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 can’t

hold as much weight

500 LBS

500 LBS
as slings that are
1,000 500 pounds of
Pounds stress on each sling leg

perpendicular
S 1,
00
LB 0
0 00 LB
1, S
1,000 pounds of
1,000 stress on each sling leg
Pounds

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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
hook’s 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 can’t 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) 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

 Follow safe operating procedures

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