Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Overhead Crane Instructors Notes
Overhead Crane Instructors Notes
OPERATOR
SAFETY TRAINING
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Bridge Crane
Floor Mounted Jib
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Monorail Crane
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Take pictures of the different types you may have at your facility and put them on
this page. You may also replace other pictures and drawings in this
presentation. To do so:
1. Download a picture from a digital camera or scan a picture onto your
computer.
2. Click on the insert button on the toolbar above and select picture>from file
and then go to where the picture is stored on your computer. Click on that file
and it is inserted on the current slide.
3. You may crop it, downsize it, add borders and lighter or darken it. Its easy
and adds immensely to the presentation.
4. You may also create a hyperlink from a smaller picture to a picture that takes
up the whole slide to see the details better. To do this, a) right click on the
picture, left click on action settings, select hyperlinks, and then scroll down
to the slide where the full size picture is. A good place for it is at the end of
the slide show. Be sure to create a hyperlink back the the original slide to ease
in navigating back and forth between slides.
5. Many of the pictures in this presentation have hyperlinks to a full size picture
at the end of the presentation. Once you have created a hyperlink, it will stay
with that slide no matter what order you put the slides in.
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These are the main standards concerning overhead cranes but certainly not all of
them. Many States have additional standards as do some industries such as
Maritime, Mining, Offshore oil platforms, etc.
We have included only the two OSHA standards and the B30.16. This is because
the are almost identical when it comes to operation and inspections.
TYPES OF INSPECTION
FREQUENT: Frequent inspections are visual inspections and
examinations by the operator or other designated personnel.
Records are not required. Inspection intervals are:
Daily to monthly
PERIODIC: Periodic inspections are visual and audio inspections and
examinations by designated personnel making records of external
conditions to provide the basis for continuing evaluation.
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1 to 12 month intervals
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29 CFR-1910.179(j)(1)(ii)
Inspection procedure for cranes in regular service is divided into two general
classifications based upon the intervals at which inspection should be performed.
The intervals in turn are dependent upon the nature of the critical components of
the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction.
The two general classifications are herein designated as "frequent" and
"periodic" with respective intervals between inspections as defined below:
1910.179(j)(1)(ii)(a)
DEFINITIONS OF SERVICE
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2. The frequency of service is a key factor in determining how often the crane
should be inspected and serviced.
3. Even cranes that are not used need to be inspected, lubricated and maintained.
Especially cranes that are out in the weather all year or in corrosive
environments.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Sat.
Unsat.
N/A
Comments
Supporting Structure
Welds
Bolts
Bridge
Rails & Alignment
Trucks & Wheels
Motor & Drive Train
Brakes
Stops & Limit Controls
Trolley
Wheels
Motor & Drive Train
Brakes
Stops & Limit Controls
Rails & Alignment
Hoist
Wire Rope Condition
Rope Reeving
Chain Condition
Brakes & Ratchets
Equalizer Sheaves
Hoist Limit Control
Functional Operation
Electrical
Control Markings
Control Functions
Warning Alarms
Power Disconnect
Control Pendants
Festoons
Load Block
Sheaves
Pins
Swivel
Hook
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1. This is a sample of the inspection booklet found on your CD. You can print
one out for every crane. There are two versions, this one, and one that has
check boxes at the bottom of the page for the operator to initial that he has
performed a pre-shift inspection.
2. This is a good time to go out to one of the cranes in your facility and do an
inspection of it.
3. Pre-shift inspections do not have to be lengthy. You are basically looking for
obvious things that might be wrong with the crane.
4. Monthly or yearly inspections, of course, should be thorough and performed
by a competent individual.
SUPPORTING STRUCTURE
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2. A good clue is checking for cracked paint around the fastener that shows there
has been movement.
3.
4. Using a torque wrench to check for tightness does not always work.
Corrosion could give you a false reading.
5. Replace a loose or stretched bolt rather than tighten it. It probably has been
damaged.
6. Be sure to replace the bolt with a grade 8 or better.
7. If there are other bolts near by that show signs of looseness, then replace them
all.
CRACKED WELDS
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Inspect Welds
For Cracks
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2. A crack in a weld will always start on the end and work itself along the entire
weld until it fails completely.
