MODULE 15: Cranes And Rigging

No This is not a hazard that is commonly associated with cranes. However, an improper exhaust system can be a problem.

Yes It is really important to communicate, via radios or hand signals, between the operator and the people on the ground.

Yes Crane operators must know the load limits of the crane and the weight of the load about to be lifted

No This is not a hazard that is commonly associated with cranes. However, an improper exhaust system can be a problem.

Yes A boom angle indicator helps prevent cranes from tipping over. It must be located on the crane in a position where it will be clearly visible to the operator.

Yes Contact with energized power lines causes nearly 45 percent of crane accidents.

Safe If a crane is on ground that is not level, it is more likely to tip over and injure or kill people. Accidents are caused by things such as instability, lack of communication, lack of training, and inadequate maintenance or inspection.

Unsafe Soft ground can lead to instability, which can lead to overturned cranes. Accidents are caused by things such as instability, lack of communication, lack of training, and inadequate maintenance or inspection.

Safe If a load exceeds the crane's load capacity, there will be a high risk of something breaking, falling, or overturning.

Unsafe Contact with power lines is a common cause of accidents. Accidents are caused by things such as instability, lack of communication, lack of training, and inadequate maintenance or inspection.

Unsafe Unsecured loads can lead to dropped loads. Accidents are caused by things such as instability, lack of communication, lack of training, and inadequate maintenance or inspection.

Ensure the crane support surface is able to support the load, Know the voltage of overhead power lines, Know the basic crane capacities and limitations, Barricade areas within the swing radius. The safety guidelines for operating a crane before initial start-up include: 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 the swing radius Ensure proper maintenance and inspections Determine safe areas to store materials and place machinery

Operators under the influence OSHA has identified the major causes of crane accidents to be boom or crane contact with energized power lines (nearly 45% of the cases); overturned cranes; dropped loads; boom collapse; crushing by the counter weight; outrigger use; falls; and rigging failures.

The following are examples of various crane hazards: improper load rating, excessive speeds, no hand signals, inadequate inspection and maintenance, unguarded parts, unguarded swing radius, working too close to power lines, improper exhaust system, shattered windows, no steps, guardrails or walkways, no boom angle indicator, and not using outriggers.

Boom or crane contact with energized power lines OSHA has identified that boom or crane contact with energized power lines causes nearly 45 percent of all crane accidents.

Open swing radius to allow free movement Follow the listed safety guidelines before initial 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, job site restrictions; make other personnel aware of hoisting activities; barricade areas within the swing radius; ensure proper maintenance and inspection, and determine safe areas to store materials and place machinery.

Ensure proper maintenance and inspections of the crane While all tasks are critical to safe crane operation, a crane that has not been inspected by a competent person and that has had all maintenance performed regularly should not be used.

Yes Using extensions or jibs will limit the load capacity of a crane.

Yes Wind conditions at the time of the operation may limit the load capacity of a crane.

No The use of attachments will limit the load capacity of a crane.

No Sun probably wouldn't have much effect on a crane's load capacity, but wind might.

Yes The slings' weight limit may limit the load capacity of a crane.

Yes The existence of side loads may destabilize the crane.

Center of Gravity The center of gravity is the point in the object around which its weight is evenly distributed.

Stability Stability for a crane requires a level firm surface.

Center of Gravity The location of the center of gravity of a mobile crane depends primarily on the location of its heaviest components (boom, carrier, upper-works, and counterweight).

Structural Integrity These elements may affect structural integrity: the load chart capacity in relationship to stability; the boom angle limitations that affect stability and capacity; and the length of boom and radius in determining capacity.

Structural Integrity The crane's main frame and crawler track are considered part of the structural integrity of lifting.

Stability In areas where soft ground poses a support problem, mats and/or blocking should be used to distribute a crane's load and to maintain a level stable condition.

Center of Gravity The location of the center of gravity of a mobile crane depends primarily on the weight and location of its heaviest components (boom, carrier, upper-works, and counterweight).

Structural Integrity The crane's main frame, crawler track, and/or outrigger supports, boom sections, and attachments are all considered part of the structural integrity of lifting.

Stability Stability is the relationship of the load weight, angle of the boom, and its radius (distance from the crane's center of rotation to the center of the load) to the center of gravity of the load.

The principle stating that the rotation of the cab or boom changes the center of gravity; also known as fulcrum The rotation of the upper-works (cab, boom, counterweight, and load) changes the location of the center of gravity, known as the leverage point or fulcrum.

The crane's main frame, crawler track, and/or outrigger supports The crane's main frame, crawler track, and/or outrigger supports, boom sections, and attachments are all considered part of the structural integrity of lifting.

A means of ensuring that cranes are not overloaded The load-mounted indicator ensures that cranes are not overloaded.

