Crane Operations Safety Measures
Following safety precautions for cranes should be exercised in conjunction with the general safety precautions for heavy equipment.
- Never hoist objects with unknown weights. It may be difficult to judge the load in some cases (e.g., an object in water). When hoisting a load from water below, the crane takes on the added load imposed by the displaced water as the load is hoisted out of the water.
Crane Safety
General Safety Practices
- Never hoist unknown loads. Always know the exact weight of the load before lifting. Avoid guessing. If lifting an object from water, remember that the crane will also carry the weight of displaced water as the load rises.
- Test the load before lifting fully. Raise the load just a few inches to check for proper sling tension and to make sure it is balanced. If it shifts or puts stress on one part of the sling, lower it immediately and adjust before proceeding.
- Keep the hoisting line vertical. Before lifting near-capacity loads, make sure the load is directly under the hoist. Do not swing a heavy load into position. Move the crane instead of lowering the boom to avoid tipping.
Load Handling and Movement
- Lower loads slowly and carefully. Use a low speed—never faster than the standard hoisting speed for that equipment. Lowering loads too quickly can create shock loads that double the stress on slings and crane components.
- Do not lower the boom and hoist at the same time. Always lower one component at a time to avoid load instability.
- Do not swing loads over workers. Always plan routes that avoid overhead travel across active work areas. If overhead lifting is unavoidable, use horns or alarms to alert workers to move to a safe location before lifting begins.
- Secure the load properly. Use the correct slings, shackles, and rigging for the load being lifted. Ensure rigging is inspected before use.
Special Lifting Situations
- Avoid dual lifts unless necessary. Dual (two-crane) lifts are very dangerous. Only perform under the supervision of a competent person with a detailed lift plan in place. Improper coordination can lead to overloading and failure of one or both cranes.
Equipment Checks and Maintenance
- Inspect cranes after repair or modification. If a crane or derrick has been repaired or altered in a way that affects its lifting or stability, a qualified person must determine its new safe working load. A written statement must be issued documenting this capacity.
- Test the brakes regularly. Always check crane brakes at the beginning of a new shift, especially after rain or when the crane has not been used for some time. Hoist a test load a few inches and verify the brakes hold the load securely.
- Equip the crane with a fire extinguisher. All cranes must have a properly maintained fire extinguisher within reach of the operator. Inspect the extinguisher regularly to make sure it is ready to use in case of emergency.
Operator Responsibility
- Follow load charts. Load capacity charts must be posted in the cab and reviewed before lifting. Operators must know how changes in boom angle or radius affect lifting limits.
- Stay alert to site conditions. Operators must check for soft ground, overhead power lines, wind conditions, and other hazards before and during crane operations.
- Communication is key. Use standard hand signals or radios to stay in contact with riggers and ground personnel at all times.
Safe crane operation depends on proper planning, the right equipment, trained personnel, and constant attention to detail. Every lift must be treated with caution and respect for the risks involved.
Crane Operations Safety Checklist
Use this checklist before and during crane operations to ensure safe working conditions and procedures are being followed.
| Check (✓) | Safety Measure |
|---|---|
| Operator is trained, certified, and authorized to use the crane | |
| Pre-operational inspection completed (brakes, cables, hoist, controls, tires/tracks, and hydraulics) | |
| Load chart is available and visible in the operator’s cab | |
| Load weight has been verified and does not exceed rated capacity | |
| Ground conditions are stable and crane is leveled and properly supported | |
| Hoisting line is vertical before lifting heavy loads | |
| Test lift performed by raising the load a few inches to check for balance and rigging stress | |
| Rigging equipment (slings, shackles, hooks) is inspected and in good condition | |
| No personnel are under or near suspended loads | |
| Warning systems (alarms, horns, or bells) are working and used before overhead lifting | |
| Loads are never swung over workers or occupied areas without warning | |
| Dual lifts only performed when absolutely necessary and under supervision of a competent person | |
| Operator maintains constant visual or radio communication with riggers and signal persons | |
| Fire extinguisher is present in the cab and in working condition | |
| Brakes tested at the start of shift and before lifting capacity loads |
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-7. What is a safety precaution you should use when working around a crane?
You forgot to answer the question!