Crane Safety for lifting and rigging

Crane Safety

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Crane Accidents Improper use of cranes can cause: – Property loss – Damage to the environment – Personnel injury – Death Copyright Progressive Business Publications

5 Steps to Prepare for a Safe Lift 1) Inspect the crane and surrounding area 2) Test limit switches

3) Know the weight of the load 4) Find the center of gravity 5) Rig the load properly Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Inspect the Crane and Surrounding Area  Inspect the crane for defects or missing parts  Look for overhead obstacles

 Make sure the crane will not pass over people  Identify all areas the crane or load could hit  Make sure the ground is level and solid Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Test Limit Switches  Move crane to safe area  Test upper and lower limit switches

 If any suspected failure:

– – – –

Stop operation Turn off the power Place a lockout tag on the remote control Notify your supervisor Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Know the Weight of the Load  If the load is too heavy, the crane can tip over

or the boom can collapse  Slings on angles can’t

hold as much weight as slings that are perpendicular

1,000 Pounds

1,000 Pounds

500 pounds of stress on each sling leg

1,000 pounds of stress on each sling leg

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Find the Center of Gravity  The point at which an object is balanced  A load slung directly above its center of

gravity is more likely to be stable  Suspended objects move so that their center of

gravity is below the equipment that holds it  It may take several attempts at rigging to

balance the load Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Rig the Load Properly  Inspect rigging equipment  Keep attachment point as far above and far

away from the center of gravity as possible  Attach tag lines  Verify rigging by lifting a few inches  Check for loose items Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Slings  Use slings to support the load  Pad sharp edges to protect slings from damage

 Inspect all slings

before use  Examine labels for

rated weight capacity Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Hooks  Examine the label to ensure the hook can

support the load  Examine hooks for damage  Carry the load on

center of the hook’s curve  Never rest a hook

on the ground Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Safe Operating Procedures  Do not leave suspended loads unattended  Only lift loads vertically  Keep the load close to the ground  Take precautions when wind exceeds 20 mph  Do not distract another crane operator unless

you want the operator to stop the crane Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Working Near Overhead Wires  Cranes should not be operated near power

lines unless the lines are de-energized  Anti-current devices can’t replace

deenergization of power lines  Always treat power lines as if energized  Follow the rules if you contact energized lines Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Hand Signals  Signalman assigned to each lift station  Hand signals used because environment may

be too loud  Stop signals obeyed

at all times  Other signals accepted

only from one person Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Crane Safety after Use  Move to safe location and place emergency

stop switch in off position  Remove load  Return slings and accessories to designated

storage areas  Return crane to upper limit switch Copyright Progressive Business Publications

Summary 

5 steps to prepare for a safe lift: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)



Inspect the crane and surrounding area Test limit switches Know the weight of the load Find the center of gravity Rig the load properly

Follow safe operating procedures

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