Crane Safety

Crane Safety

A “crane” is a machine for lifting and lowering a load and moving it horizontally, with the hoisting mechanism an integral part of the machine. Cranes whether fixed or mobile are driven manually or by power.

Definitions:

• Crane – Consists of a rotating structure for lifting and lowering horizontally on rubber tires or crawler treads.
• Hoist – Used to lift and lower load.
• Boom – An inclined spar, strut, or other long member supporting the hoisting tackle.
• Boom stops – A device used to limit the angle of the boom at its highest position.
• Brake – To slow or stop motion by friction or power.
• Block – Sheaves or grooved pulleys in a frame with hook, eye and strap.
• Jib – Extension attached to the boom point to provide added boom length for lifting specified loads.

Do not overload, always lift up to SWL (safe working load).  Do not operate crane in high wind and raining conditions. Barricade the swinging radius of crane and don’t allow unauthorized persons except for trained and certified rigger.

Most Common Types of Crane in Construction:

1. Mobile Crane
2. Gantry Crane
3. Tower Crane
4. Mechanical Crane

There are two type of Lifting:

1. Manual Lifting (Crane)
2. Mechanical lifting (Chain Block)

There are four type of it:

1. Light Lifting
2. Heavy Lifting
3. Critical Lifting
4. Tandem Lifting (Lifting the load using two crane or more)

Why is crane safety important?

Cranes are some of the most essential pieces of equipment in construction and industrial work areas. Beyond injury and death, crane accidents can cause more problems like damage to property or equipment loss due to a lack of crane operation safety standards.

Crane-Related Death in Construction:

Causes:

• Overhead Power Line Contact.
• Rigging Failure.
• Structure Failure.
• Tip Over.
• Swing Radius Crushing.
• Mechanical Failure.
• Hydraulic Failure.
• Impact Loading Side Loading Wind.

Some other possible hazards associated with crane operation:

• Unstable ground condition.
• Outriggers are not fully extended.
• High wind condition.
• Other work activity in the area.

Characteristics of the load:

• Hazardous or toxic materials
• Weight
• Dimensions
• Centre of gravity

Common Maintenance hazards with Crane:

• Damage and degradation to the wire rope.
• Alignment issues.
• Wear and tear on end truck wheels.
• Issues with electrification system.
• Bent or damaged hooks.

When setting up the Crane prior to operating the activity & inspection must be followed:

• The ground is level, and free from any obstructions.
• All outriggers are properly extended and the correct outrigger pads are used.
• When checking the outriggers, there should be no
• The crane’s area is large enough to satisfy the crane’s radii when rotated.

Note – Proper pad placement and proper type of pad will greatly reduce the risk of the crane tipping over.

Crane Inspection & Safety

It is the responsibility of the owner/user to install, inspect, test, maintain and operate a crane or associated lifting equipment in accordance with the applicable volume of the ANSI/ASME B30 Safety Standard, OSHA Regulations, ANSI-NFPA 70, National Electric Code, and local regulations and laws. If the crane or associated lifting equipment is installed as part of a total lifting system, it is also the responsibility of the owner/user to comply with the applicable ANSI/ASME B30 volumes that address other types of equipment used in the system.

Further, it is the responsibility of the owner/user to require all personnel who install, inspect, test, maintain and operate a crane or associated lifting equipment to read and to comply with the contents of the instruction manuals furnished by the manufacturer of the crane or associated lifting equipment, and the applicable portions of the volume of the ANSI/ASME B30 Safety Standard, OSHA Regulations, ANSI/NFPA 70 and National Electric Code. If the crane or associated lifting equipment is installed as part of a total lifting system, the applicable ANSI/ASME B30 volumes that address other types of equipment used in the system must also be read and followed by all personnel.