3. Many times a crack in the paint will be a clue to a weld that is failing.
4. If caught early, the crack many times can be ground out and re-weld.
5. Before welding on any part of the crane, make sure you have a certified
welder and if it is on a structural part of the crane you should get the
manufactures procedure.
6. Also, try to determine why it cracked in the first place. Is the crane being
overloaded or used improperly.
BRIDGE SYSTEM
Support
System
Bridge
Trucks
Span
Structure
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Bridge
Rails
Power Panel
Bridge Drive
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1. Climbing up a and checking the bridge system is normally not part of the daily
inspection. Use these slides to familiarize the student with the components of
the bridge crane and how they work together to make a successful lift.
2. Many of these components can be inspected from the ground as the crane is
being operated. If something seems wrong, then a closer look would be
warranted.
Final
Drive
Shaft
Motor
Brake
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Drive
Motor
Drive
Wheels
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1. Climbing up a and checking the bridge system is normally not part of the daily
inspection. Use these slides to familiarize the student with the components of
the bridge crane and how they work together to make a successful lift.
2. Many of these components can be inspected from the ground as the crane is
being operated. If something seems wrong, then a closer look would be
warranted.
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DRIVE COUPLINGS
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1. Climbing up a and checking the bridge system is normally not part of the daily
inspection. Use these slides to familiarize the student with the components of
the bridge crane and how they work together to make a successful lift.
2. Many of these components can be inspected from the ground as the crane is
being operated. If something seems wrong, then a closer look would be
warranted.
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Brake
Drum
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Brake
Solenoid
Brake
Shoes
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1. Climbing up a and checking the bridge system is normally not part of the daily
inspection. Use these slides to familiarize the student with the components of
the bridge crane and how they work together to make a successful lift.
2. Many of these components can be inspected from the ground as the crane is
being operated. If something seems wrong, then a closer look would be
warranted.
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WHEELTREAD
WEAR AT AN
ANGLE
HEAVY
WEAR
WHEEL FLANGE
WEAR
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1. Climbing up a and checking the bridge system is normally not part of the daily
inspection. Use these slides to familiarize the student with the components of
the bridge crane and how they work together to make a successful lift.
2. Many of these components can be inspected from the ground as the crane is
being operated. If something seems wrong, then a closer look would be
warranted.
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TROLLEY SYSTEM
Hoist Machinery
mounted on trolley
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Trolley Trucks
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1. Climbing up a and checking the bridge system is normally not part of the daily
inspection. Use these slides to familiarize the student with the components of
the bridge crane and how they work together to make a successful lift.
2. Many of these components can be inspected from the ground as the crane is
being operated. If something seems wrong, then a closer look would be
warranted.
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TROLLEY WHEELS
FUNCTION SMOOTHLY
WHEELS IN
GOOD CONTACT
WITH BEAM FLANGE
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1. Climbing up a and checking the monorail system is normally not part of the
daily inspection. Use these slides to familiarize the student with the
components of the bridge crane and how they work together to make a
successful lift.
2. Many of these components can be inspected from the ground as the crane is
being operated. If something seems wrong, then a closer look would be
warranted.
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WIRE
STRAND
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Loss in Diameter: Reduction from
nominal diameter of:
1/64 for dia. up to & including 5/16
1/32 for dia. 3/8 to & including 1/2
3/64 for dia. 9/16 to & including 3/4
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1. Wire rope comes in various sizes and construction. The most common is the
right regular lay wire rope of the 6X19 class.
2. The strands of a wire rope are made up of several wires twisted together.
3. Several strands are twisted together to form the wire rope.
4. Common wire rope will have either a fiber core or an independent wire rope
core or IWRC. For lifting purposes, IWRC is recommended because it resist
crushing.
5. The designation, 6X19, refers to the basic construction. The 6 stands for the
number of strands, not counting the core, that are used in the rope. The 19 refers
to the number of wire in each strand.
6. When measuring the diameter of wire rope, make sure to measure across the
stands and not the flat area between the strands.
