Working Around/Under Loads

INTRODUCTION Whether it’s a load under a mobile crane, an overhead hoist in the shop or a culvert or trench box under a loader bucket, anytime there is a load in the air, a very serious hazard is presented. Everyone, including the equipment operator, rigger and other workers in the area must pay special attention in order to make it home at the end of the shift.

FEDERAL AND STATE SAFETY STANDARDS Federal and State Safety Standards Make It Illegal To: Move an overhead load over people Allow people to pass under a suspended load Leave a load in the air without the operator at the equipment/hoist controls

OSHA 1926.753(D)- WORKING UNDER LOADS Routes for suspended loads shall be pre-planned to ensure that no employee is required to work directly below a suspended load, except for: 1926.753(d)(1)(i) Employees engaged in the initial connection of the steel; or 1926.753(d)(1)(ii) Employees necessary for hooking or unhooking of the load.

OSHA 1926.753(D)- WORKING UNDER LOADS When working under suspended loads, the following criteria shall be met: 1926.753(d)(2)(i) Materials being hoisted shall be rigged to prevent unintentional displacement;

OSHA 1926.753(D)- WORKING UNDER LOADS 1926.753(d)(2)(ii) Hooks with self-closing safety latches or their equivalent shall be used to prevent components from slipping out of the hook; and 1926.753(d)(2)(iii) All loads shall be rigged by a qualified rigger.

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS For everyone’s safety, when lifting an object with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe, remember the following: Always secure the area where the load will be moved. Keep people out Ensure no one is under the load Ensure the load will not pass over anyone

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS For everyone’s safety, when lifting an object with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe, remember the following: Ensure the signal person or riggers are always in clear view of the operator Use proper slings, lifting chains and/or hardware to support the load Always limit the load to the lowest rated part of the lifting system

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS For everyone’s safety, when lifting an object with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe, remember the following: If necessary, use tag lines to guide the load. Never use your body If you must perform fine alignment on a suspended load, use a 2x4 or similar object to push. Do not use your hand When not in use, always place strongbacks, slings, chains and forklift forks down to the ground, even when they do not carry a load

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS For everyone’s safety, when lifting an object with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe, remember the following: Ensure everyone around a suspended load is wearing a hard hat OSHA states that one in five employees killed in falling load accidents are struck by flying parts and pieces of rigging Make sure all employees are trained and, as needed, certified in the equipment they use

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS For everyone’s safety, when lifting an object with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe, remember the following: A suspended load can be moved using a crane, forklift, hoist or tractor bucket However, don’t forget that forklift masts and forks, hoists or empty buckets are also considered a suspended load It is best to use a “10 foot rule.” This requires that no one is allowed within 10 feet of the area in which the load would fall if a failure were to occur

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS For everyone’s safety, when lifting an object with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe, remember the following: For overhead cranes and hoists, consider installing remote controls to allow operation and movement of the machinery from a safe distance. Ensure that the load rating for the slings, chains or straps is adequate for the rating of the crane, forklift or bucket

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS For everyone’s safety, when lifting an object with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe, remember the following: Ensure all slings, hoists, cranes and machinery components are inspected before use and in adherence with your preventative maintenance and manufacturer’s requirements Guard against shock loading by slowly taking up the slack in the load Never allow more than one person to control a lift or give signals to a crane or hoist operator, except to warn of a hazardous situation

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS For everyone’s safety, when lifting an object with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe, remember the following: Never raise the load more than necessary or leave the load suspended in the air If applicable, verify hydraulic systems and air lines are not leaking Verify lifting device chains and gears are lubricated

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS For everyone’s safety, when lifting an object with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe, remember the following: Avoid sudden movements or stops that would cause strain on the support system If using mobile equipment to suspend the load, ensure the parking brake is set to avoid movement of the machine Ensure horns and back-up alarms are working properly