Overhead and mobile crane safety

Characteristics of the load: Hazardous or toxic materials Weight Dimensions 1a

Rigging information: Lift points Methods of attachment Rated capacity Other factors affecting equipment operation. 2a

Operating procedures, including: Step-by-step procedures Applicable rigging precautions Safety measures Emergency procedures 2b

Overhead crane inspection Inspections for overhead cranes in regular service Frequent Periodic 3a

Overhead crane frequent inspections Check operating mechanisms Look for hydraulic system leaks 4a

Overhead crane frequent inspections Inspect crane hooks Check hoist chains/end connections Look for excessive: wear twist distorted or stretched links 4b

Overhead crane frequent inspections Check operating mechanisms Inspect rope reeving 4c

Overhead crane periodic inspections Items inspected in frequent inspection Inspections of critical parts 5a

Overhead crane periodic inspections Look for members that are deformed/cracked Check for loose bolts or rivets Inspect for cracked/worn sheaves/drums 5b

Overhead crane periodic inspections Look for parts that are: Worn Cracked Distorted Check for wear on brake systems parts 5c

Overhead crane periodic inspections Load indicators Chain drive sprockets Electrical apparatus 5d

Overhead crane inspection Cranes not in regular use Idle for 1 month/less than 6 months Idle for more than 6 months Standby cranes, inspect semi-annually 6a

Overhead crane wire rope inspection Inspect once a month Prepare certification record Keep record on file 7a

Overhead crane wire rope inspection Certification record must include: Inspection date Signature Identifier for the ropes 7b

Overhead crane wire rope inspection Check for any deterioration Presents a safety hazard 7c

Overhead crane wire rope inspection If wire rope is idle for a month or more: Inspect it Prepare certification record 7d

Overhead crane wire rope inspection Certification record must include: Inspection date Signature Identifier for the ropes 7e

Overhead cranes handling loads Rated load not exceeded Hoist rope not kinked Hoist chain not wrapped around load 8a

Overhead cranes handling loads Slings Attach load to load block Must clear obstacles 8b

Overhead cranes moving loads Load secured in sling Hoist rope not kinked Lines not twisted Hook position 9a

Overhead cranes moving loads Avoid sudden acceleration/deceleration Avoid contact with obstructions No side pulls allowed 9b

Overhead cranes moving loads No hoisting employee on load No loads over people No unattended controls No using two cranes to lift load 9c

Overhead crane operator’s duties Test brakes Load is near capacity Raise load a few inches Apply brakes Keep two wraps of rope on drum 10a

Overhead crane operator’s duties Sound warning signal when: Starting bridge Load nears people Test upper limit switch under no load 10b

Frequent inspection of mobile cranes Check operating mechanisms Inspect control mechanisms for wear/contamination 11a

Frequent inspection of mobile cranes Air/hydraulic systems Crane hooks 11b

Frequent inspection of mobile cranes Safety devices Rope reeving Electrical apparatus 11c

Periodic inspections of mobile cranes Items in frequent inspections Structure/boom Deformed, cracked, or corroded members Loose bolts/rivets Cracked/worn sheaves/drums 12a

Periodic inspections of mobile cranes Worn, cracked, or distorted parts Wear on brake and clutch system parts Load, boom angle, and other indicators 12b

Periodic inspections of mobile cranes Power plants Chain-drive sprockets Travel steering, braking, and locking devices Tires 12c

Mobile cranes not in regular use Idle for 1 month/less than 6 months Idle for more than 6 months Standby cranes, inspect semi-annually 13a

Mobile crane wire rope inspection Inspect once a month Appointed or authorized person Prepare certification record Keep record on file 14a

Mobile crane wire rope inspection Check for any deterioration Presents a safety hazard 14b

Mobile crane wire rope inspection Wire rope has been idle for a month or more Inspect for deterioration Appointed or authorized person Prepare a certification record 14c

Mobile cranes handling loads Do not exceed rated load Determine the weight (+ or – 10%) Hoist chain not wrapped around the load 15a

Mobile cranes handling loads Slings Attach load to load block hook Clear all obstacles 15b

Mobile cranes moving loads Crane level/blocked Load secured in sling Hoist rope not kinked Lines not twisted Hook position 16a

Mobile cranes moving loads No sudden acceleration/deceleration No contact with obstructions Side loading of booms limited to freely suspended loads No side pulls allowed 16b

Mobile cranes moving loads No hoisting employee on load No loads over people 16c

Mobile cranes moving loads No loads over the front area of truck-mounted cranes Test brakes when handling a load near capacity Raise load a few inches/apply brakes 16d

Mobile cranes moving loads Use outriggers as needed Secure floats to the outriggers Use wood blocks properly 16e

Mobile cranes moving loads Keep two full wraps of rope on drums Use designated person when two or more cranes are used to lift one load 16f

Mobile cranes moving loads Avoid sudden starts/stops Prevent excessive swinging of load Use tag line when rotation of the load is hazardous 16g

Mobile cranes in transit Boom follows direction of travel Superstructure secured to prevent rotation Hook secured 17a

Mobile cranes in transit Define traveling a crane with load Explain role of the designated person 17b

Mobile cranes holding the load Operator must stay at controls No one under a load Operator holds the drum from rotating 18a

Ballast/counterweights for mobile cranes Use the full amount of ballast Do not exceed the ballast amount 19a

Housekeeping requirements for mobile cranes Store clothing/personal belongings Store tools/other articles in tool box 20a

Refueling mobile cranes Use approved safety type can Do not refuel with engine running 21a

Mobile crane fire extinguishers Keep a fire extinguisher in cab or the vicinity Train personnel on use/care of fire extinguishers 22a

Locomotive cranes Avoid railway cars on adjacent tracks Determine cars are not being moved on adjacent track Proper flag protection has been established 23a

Maintenance requirements for overhead cranes Based on crane manufacturer’s recommendations Comply with the following precautions 24a

Maintenance requirements for overhead cranes Run crane to safe location Set all controllers to “off” position Open & lock the main/emergency switch in open position Place “out of order” signs on crane/floor 24b

Maintenance requirements for overhead cranes Prevent interference with idle crane When finished: Reinstall guards Reactivate safety devices Remove maintenance equipment 24c

Adjustments & repairs for overhead cranes Correct unsafe conditions found during inspections Done only by designated personnel 25a

Adjustments & repairs for overhead cranes Maintain adjustments of components All functional operating mechanisms Limit switches/control systems Brakes, power plants 25b

Adjustments & repairs for overhead cranes Promptly provide repairs/replacements Discard defective crane hooks Discard defective chains/rope slings Discard critical parts…cracked, broken, bent, excessively worn Keep pendant control stations clean/legible 25c

Maintenance procedures for mobile cranes After adjustments and repairs have been made: Reinstall guards Reactivate safety devices Remove maintenance equipment 26a

Operating near overhead electric lines Follow the proper clearance distances in 1910.333(c)(3) 27a