29 CFR 1910.176(h)(2)(i)
In using hoisting ropes, the crane manufacturer's recommendation shall be
followed. The rated load divided by the number of parts of rope shall not exceed
20 percent of the nominal breaking strength of the rope. (or a 5:1 safety ratio)
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WIRE ROPE
STANDARDS FOR SHEAVE
& DRUM RATIOS
D = Diameter of drum or sheave
d = Diameter of wire rope
Ratio = D / d
ASNE/B30.5 MOBILE CRANES
Minimum Ratios
Load Hoist
Boom Hoist
Load Block
Drum
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Sheave
18
15
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ABRASION RESISTANCE
FATIGUE RESISTANCE
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2. Show how sheave size and wire rope diameter relate to each other and the
effects they have on wire rope life.
3. Review how sheaves are dimensioned.
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FATIGUE FAILURE
STRAND KNICKING
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Sudden tension release
HIGH STRAND
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DRUM INSPECTION
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1. Check to make sure the wire rope is spooled properly on the drum.
2. On lagged drums, make sure the rope hasnt jumped a groove which could
damage the rope.
3. Check to make sure the dead end is secured properly.
4. Never hoist down to the point that there would be less than 2 wraps left on the
drum.
5. Check oil often.
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HOIST MACHINERY
HOIST
DRIVE
TROLLEY
TRUCK
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CHECK DRUM
GROOVES FOR
WEAR
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1. Check to make sure the wire rope is spooled properly on the drum.
2. On lagged drums, make sure the rope hasnt jumped a groove which could
damage the rope.
3. Check to make sure the dead end is secured properly.
4. Never hoist down to the point that there would be less than 2 wraps left on the
drum.
5. Check oil often.
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HOIST MACHINERY
CHECK
RUNNING
SHEAVE
FOR WEAR
CHECK
CLEVIS
WEAR
CHECK
EQUALIZING
SHEAVE
FOR WEAR
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VERIFY
FUNCTIONING
LIMIT SWITCH
SINGLE REEVED DRUM
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1. Check running and equalizing sheaves for wear and free movement.
2. Check the limit switch to make sure it stops the hook or load if two-blocked.
3. Check the oil often, especially if you detect any leakage.
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INSPECTING SHEAVES
CHECK FLANGES FOR
CHIPS, CRACKS, WEAR
CHECK GROOVE
WEAR
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CONTACT
MEASURE GROOVE
WORN GROVES
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CHAIN HOIST
Pocket
Wheel
Chain
Guide
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Bent Links
Stretched Links
Worn Links
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1. Bent links (Usually a sign that it has been used to wrap around a load and bent
on sharp corners)
2. Stretched links. The links will be sucked in slightly on the sides. Also,
measure 5 links and check that measurement during your annual inspection.
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HOOK INSPECTION
CHECK FOR:
[ Wear
[ Deformation
[ Cracks & Sharp Nicks
[ Modifications
[ Safety Latches
[ Swivel Wear & Lubrication
[ Hook Shackle Mousing
Cracks &
Twisting
Opening Up
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Wear & Cracks
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1. Hooks with threads and nuts need to have threads inspected periodically.
2. Hooks can only be repaired per manufacturers procedures.
3. Wear in excess of 5% in the neck of the hook and 10% in other areas including
the bow of the hook is cause for removal.
4. An increase in the hook throat opening of more than 15% is cause for removal.
5. Any twist in the hook of more than 10% is cause for removal.
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HOOK INSPECTION
Throat
Opening
o
10
Twisted
Hook
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10 percent
Maximum
Allowable
Wear
15%
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1. Hooks with threads and nuts need to have threads inspected periodically.
2. Hooks can only be repaired per manufacturers procedures.
3. Wear in excess of 5% in the neck of the hook and 10% in other areas including
the bow of the hook is cause for removal.
4. An increase in the hook throat opening of more than 15% is cause for removal.
5. Any twist in the hook of more than 10% is cause for removal.
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CRANE BLOCK
SHEAVE GROOVE
NOT WORN, SHEAVES
TURN FREELY
SIDE PLATE
BOLTS TIGHT
SHEAVE PIN
& BEARING
TIGHT
HOOK NUT
TIGHT
& THEADS
INSPECTED
PERIODICALLY
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SHEAVE PIN
KEEPER IN PLACE
AND TIGHT
SAFETY
LATCH
FUNCTIONING
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2. The side plates and any additional weights attached to the their sides need to be
inspected for loose or missing bolts or other fasteners.
