Crane

Safety:
1. To inform operators of the various hazards
associated with crane use.

Objectives 2. To inform operators of the OSHA standards

of Training: associated with safely operating equipment.

3. To inform operators about the proper times to

conduct inspections, and the associated hazards
they are based on.
Common Issues
and Hazards with
Cranes:

[Workplace Lifting Safety

Training] Retrieved from:
https://youtu.be/LviUp94t65Q
Hazards:
Common • Electrical hazards, power lines.
Issues and • Overloading, poor weight
Hazards distribution.
with • Materials slipping or falling from
Cranes: the crane.
• Improper ground conditions.
Hazards cont.
Power line
This is a crane accident involving power lines that the crane or load did not
example: come into contact with. Many Crane accidents result from improper
clearance with overhead power lines.

[Crane and powerline

hazard] retrieved
from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
pwftUYkOX0Y
Common Issues:
Overloading:

[Overloading, Sims Crane Minute] Retrieved from:

https://www.forconstructionpros.com/rental/lifting-equipment/crane/video/11148502
/video-crane-overloading-is-not-safe
Damage
MATERIALS SLIPPING AND IT IS ALSO A HAZARD TO STEAM LINES, to people
and
FALLING FROM THE THE ENVIRONMENT UNDERGROUND VAULTS,
CRANE IS A SERIOUS AROUND THE CRANE. VOIDS, AND UTILITIES ARE
HAZARD BECAUSE ALL IMPROPER GROUND

property:
PEOPLE UNDERNEATH CONDITIONS.
THE CRANE OR AROUND
THE WORKSITE CAN BE
CRUSHED BY THESE
OBJECTS, AND DAMAGE
TO PROPERTY AS WELL AS
PEOPLE GETTING HURT
ARE ALSO SERIOUS
HAZARDS.
Issues:
Common • Damage and degradation to the
wire rope.
Maintenance • Alignment issues.
Hazards with • Wear and tear on end truck
Cranes: wheels.
• Issues with electrification
system.
• Bent or damaged hooks.
[Poor alignment]
retrieved from:
https://www.mazzellacompanies.com/re
Common sources/blog/5-common-problems-with-
overhead-cranes-and-how-to-avoid-the

Maintenance
m

Hazards with
Cranes:

[Bent and
[Wear and tear on wire] damaged hook]
retrieved from: retrieved from:
https://www.mazzellacompanies.com/ https://www.hoistandcranede
Resources/Blog/how-to-inspect-wire-r pot.com/about-rigging-hook-
ope-slings-to-asme-b309-standards safety-types-and-uses/
Overhead Power Lines

 Insure there is a 20 foot clearance from the maximum work zone.

 If the work zone is closer than 20 feet to the load lines, then options 1, 2, or
3 are to be met.

1. De-energize the lines and ensure they are grounded;

Corrective 2. Employer must ensure that the equipment, load lines, or load never
get closer than the 20 foot clearance when operating;
Measures: 3. When maximum work zone is closer than 20 feet to power lines,
Table A clearances are to be used.

[Table A from OSHA Power Line Safety] retrieved from:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1408
Overhead Power Lines Cont.

Corrective When using Options 2 or 3, special encroachment precautions are to be

met:

Measures • A meeting with the operator and other workers in the area to review the
location of the power lines.

involving • Steps to be implemented to prevent encroachment/electrocution.

power • If tag lines are used, they must be non-conductive.

lines: • High-visibility markers are to be placed at the 20 foot line (or otherwise
specified in Table A) and if the operator can not see the markers, a
dedicated spotter must be used.

• Either a proximity alarm or a dedicated spotter in constant contact with

the operator must be implemented.

• No part of the equipment, load line, or load is to be under the power line
unless employer has confirmed that the lines are deenergized.
Overloading / Poor Weight Distribution / Load
Slipping or Falling
• Most modern cranes have overload protection systems.
• Earlier models may have 4 types of switches that when a load
Corrective exceeds a certain limit, the crane will only be able to be lowered.
The 4 types are the following:
Measures: • Mechanical.
• Electric.
• Mechanical/Electrical Hybrid.
• Chain Hoist.
• When first rigging a load, the load should only be hoisted a few
inches above the ground then checked for proper balance and
insurance that the load is completely secured.
• Verifying the rigging should insure that the load will not slip or fall.
When setting up the crane to pick up the desired
load, it is crucial to investigate the weather
conditions for the area, are right for safe crane
operation.