• Daily inspections should be performed at the beginning of each shift or before initial use of the crane each shift by the operator or appointed person.
• Make sure crane or hoist is not tagged out. If a tag is in place, it is usually located at the power disconnect to the runway or on the pushbutton station.
• Check the load block to make sure all sheaves are running freely and sheave covers/guards are in place.
• Inspect the hook for the following:
• Is the safety latch in place? Does it operate correctly?
• Is the hook bent or twisted? The twist cannot exceed 10° from the plane of the unbent hook or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Has the throat opening increased? The throat opening cannot increase by more than 15% or as recommended by manufacturer.
• Check the bowl conditions. Are there any gauges, nicks or cuts that could damage synthetic slings and etc.?
• Check the rotation of the hook. Does it rotate freely the whole 360°?
• Inspect the wire rope to make sure it is lubricated and that none of the following conditions exist:
• No kinks
• No broken or cut strands
• No bird caging
• No corrosion
• No core protrusion
• No crushed sections of rope
• Inspect the control device to make sure all warning labels are in place and there are no cracks or missing bolts in the case
• Inspect the system conditions:
• Visually inspect the runway system. Are all bolts in place? Are there any obstructions on the runway?
• Visually inspect bridge, trolley and hoist connections. Does everything appear normal?
• Visually inspect the mainline conductor bar system. Are the conductors aligned properly? Are all joint covers in place? Are there any broken or loose support brackets?
• Check Operational Functions:
• Does the “E” stop function correctly?
• Do all the directional buttons and motions function correctly?
• Test the hoist limit switches and any travel limit switches, if present, to ensure they are operating correctly. This should be done without load.
• If there are any horns or lights present, do they function properly?
• Do all motions of travel run smoothly with no unusual sounds present?
• Check the ground for any signs of oil leakage.
• Pick up a load and make sure the brakes are functioning properly.

• If any damage or malfunctions are noted during the daily inspection, the operator shall immediately advise the appointed person so corrective action can be taken.
• If a malfunction occurs during operation, the operator shall immediately advise the appointed person so corrective action can be taken.
• If corrective action has not been completed by the end of the shift, the operator will advise the operator or operators of the next shift that corrective action is required and verify the crane is tagged out with an out of order sign.

• In addition to daily inspections, OSHA also requires periodic inspections of overhead cranes.
• A periodic inspection is a detailed visual and operational inspection whereby individual components are examined to determine their condition. The periodic inspection is performed as often as quarterly and is based on service, environmental and application factors as determined by a qualified person or as outlined in the following table.
• Periodic Inspection Items:
• Signs and Labels
• Connection Points
• Sheaves and Drums
• Shafts, Axles, Wheels, Couplings
• Brakes (holding and control)
• Indicators, Gauges
• Self-Contained Electric, Hydraulic, or Gasoline Powered Generating Units
• Transmissions
• Electrical Components
• Covers and Guards
• Bumpers and End Stops
• Trolley and Runway Rail
• Runway Structure
• Conductor System
• Below-the-Hook Devices
• Do not overload the crane or hoist. Make sure the combined weight of the lifter and load does not exceed the rated load capacity of the crane or hoist.
• Refuse to make lift if you are unsure of any issues. Do not proceed until all issues are resolved.

• Take instructions only from the person designated to give signals.
• Do not ride or allow other people to do so.

• To pick up a load, move the crane and hoist/hook directly above the load to eliminate the possibility of side loading and minimize load swing.

• Before lifting, ensure that everyone is clear of any pinch or crush zones.
• When starting to lift the load, only lift it a few inches off the ground to verify hoist brake is functioning properly before continuing with the lift.
• Make sure the rigging is in good condition and that safe rigging practices are applied.
• Ensure rigging is appropriate for the load size, shape and weight.
• Always maintain a clear view of the crane path so you can observe any obstacles or personnel in your path.
• Do not lift loads over people. Stay out from under the load and make sure other people remain at a distance.
• Do not become distracted while traveling. If you need to speak with someone, cease operation of the crane.
• Never leave a suspended load unattended. If you must leave the area, lower the load to the ground before doing so.
• Never leave a suspended load unattended. If you must leave the area, lower the load to the ground before doing so.
• Stay clear while moving a load. Do not allow the load to swing. Use a rod to push the load or a tag line to pull the load. Exercise particular caution with sheet lifters. Be sure to keep the load level. Tilting the lifter could cause the load to slide off the lifter.
• When the crane is not in use, always raise the crane hook above head level.
• Maintenance Log.
• Frequent Daily Check List.
• Fire extinguisher – Accessibility of fire extinguisher.