The point in the object around which its weight is evenly distributed The location of the center of gravity of a mobile crane is the point where its weight is evenly distributed. It depends primarily on the weight and location of its heaviest components (boom, carrier, upper-works, and counterweight).

Relationship of the load weight, angle of the boom, and its radius to the center of gravity of the load Stability involves the relationship of the load weight, angle of the boom, and its radius (distance from the crane's center of rotation to the center of the load) to the center of gravity of the load.

Operator skill The four basic lifting principles that govern a crane's mobility and safety during lifting operations are the center of gravity, leverage, structural integrity and stability.

Annually A thorough documented inspection of hoisting machinery must be carried out by a competent person on an annual basis.

Boom angle The following must be inspected on a regular basis: air pressure, tire inflation, clearance for rotating superstructure, wire rope wear, physical damage to the crane, loose or missing hardware or fasteners, and fluid leaks.

One The crane must be uniformly level within one percent of level grade and located on firm footing.

Three In running ropes, with six randomly distributed broken wires in one lay or three broken wires in one strand in one lay.

Support at least five times the maximum intended load Master links, shackles, wire rope, and all other rigging hardware must be capable of supporting at least five times the maximum intended load without failure.

Require loads to be equally divided among the bridle legs When using a wire rope bridle to connect the personnel platform to the load line, always make sure that each bridle leg is connected to the shackle or master link. Also make sure that the load is equally divided among the bridle legs.

Supports its own weight and five times the maximum load The personnel platform should be capable of supporting its own weight and at least five times the maximum intended load without any failure.

Used in slings that support at least ten times the maximum intended load Slings made with rotation resistant rope must be capable of supporting at least ten times the maximum intended load without failure.

Include restraining devices and they do not swing outward during hoisting. If access gates are installed in the area, make sure that they do not swing outward during hoisting. In addition, to avoid accidents, the gates must be equipped to prevent accidental opening.

Do The activity of hoisting a personnel platform should be performed in a controlled, slow, and cautious manner.

Don't Do not hoist employees if weather conditions are bad, or if any other indication of impending danger exists.

Do The platform can only be used for employees necessary to perform the work.

Don't Always remember, when employees are suspended on a platform, do not lift anything on another of the crane's or derrick's load lines. Doing so could lead to an emergency situation.

Don't When employees are not being hoisted on it, the personnel platform should not be used for hoisting tools and materials.

Do When a platform is being raised, lowered, and positioned, it is vital that employees keep all parts of the body inside. Doing otherwise could lead to an accident.

Secured to Workers should not enter or leave a hoisted platform until the platform is secured to the structure where the work is to be performed.

Employers and workers should know that using a derrick or crane to hoist workers on a personnel platform is prohibited. The only exception is when the conventional means of reaching a worksite such as a ladder, stairway, personnel hoist, scaffold, aerial lift, or elevating platform would be more dangerous or the design of the structure does not allow employees to access the area.

Cranes with fixed-length and angle booms Cranes and derricks that have variable angle booms, and cranes with telescoping booms, should be equipped with a boom angle indicator that is clearly visible to the operator.

5 Master links, shackles, wire ropes and all other rigging hardware must be capable of supporting at least five times the maximum intended load without failure.

0.5 Guardrail systems must be enclosed from the toeboard to mid-rail with expanded metal having openings no greater than 0.5 inch.

Hoisting personnel on a platform According to OSHA, hoisting personnel on a platform is NOT considered to be a crane-related hazard.

1 OSHA Standards state that cranes must be uniformly level within 1 percent of level grade and located on firm footing.

Guardrails and protective equipment Guardrails and protective equipment, when hoisting a personnel platform, do not have to be engaged until the occupied platform is in a working position.

Structural integrity The structural integrity of lifting for a crane include: the main frame, crawler track and/or outrigger supports, boom sections, and attachments.

Safety glass Crane cab windshields must be made of manufacturer approved safety glass that can withstand distortion.

Center of gravity Center of gravity, leverage, structural integrity, and stability are the four basic lifting principles that govern a crane's mobility and safety during lifting operations.

The wind conditions An operator must take wind conditions into consideration when determining the load rating of a crane.

71 OSHA's analysis of crane accidents in general industry and construction identified an average of 71 fatalities per year.

The crane's manufacturer OSHA states that a crane's manufacturer rated load capacity should never be exceeded.

Required driver permits According to OSHA, required driver permits do not have to be posted on cranes as part of all of the pieces of information that need to be conspicuously posted and visible to operators.

All vehicles must have adequate audible warning devices at the operator's station, All vehicles must have a parking brake system that works, All vehicles must have a service brake system and an emergency brake system that work, Whenever visibility conditions warrant additional light, all vehicles must be equipped with at least two working taillights. All of the features you have noted must be maintained in operable condition to meet the OSHA standards for motor vehicles.