3. The hook should rotate freely on the swivel bearing. Check for excessive
movement.
4. The hook shank and nut should be separated periodically and the threads
inspected for corrosion and other damage. The lose of more than 20% of the
treaded area due to corrosion is cause for removal.
5. The safety latch must be in place and functioning properly.
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ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS
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Current Collectors
ride on this surface
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Always lock out the crane before working around the electrical conductors.
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CURRENT COLLECTORS
Electrical
Conductors
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Always lock out the crane before working around the electrical conductors.
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FESTOON SYSTEMS
CABLE TERMINATION
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ELECTRICAL
CONNECTORS
TIGHT
PROPER
CABLE
TENTION
FREE TROLLEY
MOVEMENT
INSULATORS
IN GOOD
CONDITION
STRAIN RELIEF
ADJUSTED FOR
CORRECT
LENGTH
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1. Festoons need to be checked for proper cable tension, free trolley movement
and wire connections.
2. Also, make sure there are no pinch points during bridge or trolley movement.
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ALL CONTROL
FUNCTIONS
CLEARLY
LABELED
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1. Many times the pendant controls get dropped or banged up during operation.
2. Never use the pendant to pull the crane around.
3. Use a strain relief chain or cable to protect the wires from pulling out.
4. Make sure all controls are marked and legible.
5. Check for buttons that are broken or stick.
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ACME
ACME
55 TON
TON
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2. The safe working load would be the maximum load of the weakest link on the
crane. For example: If the maximum SWL of the hoist was 5 tons, then the
SWL, but the beam that it was hung under was good for 7 tons, the SWL of
the crane could not exceed 5 tons and if stenciled on the beam, it should reflect
the 5 ton rating.
3. All warning labels on the crane including crane operation instructions must be
on the crane and legible.
29 CFR 1910.179(b)(5) Rated load marking. The rated load of the crane
shall be plainly marked on each side of the crane, and if the crane has more than
one hoisting unit, each hoist shall have its rated load marked on it or its load
block and this marking shall be clearly legible from the ground or floor.
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LOCK
-OUT TAG
-OUT
LOCK-OUT
TAG-OUT
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Before adjustments and repairs are started on a crane the following precautions
shall be taken:
(c) The main or emergency switch shall be open and locked in the open position.
(d) Warning or "out of order" signs shall be placed on the crane, also on the floor
beneath or on the hook where visible from the floor.
(e) Where other cranes are in operation on the same runway, rail stops or other
suitable means shall be provided to prevent interference with the idle crane.
1910.179(l)(2)(ii) After adjustments and repairs have been made the crane
shall not be operated until all guards have been reinstalled, safety devices
reactivated and maintenance equipment removed.
1. The emergency shut off musts be visible and accessible.
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ACME CORPORATION
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The Operator and Maintenance Manual should be available and every person that
operates the crane should have read the safe operations section.
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Determine the
weight of the load
from accurate
sources
Manufacturer documentation.
Blueprints or drawings.
Shipping receipts.
Weigh the item.
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Bill of lading (be careful)
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1. Knowing the weight of the load is essential to safe overhead crane operations.
With mobile cranes, picking up a load that is too heavy could cause the crane
to tip. Not so with overhead cranes. Severe damage could result in trying to
lift a load that exceeds the SWL.
2. There are many ways to learn the weight of a load. The most accurate is, of
course, weighing it yourself.
3. If you do weigh an item, be sure to mark the weight somewhere on the load
for the next guy that has to lift it.
4. There will be times when you just have to make an a guess. Using the best
calculations that you can, come up with an estimate and then double it. It it is
well within the capacity of the crane, go ahead and make the lift. If by
doubling it, it is within 75% of the capacity of the crane, then you should
weigh it.
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5
TON
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29 CFR - 1910.179(n)(3)(iv)
Cranes shall not be used for side pulls except when specifically authorized by a
responsible person who has determined that the stability of the crane is not
thereby endangered and that various parts of the crane will not be
overstressed.
1. Side pulling on a crane may cause the wire rope on the drum to cross and be
susceptible to kinks and crushing.
