CRANE SAFETY

09/01/2022
Objectives of Training:

1.To inform operators of the various hazards

associated with crane use.

2.To inform operators of the Saudi Aramco standards

associated with safely operating equipment.

3.To inform operators about the proper times to

conduct inspections, and the associated hazards they
are based on.
References:
GI 2.100 Work Permit System
GI 2.702 Moving Drilling Rig, High Clearance Equipment/Loads, or
Operating Cranes Under or Near
Power-Lines
GI 7.024 Marine and Off-Shore Crane, Hoist and Rigging Operations
GI 7.025 Heavy Equipment Operator Testing and Certification
GI 7.026 Cranes, Elevating and Heavy Equipment Accident
Reporting
GI 7.027 Crane Suspended Personnel Platform (Manbasket)
Operations
GI 7.029 Rigging Hardware Requirements
GI 7.030 Inspection and Testing Requirements of Elevating/Lifting
Equipment
Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual
Definitions:
Crane –: A crane consisting of a rotating superstructure with a
power plant, operating machinery, and boom, mounted on a base
and equipped with crawler treads for travel or mounted on a crane
carrier equipped with axles and rubber-tired wheels for travel.

Crane Lift –: Critical - Any crane lift that requires a Critical Lift
Plan

Crane Lift -: Standard (Ordinary) - A standard crane lift is any lift not
classified as a critical lift. Crane configuration shall be with main boom
only.

Crane Operator - A person certified by Saudi Aramco as being

qualified to operate a specific model and capacity of crane; may
also receive additional certifications for crane attachments, tandem
lifts, pick and carry operations, and personnel platforms
(manbaskets). 09/01/20
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Types of Cranes

• Mobile Telescopic • Overhead Traveling

• Crawler Lattice • Wall
• Side Lift • Gantry
• All Terrain • Semi-Gantry
• Truck Mounted • Cantilever
• Articulating • Straddle/Mobile Gantry
• Barge/Floating/Ship • Tower/Derrick Hammer
• Railroad Head
• Aerial/Helicopter • Stiff-leg Derrick

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Common Issues and Hazards with Cranes:

Hazards :

• Electrical hazards, power lines.

• Overloading, poor weight distribution.

• Materials slipping or falling from the crane.

• Improper ground conditions.

• Adverse weather conditions

• Mechanical failure
Damage to people and property:

Materials slipping and falling from the crane is a

serious hazard because people underneath 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.
 

It is also a hazard to the environment around the

crane.
 

Steam lines, underground vaults, voids, and utilities

are all Improper ground conditions
 
Weather:

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.

Just remember that high winds = uncontrollable

load which makes the job unsafe for everyone.
The crane arm also acts like a lightning rod.
Common Maintenance Hazards with Cranes:

Issues:

 Damage and degradation to the wire rope.

 Alignment issues.

 Wear and tear on end truck wheels.

 Issues with electrification system.

 Bent or damaged hooks.

Crane Setup Hazards:

When setting up the crane prior to operating, the following must

be ensured:

• The ground is level, and free from any obstructions.

• All outriggers are properly extended and the correct outrigger
pads are used.
• When checking the outriggers, there should be no float.
• The crane’s area is large enough to satisfy the crane’s radii
when rotated.
Crane Outrigger Hazards:

 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:
 Extending the outriggers into a person or piece of equipment.
 Pinch points when setting up the outriggers pads.
 Ensure proper pads are used to reduce the risk of 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:
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.

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Crane Inspections and Associated Hazards:
 Control mechanisms interfering with operation.

 Control and drive mechanics with excessive wear and contamination by

lubricants and other foreign matter.

 Air, Hydraulic and other pressurized systems for deterioration or

leakage.
 Hydraulic system for proper fluid levels.

 Hooks and latches for: deformation, cracks, excessive wear, or

chemical damage.

 Wire rope in compliance with manufacturer.

 Electrical apparatus for: malfunctioning, 09/01/20

deterioration, dirt, and
moisture accumulation. 22
 Ground conditions around equipment for support: ground settling under
and around outriggers/stabilizers, and foundations, groundwater
accumulation, does not include railroad tracks.

 Equipment for level position specified by manufacturers

recommendation, both before and after each shift.

 Operator cab windows for: significant cracks, breaks or other deficiencies

that can hinder operators view.
 When equipment is rail traveling: Rails, Rail stops, and Rail clamps.
 Safety devices and operational aids for proper operation.
 Tires for proper inflation and condition.
CRITICAL CRANE LIFTS
 Any part of a crane whose boom or boom attachment is working
within 10 meters (33 feet) of any hydrocarbon and/or
Pressurized piping areas. This includes cranes having to suspend
a load over vessels, piping, and/or equipment containing
hydrocarbons, steam, or other pressurized liquids.

 Any part of a crane whose boom or boom attachment is working

within 10 meters (33 feet) of any populated/traffic areas. This
includes cranes having to suspend a load over pedestrians,
vehicle traffic, occupied construction equipment, and/or
occupied buildings.

 Any crane lift that requires an attachment(s) to the main boom.

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 Any load 40 tons or greater.

 Any load that exceeds 85% of the crane’s rated load capacity or
manufacturer’s specifications for that specific lift.

 Any crane lift with explosion/fire/high heat hazards

 Any crane working near energized power-lines.

 Special critical crane lifts, hazardous by their nature and

requiring special training, rigging, and/or boom attachments,
include, but are not limited to, the following examples and
restrictions/requirements:
 Tailing, tandem (multiple), or turning lifts
 Crane suspended personnel platforms(Manbaskets)
Crane Inspection Checklist:

A crane inspection must be performed prior to operating the crane. Any

deficiencies located must be taken care of before the crane can be safely
operated
Crane Operator Qualification:
A heavy equipment operator shall have a valid Saudi Aramco Heavy
Equipment Certificate (or, if offshore, a valid Saudi Aramco or home
country certificate) to operate the specific heavy equipment

The “Saudi Aramco/Contractor Request for Heavy Equipment Operator

Certification Test” application form (SA 9647) [See Attachment #2] shall
be submitted to ITD for each heavy equipment operator being tested.

In addition to the application form, the heavy equipment operator

applicant shall provide
copies of:

a) Saudi Aramco USER sponsoring letter (for contractors only),

b) Saudi Aramco ID (if required),
c) SAG Public Driver’s License or SAG Heavy Equipment Operator License
(if required) with specific equipment stamp,

The Saudi Aramco Heavy Equipment Certificate shall be valid for three (3)
years.
Improper Load

Improper loads or speeds can result

in the tipping of the crane.
Swing Radius

Stay out of the swing radius of the crane –

make sure there are barrier guards showing swing radius.
Operator Visibility

Broken
Window

Make sure broken

windows or other
obstructions do not
prevent the
operator from
seeing.
Suspended Loads

Don’t stand
under suspended
loads.
Planning Before Start-Up

 Level the crane and ensure support surface is firm and able to support the load.
 Contact power line owners and determine precautions. Know the location and
voltage of overhead power lines.
 Know the basic crane capacities, limitations, and job site restrictions, such as
the location of power lines, unstable soil, or high winds.
 Make other personnel aware of hoisting activities.
 Barricade areas within swing radius.
 Ensure proper maintenance and inspections.
 Determine safe areas to store materials and place machinery.

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