assessment.
What should be checked before use?
Check for cracks, deformation, damage, wear and loose engagement. Any questionable tool should be removed from service.
Can PSC EzyLIFT™ improve maintenance productivity?
It can support a more consistent handling method by reducing direct gripping, repeated repositioning and differences between worker techniques. Actual results depend on the application, implementation and working environment.
Improve the method, not the people
Maintenance delays are not always caused by slow workers.
The problem may be a handling method that depends on direct gripping, individual technique and repeated hand repositioning.
PSC EzyLIFT™ creates a defined interface between the worker and the pipe. It helps remove direct hand-to-pipe contact, supports neutral wrist posture and gives two-person teams a consistent carrying method.