Crane Safety

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Crane Accidents
Improper use of cranes can cause:
Property loss Damage to the environment Personnel injury Death
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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
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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
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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
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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 cant

hold as much weight as slings that are perpendicular

1,000 Pounds

500 pounds of stress on each sling leg

1,000 Pounds

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

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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
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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

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Hooks
Examine the label to ensure the hook can

support the load

Examine hooks for damage Carry the load on

center of the hooks curve

Never rest a hook

on the ground
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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

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Working Near Overhead Wires

Cranes should not be operated near power

lines unless the lines are de-energized

Anti-current devices cant replace

deenergization of power lines

Always treat power lines as if energized Follow the rules if you contact energized lines
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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

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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
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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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