2. It could also put stress on the trolley causing damage.
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5
TON
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29 CFR 1910.179(n)(3)(vi)
The employer shall require that the operator avoid carrying loads over people.
1. Never allow a rigger to stand under a load as it descends for the purpose of
controlling it.
2. Use a tag line instead.
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5
TON
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29 CFR 1910.179(n)(3)(x)
The employer shall insure that the operator does not leave his position at the
controls while the load is suspended.
1. Always put the load down and secure it before leaving the area.
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ACME
ACME
55 TON
TON
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8,750 lbs
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29 CFR - 1910.179(n)(3)(vii)
The operator shall test the brakes each time a load approaching the rated load is
handled. The brakes shall be tested by raising the load a few inches and
applying the brakes.
1. As brakes become worn, they may stop a smaller load, but not one at or near
capacity.
2. It is good practice to load test your crane at least every 3-4 years.
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29 CFR - 1910.179(n)(3)(viii)
The load shall not be lowered below the point where less than two full wraps of
rope remain on the hoisting drum.
1. You never want to run out of hoist line. Many cranes have automatic stops that
can be set so this will not happen. Still it is good practice to check you line when
lowering loads down close to the limit of your line.
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29 CFR - 1910.179(n)(4)(i)
At the beginning of each operator's shift, the upper limit switch of each hoist shall
be tried out under no load. Extreme care shall be exercised; the block shall be
"inched" into the limit or run in at slow speed. If the switch does not operate
properly, the appointed person shall be immediately notified.
1. The upper limit switch will keep the load or hook from being pulled into to
hoist, possibly parting the line.
2. Never use the limit switch to operate lower your load.
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HAND SIGNALS
Multiple Trolleys
Lower Load
Bridge Direction
Trolley Direction
Move Slowly
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Raise Load
Stop
Emergency Stop
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4. Review each hand signal and any other hand signals you might be using
5. Anyone can give the emergency stop signal.
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1. Wire rope slings are to be inspected on a regular basis and a record kept of
these inspections. Refer to the inspection card for inspection criteria.
2. As of July 2000 wire rope slings are to have a tag which indicates the lifting
capacities of the sling for vertical, choker, and basket hitches.
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Kinking
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1. Kinking in the eyes and other parts of the wire rope sling is nearly always the
result of it going around a pin or pick point that is of a less diameter than the
rope itself.
2. Using slings with thimbles in the eye will prevent this.
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FLEMISH EYE
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TURNBACK EYE
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1. Turnback eyes are made by bring the rope back onto itself and crushing a
steel sleeve around it.
2. The strength of the eye is in the sleeve and if not done properly may pull out.
3. Turnback eyes are not recommended for lifting.
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TYPES OF TERMINATIONS
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1. Wedge sockets are very handy if you are changing blocks or hooks often.
2. Slings should not be used that have eyes made with wire rope clips.
3. Eyes made with wire rope clips may be used to terminate the dead end of the
hoist line.
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1. Chain slings are to be inspected on a regular basis and a record kept of these
inspections. Refer to the inspection card for inspection criteria.
2. Chain slings are often used to hold steel while it is being welded. Always
check to make sure no heat damage has occurred. Heat damage can be detected
by discolored metal.
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1. This slide and the next two show the different types of sling damage that can
occur. Refer to the inspection record of additional inspection criteria.
2. Synthetic slings are required to be inspected on a regular basis and a record kept
of such inspections.
3. Never tie a knot in a flat sling to shorten it.
4. Never use synthetic slings around high heat sources or hot work.
5. When taking a sling out of service, cut the eyes in it or destroy it. If you dont it
may find its way back into service.
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1. The manufacturers tag should be on the sling and contain the SWL.
2. This tag must also be legible.
3. Nylon slings are also susceptible to damage through ultra-violet light. Always
keep your slings out of the sun when not in use.
4. Wet nylon slings can be used but lose 15% of their strength.
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SHACKLES
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DEFORMATION
BOLT SUBSTITUTION
WEAR
A
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1. Shackles must be load rated and have the WLL written on them along with the
manufacturer and country where they were made.