The most important weather conditions to keep in

mind are the wind speed, and lightning. Weather:

Just remember that high winds = uncontrollable

load which makes the job unsafe for everyone. The
crane arm also acts like a lightning rod.
When setting up the crane prior to
operating, the following must be
ensured:
• The ground is level, and free from any Crane
obstructions.
• All outriggers are properly extended and the
Setup
correct outrigger pads are used.
• When checking the outriggers, there should be no
Hazards:
float.
• The crane’s area is large enough to satisfy the
crane’s radii when rotated.
Crane
Outrigger
Setup:
[Proper outrigger utilization] [Improper outrigger
retrieved from: utilization] retrieved from:
https://stevensoncrane.com/p https://www.cranetech.co
roduct/maeda-mc-405-c/ m/blog/leveling-the-field/
When extending the outriggers of the crane and also
when placing the pads in the desired area, be sure to
follow all safety rules. Hazards that are associated with
this are as follows:

Crane  Extending the outriggers into a person or piece of

equipment.
Outrigger  Pinch points when setting up the outriggers pads.
 Ensure proper pads are used to reduce the risk of

Hazards: an outrigger leg slipping off the pad.

Note: Proper pad placement and proper type of pad

will greatly reduce the risk of the crane tipping over.
Crane Outrigger
Pads - Correct Use:
The image shown is the correct utilization of
the outrigger pads. Note that the outrigger
legs are centered directly in the middle of
the pad.

Image retrieved from

https://dicausa.com/fibermax-crane-pads/
Crane Outrigger
Pads - Incorrect Use:

The image shown here is the

incorrect use of wood blocks. There
should be no gaps between the blocks
and the ground should be level.

Image retrieved from

http://www.elcosh.org/document/148
8/748/d000104/selection.html
OSHA Standard for Outrigger Use:

OSHA Standard 1910.180(h)(3)(ix) states:

“Outriggers shall be used when the load to be handled at that particular radius
exceeds the rated load without outriggers as given by the manufacturer for that crane.
Where floats are used they shall be securely attached to the outriggers.”
To reduce the risk of crane failure, inspections on
each component of the crane is required.
Crane
Periodic or frequent are two crane usage
Inspections
classifications that determine the inspection
intervals.
and
Associated
OSHA defines the intervals as: Hazards:
• Frequent inspection - daily to monthly intervals.
• Periodic inspection - 1 to 12 month intervals or as specified by
manufacturer.
OSHA 1926.1412 (c)

 After completion of assembly, the equipment

must be inspected by a qualified person to ensure

Post it meets manufacture criteria.

(2)(i) Determine is a registered professional engineer

Assembly (RPE) is familiar with the specific type of equipment
needs to develop criteria for the equipment
inspection: configuration. If the RPE is not needed, employer must
ensure it is developed by a qualified person.

(c)(3) Equipment must not be used until an inspection

under this paragraph demonstrates equipment is
configured in accordance with criteria.
1926.1412(g) - 1926.1412(g)(3)
• Under conditions where significant damage via
overloading, shock loading, or continuous usage
Severe in a corrosive environment, the crane must be
Service brought down for mandatory inspection.
Environment • A qualified person must determine if the
equipment is still safe to use, and make sure it
Inspections: satisfies the criteria listed under 1926.1412(f).
• If an issue is discovered, the employer is required
to satisfy the requirements found under
1926.1412(f)(4)-1926.1412(f)(6).
OSHA 1910.1809(d)(3) explains “frequent inspection” as:

“"Frequent inspection." Items such as the following shall be

inspected for defects at intervals as defined in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of
this section or as specifically indicated including observation during Crane
Inspections
operation for any defects which might appear between regular
inspections. Any deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully
examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a
safety hazard”

 1926.1412 (2)- If there are any deficiencies in inspection are

and
found, a determination by a competent person must be
made to decide if it is a safety hazard. If it is a safety hazard
Associated
then equipment must be taken out of service until it is
corrected.
 1926.1412 (3)- If any deficiencies are found then action
Hazards:
must be taken prior to using equipment.
Crane Inspections and Associated Hazards:

OSHA 1926.1412 (d) (i)-(d) (xiv)

 (i) Control mechanisms interfering with operation.