Correct rip handles for dump truck tailgates must be installed so the operator can stay clear during dumping

Incorrect Mud flaps may be used on motor vehicle equipment that is not designed for fenders.

Incorrect The extra few feet between the cab and the dump truck body is not enough to provide adequate protection from shifting or falling material.

Correct The truck has one extra seat and could carry an additional person while still meeting OSHA requirements.

Incorrect Cracked or broken glass must be replaced before the vehicle is placed in service.

Correct A latch or other safety device must be used on operating levers controlling hoisting or dumping operations to prevent accidentally tripping the mechanism.

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Equipment such as agricultural tractors Seat belts need not be provided for equipment which is designed only for standup operation. Seat belts need not be provided for equipment which does not have rollover protective structure (ROPS) or adequate canopy protection.

Headlights Brake lights, an emergency brake, and a parking brake are all required components for a motor vehicle. Head lights and tail lights are not required unless conditions warrant.

Disc All vehicles must have a service brake system, an emergency brake system, and a parking brake system.

Beginning All vehicles in use must be checked at the beginning of each shift to ensure that the following parts, equipment, and accessories are in safe operating condition and free of apparent damage that could cause failure while in use: service brakes, including trailer brake connections; parking system (hand brakes); emergency stopping system (brakes); tires; horn; steering mechanism; coupling devices; seat belts; operating controls; and safety devices. All defects should be corrected before the vehicle is placed in service.

Horns All bidirectional machines, such as rollers, compacters, front-end loaders, bulldozers, and similar equipment, must be equipped with horns, distinguishable from the surrounding noise levels.

Needs ROPS All rubber-tired front-end loaders, as well as rubber-tired, self-propelled scrapers and rubber-tired dozers, that are used in construction work must have rollover protective structures (ROPS).

Does Not Need A dump truck does not need a rollover protective structure (ROPS). All front-end loaders, self-propelled scrapers and dozers that have rubber tires and are used in construction work must have ROPS.

Does Not Need A flatbed truck does not need a rollover protective structure (ROPS). All front-end loaders, self-propelled scrapers and dozers that have rubber tires and are used in construction work must have ROPS.

Needs ROPS All rubber-tired, self-propelled scrapers, as well as rubber-tired front-end loaders and rubber-tired dozers, that are used in construction work must have rollover protective structures (ROPS).

Needs ROPS All crawler tractors, as well as crawler type loaders and motor graders, with or without attachment, that are used in construction work, must have rollover protective structures (ROPS).

The ROPS model number must be permanently affixed to the structure, Design of the structures must have a vertical clearance of at least 52 inches from the work deck to the ROPS, "Manufacturer or fabricator's name and address" shall be included on the ROPs, The ROPS must be at least two times the weight of the prime mover applied at the point of impact, The ROPS must be labeled with the equipment or model that it is designed to fit

52 The design must provide a vertical clearance of at least 52 inches from the work deck to the ROPS at the point of ingress or egress.

Crushed The design objective must be to minimize the likelihood of a complete overturn and, thereby, minimize the possibility of the operator being crushed as a result of a rollover or upset.

The machine make, model, or series Each ROPS must have permanently affixed to the structure the manufacturer or fabricator's name and address; the ROPS model number, if any; and the machine make, model, or series number that the structure is designed to fit. This latter information will confirm that the ROPS will protect the operator.

Sideboom pipe laying tractors All rubber-tired, self-propelled scrapers; rubber-tired front-end loaders; rubber-tired dozers; wheel-type agricultural and industrial tractors; crawler tractors; crawler-type loaders; and motor graders, with or without attachments that are used in construction work must have roll over protective structures. This requirement does not apply to sideboom pipe laying tractors.

Rollover protective structures and supporting attachments must be designed, fabricated, and installed in a manner which will support, based on the ultimate strength of the metal, at least two times the weight of the prime mover applied at the point of impact. This requirement does not apply to sideboom pipe laying tractors.

DANGER A danger sign must be used only where an immediate hazard exists. Each danger sign must have red as the dominant color for the upper panel, black outline on the borders, and a white lower panel for additional sign wording.

CAUTION Every caution sign must have yellow as the dominant color, a black upper panel and borders with yellow lettering of the word "caution" on the black panel, and a lower yellow panel for additional sign wording.

CONSTRUCTION AHEAD NEXT 2.5 MILES Traffic construction areas are marked with signs using black lettering on orange backgrounds. Directional signs, other than automotive traffic signs, must be white with a black panel and a white directional symbol. Any additional wording on the sign must be in black letters on the white background.

Accident prevention tags must be used as a temporary means of warning employees of an existing hazard, such as defective tools and equipment. They must not be used in place of, or as a substitute for, accident prevention signs.

EXIT Exit signs, when required, must be lettered in legible red letters, no less than six inches high, on a white field, and the principal stroke of the letters must be at least three-fourths of an inch in width.