2. Only shackles of the screw pin or bolt type may be used for lifting.
4. Shackle that only use a cotter pin to keep the pin in are not legal for lifting.
When inspecting them, look for:
Wear
Deformation
Non-rated shackles
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SHACKLES
IN-LINE
45 DEGREES
90 DEGREES
LOAD
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1. The working load limit, WLL, shown on the shackle is for vertical loads.
2. Round pin shackles are ones which do not have a nut on the end of the pin and
should not be used for lifting..
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EYE BOLTS
WRONG!
DIRECTION OF PULL
In-Line
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CAUTION!
45 Degrees
60 Degrees
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1. The rated capacity of a eye bolt drops significantly when pulled other than
vertically.
2. Emphasize the dramatic drop to the students.
3. Threading a sling through the eye bolts increases the stress on the eye bolts by
two and should never be done.
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BALANCED
C HOOK
COIL
LIFTING
HOOK
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BALANCED
PALLET FORK
TELESCOPIC
COIL GRAB
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1. These are a few of the types of below-the-hook lifting devices. There are
many more.
2. Be careful of home-made lifting devices.
3. Any lifting device must be load rated and have a manufacturers nomenclature
plate on it indicating its weight and SWL.
4. Add pictures of the different types of lifting devices you have at your facility,
including: spreader and lifting beams, plate clamps, barrel clamps or hooks.
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SLING ANGLES
Tension in slings
Sling Angle
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Compression in load
Stresses in the slings and the load increase as the sling angle decreases
A
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1. When slings are brought together and form a hitch arrange as shown above the
stresses in the slings increase and a compression force on the load is created.
2. As the sling angle decrease the stresses in the sling and on the load increase.
57
l bs
57
5
500 lbs
500 lbs
60
1000 lbs
70
5
lb
s
70
5
lb
45
bs
1000 lbs
5l
57
1000 lbs
SLING ANGLES
1000 lbs
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l
00
10
10
00
bs
30
lbs
s
5735 lb
5735 lb
s
1000 lbs
1000 lbs
1000 lbs
A
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1. Review each of the different sling angle configurations and point out the increase
in the stresses.
2. Sling angles of 60 degrees are the best to use because of the minimal increase of
stress in the slings. When required to use smaller sling angles, slings need to be
selected based on the increased stress and not on the weight of the load.
3. When the sling angle is 30 degrees for a 1000 lbs load, the compression loads
which are crushing the load will be 866 lbs. Depending on the structural strength of
the load, it may be damaged.
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500 lbs
500 lbs
SLING ANGLES
Load in each sling
leg = 500 x Load
Angle Factor
L
Factor of
Angle A
1000 lbs
H
A
1000 lbs
1000 lbs
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M
A
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1. All that is need to calculate these stress is the weight of the object and a
measuring tape.
2. As shown in the slide above, the length of the sling is divided by the height of
the sling connection to the top of the load.
3. The answer is then multiplied by the portion of the load it is to support and this
will be the stress in the sling.
Example: If my sling was 8 feet long and the height H was 4 feet, 8 divided by 4
equals 2. The portion of the weight the sling is to support is half of 1000 lbs or 500
lbs. 2 X 500 = 1000 lbs which is the stress in the sling.
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ESTIMATING WEIGHTS
Acceptable methods of determining weight
You may find the weight from:
Data on manufacturing label plates.
Manufacturer documentation.
Blueprints or drawings.
Shipping receipts.
E
L
P
M
1.
2.
3.
4.
A
S
If the object is solid and made up primarily of one material then you
could calculate the weight.
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ESTIMATING WEIGHTS
Calculating the weight
To find the weight of any item you need to know its volume and unit weight.
Volume x Unit weight = Load weight
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M
A
S
1. Anytime you calculate the weight it is really only an estimation. But it will get
you in the ball park.
2. Always error on the safe side in your calculations.
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ESTIMATING WEIGHTS
Here are some examples
of common materials and
their unit weight:
METALS
Aluminum
Brass
Bronze
Copper
Iron
Lead
Steel
Tin
MASONARY
Ashlar masonry
Brick, soft
Brick, pressed
Clay tile
Rubble masonry
Concrete, cinder, haydite
Concrete, slag
Concrete, stone
Concrete, reinforced
MISC.