 (ii) Control and drive mechanics with excessive wear and contamination by
lubricants and other foreign matter.
 (iii) Air, Hydraulic and other pressurized systems for deterioration or leakage.
 (iv) Hydraulic system for proper fluid levels.
 (v) Hooks and latches for: deformation, cracks, excessive wear, or chemical
damage.
 (vi) Wire rope in compliance with manufacturer.
 (vii) wire rope in accordance with 1926.1413 .
 (viii) Electrical apparatus for: malfunctioning, deterioration, dirt, and moisture
accumulation.
Crane  (ix) Tires for proper inflation and condition.
 (x) Ground conditions around equipment for
Inspections support: ground settling under and around
outriggers/stabilizers, and foundations,
and groundwater accumulation, does not include
railroad tracks.

Associated
 (xi) equipment for level position specified by
manufacturers recommendation, both before and
after each shift.
Hazards  (xii) Operator cab windows for: significant cracks,
breaks or other deficiencies that can hinder

continued: operators view.

 (xiii) When equipment is rail traveling: Rails, Rail
stops, and Rail clamps.
 (xiv) Safety devices and operational aids for proper
operation.
A crane inspection must be
performed prior to operating the
crane. Any deficiencies located
must be taken care of before the
Crane crane can be safely operated.

Inspection Refer to OSHA 1926.1412(d)(2)

and (3).

Checklist:
Image retrieved from:

https://store.craneinstitute.com/
products/inspection-checklist-to
wer-crane-annual-periodic
 Operators of derricks, sideboom cranes, or
equipment with a maximum manufacturer-
Crane rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 lbs. or
less are not required to be certified/licensed but
Operator still must complete training.
 An employee that is not certified/licensed may

Qualification: work as an operator-in-training only under

supervision.
 An operator-in-training may not operator if any
of the following circumstances;
 If the work zone is closer than 20 feet of a
power line up to 350kV, or within 50 feet of a
power line over 350kV.
 The equipment is being used to hoist
personnel.
 Multiple-equipment lifts.
 If the equipment is used over a shaft,
cofferdam, or in a tank farm.
Audited Employer Program: The employer’s certification of its employee must meet the
Written and practical tests must be either; following requirements
The employer program must be audited within 3
• Developed by an accredited crane operator organization. months of the beginning of the program and at least
• Approved by an auditor. every 3 years thereafter.

Crane
Certification is achieved when a written test is passed on all the knowledge as skills needed
Operator
to operate equipment safely.
Qualification:

The employer must ensure that each operator is qualified through an evaluation of skills and
knowledge necessary to operate the equipment safely.
References:
 CraneOperations.jpg. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2019, from
https://ehs.princeton.edu/workplace-construction/workplace-safety/construction-
safety/crane-safety/crane-operations.

 Department of Labor logo UNITED STATESDEPARTMENT OF LABOR. (n.d.). Retrieved

November 26, 2019, from https://www.osha.gov/laws-
regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1412.

 Lang, J. (n.d.). How do overload protective devices work? Retrieved from

https://www.konecranesusa.com/resources/lifting-viewpoints/how-do-overload-protective-
devices-work.

 Managing Mobile Crane Hazards. (n.d.).Retrieved November 26, 2019, from

http://www.elcosh.org/document/1488/745/d000104/hazards.html.
References:

 Operator training, certification, and evaluation. (2018, November 9). Retrieved from
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1427.

 Power line safety (up to 350 kV)--equipment operations.(2010, August 9). Retrieved from
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1408

 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2019, from
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/cranehoistsafety/hazards.html.

 Video: Crane Overloading is not Safe. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2019, from
https://www.forconstructionpros.com/rental/lifting-equipment/crane/video/11148502/video-
crane-overloading-is-not-safe.