Crane safety

 Moving the Load –Crawler & Wheel Mounted Cranes

Assure that:

•          The crane is level and where necessary blocked properly.

•          The load is well secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted more than a few inches.

Before starting to hoist, the following conditions must be noted:

•          Hoist rope must not be kinked.

•          Multiple part lines must not be twisted around each other.

•          The hook must be brought over the load in such a manner as to prevent swinging.

During hoisting care must be taken that:

•          There is no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load.

•          The load does not contact any obstructions.

Side loading of booms must be limited to freely suspended loads. Cranes must not be used for

dragging loads sideways.

No hoisting, lowering, swinging, or traveling may be done while anyone is on the load or hook.

On truck-mounted cranes, no loads must be lifted over the front area except as approved by the crane

manufacturer.

The operator must test the brakes each time a load approaching the rated load is handled by raising it

a few inches and applying the brakes.

Outriggers must be used when the load to be handled at that particular radius exceeds the rated load without outriggers as given by the manufacturer for that crane. Where floats are used they must be securely attached to the outriggers. Wood blocks used to support outriggers must:

•          Be strong enough to prevent crushing.

•          Be free from defects.

•          Be of sufficient width and length to prevent shifting or toppling under load.

Neither the load nor the boom must be lowered below the point where less than two full wraps of rope remain on their respective drums.

Before lifting loads with locomotive cranes without using outriggers, means must be applied to

prevent the load from being carried by the truck springs.

When two or more cranes are used to lift one load, one designated person must be responsible for the operation. He must be required to analyze the operation and instruct all personnel involved in the proper positioning, rigging of the load, and the movements to be made.

In transit the following additional precautions must be exercised:

•          The boom must be carried in line with the direction of motion.

•          The superstructure must be secured against rotation, except when negotiating turns when there is an operator in the cab or the boom is supported on a dolly.

•          The empty hook must be lashed or otherwise restrained so that it cannot swing freely.

Before traveling a crane with load, a designated person must be responsible for determining and controlling safety. Decisions such as position of load, boom location, ground support, travel route, and speed of movement must be in accord with his determinations.

A crane with or without load must not be traveled with the boom so high that it may bounce back

over the cab.

When rotating the crane, sudden starts and stops must be avoided. Rotational speed must be such that the load does not swing out beyond the radii at which it can be controlled. A tag or restraint line must be used when rotation of the load is hazardous.

When a crane is to be operated at a fixed radius, the boom-hoist pawl or other positive locking device

must be engaged.

Ropes must not be handled on a winch head without the knowledge of the operator.

While a winch head is being used, the operator must be within convenient reach of the power unit

control lever.