Asphalt
Glass
165
535
500
560
480
710
490
460
160
110
140
60
155
110
130
144
150
TIMBER
Cedar
Cherry
Fir, seasoned
Fir, wet
Hemlock
Maple
Oak
Pine
Poplar
Spruce
White pine
Railroad ties
LIQUIDS
Diesel
Gasoline
Water
EARTH
Earth, wet
Earth, dry
Sand and gravel, wet
Sand and gravel, dry
34
36
34
50
30
53
62
30
30
28
25
50
E
L
P
M
80
160
52
45
64
100
75
120
105
A
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1. Its wise to have similar cheat sheets for materials that you handle frequently.
2. Knowing the unit weight of different materials helps in weight estimation.
3. Knowing the difference between steel (490 lbs), reinforced concrete (150 lbs),
and wood (25-65 lbs) is useful.
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CALCULATING VOLUME
2 ft high
Volume of a cube
8 ft long
8 ft x 4 ft x 2 ft = 64 cubic feet
4 ft wide
E
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M
A
S
2. Finding the weight is as simple as multiplying the volume of the cube by the
unit weight of what it is made of.
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CALCULATING VOLUME
Volume of a cylinder
10 ft long
E
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M
A
S
1. The volume of a cylinder is a little more difficult, but not rocket science.
Having a scientific calculator and knowing how to use it is a good idea.
2. Again, just multiply the volume in cubic feet by the unit weight to find the
weight of the load.
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CALCULATING VOLUME
8 ft long
Volume of pipe
Calculating the volume of pipe is a bit trickier but it is
just simply subtracting
the volume of the hole from the volume of the pipe.
If the pipe were one inch thick,
three feet wide and 8 feet long,
then we would figure the volume
of the entire pipe and subtract the
volume of the hole to get the the
volume of the material.
1 in. thick
3 ft wide
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3.14 x (1ft 5 in.) x 8 feet = volume of hole (50.41 ft)
56.52 ft 50.41 ft = 6.11 ft
If this pipe were steel then the unit weight would be 490
lbs.
6.11 x 490 lbs = 2,9994 lbs.
A
S
1. Finding the volume of a pipe is not too much different than finding the volume
of a cylinder. You just have to do it twice and then subtract the volume of the
hole from the total volume of the pipe.
2. It is helpful to know how to change fractions into decimals. Calculators are a
must for this. To change 1 foot 5 inches (or 17/12ths) into a decimal, simple
divide 12 into 17 which would be 1.4266.
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CALCULATING VOLUME
For thin pipe a quick way to *ESTIMATE the volume is to split the pipe
open and calculate the volume like a cube. The formula would be:
x diameter = width, so:
x diameter x length x thickness x unit weight = weight of object
3.14 x 3 ft x 8 ft x 1/12 ft (or .08 ft) x 490 lbs = *3,077.2 lbs
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M
8 ft long
A
S
1. This is only an estimate and should not be used with thick pipe.
2. Simply spit the pipe down the middle and open it up into a thin plate.
3. Then calculate the the volume of the cube that is created.
4. To find the width, multiply pi times the diameter.
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WEIGHT TABLES
WEIGHT TABLES
Weight tables are an excellent way to calculate load weight.
If you are handling certain materials often, then having a chart
that gives you the weight per cubic foot, cubic yard, square foot,
linear foot or per gallon. Here are a few examples:
METAL PLATES
STEEL PLATES weigh approximately 40 lbs per sq. ft. at 1 inch thick.
1/2 inch thick would then be about 20 lbs. per sq. ft.
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M
A steel plate measuring 8 ft. x 10 ft. x 1/2 inch would then weigh about
3,200 lbs.
(8 x 10 x 40 lbs = 3,200 lbs.)
BEAMS
Beams come in all kinds of materials and shapes and lengths. STEEL
I-BEAMS weigh approximately 40 lbs a linear ft. at 1/2 inch thick and
8 inches x 8 inches. If it were 1 inch thick then it would be 80 lbs a
linear ft. If it were 20 feet long at 1 inch thick then it would weigh about
1,600 lbs.
(20 ft. x 80 lbs. = 1,600lbs.)
A
S
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