Overead Crane Safety Tips

OVERHEAD CRANE SAFETY TIPS

Overhead cranes are generally used for indoor hoisting activities. They are often installed for specific repetitive tasks. The capacity of these cranes is wide ranging. Contractors may use them for specialized hoisting operations such as removing or installing major plant equipment.

Safe operation of overhead cranes requires operators to have the knowledge and competence to employ safe rigging practices. The rigger must rig the load to ensure its stability when lifted.

Machines of Elevated parts and Overhead facilities

• Overhead facilities (such as: powerlines, pipe racks, accessbridges, ..) are a constant hazard for jib/tower mounted machines(such as: cranes, excavators, boring machines, loaded trailers ..).
• Machine operators and supervisors must always survey the job site and note the location of any overhead facility or structure. Make certain that a sufficient number of banksmen, rigger and other personnel also to identify type of overhead obstruction may exist in or near by the work area.
• When moving machines fitted with elevated parts to a new location, place the jib/ parts at the lowest angle and use a flagman to direct the machine operator. Never drive, or move such equipment's on a roadway unless securing the route, cranes should not move with the boom up or extended or unsecured hooks.
• If a power line is pulled down by a machine, DO NOT approach the machine. The threat of electrocution is to employees close to the machine. The operator/driver for tire mounted machine should not be electrocuted since the tires or treads act as insulators. He should not leave the machine until the power source has been switched off.
• Damage to any overhead facility should be reported immediately (or as soon as possible) to minimize hazard escalation.

The following points highlight safety tips for overhead crane operation.

• Before use, ensure the crane is suitable for the planned hoisting task(s). Confirm it has appropriate travel, lift, and capacity.
• Visually and physically inspect the crane before use. Check for damage, wear, and proper operation of all functions.
• Confirm the load weight. Check the capacity of all equipment including the hardware, rope, and slings.

Do not exceed these capacities.

1. Select the right sling for each lift. Inspect slings and other rigging hardware before use for wear, stretch, or other damage. 
• Do not use damaged or defective slings. 
• Use softeners around sharp corners. 
• Do not splice broken slings.
2. When communicating with a crane operator, use clear agreed-upon signals. 
• Except for the stop signal, the crane operator should follow instructions from only one person – a designated signaler. 
• Where a wired or remote controller is used, the operator should become familiar with all of its functions before lifting the load.
3. Warn all people in the load lift area before starting the lift. 
4. Ensure that the path of the load is clear of persons and obstructions. 
• Do not lift loads over anyone. 
• Centre the crane hoist over the load before hoisting to prevent swinging of the load.
5. Slide the sling fully onto the hoisting hook and ensure the safety catch is closed. 
• Do not load the hook tip or hammer a sling into place.
6. Secure unused sling legs. Do not drag slings or leave loose materials on a load being hoisted.
7. Keep hands and fingers from being trapped when slack is taken out of a sling. Step away before the lift is made.

Caution

• Ensure that the load is free to move. If a load is stuck and the crane begins or continues to lift, it may reach its full capacity quickly. There may be little or no warning of this condition and rigging components may fail.
• Move the load and controls smoothly. Minimize load swing.
• Walk ahead of the load during travel and warn people to keep clear. 
• Use a tag line to prevent rotation or other uncontrolled motion. 
• Raise the load only as high as necessary to clear objects. 
• Do not ride on hook or load.
• Set loads down on blocking, never directly on a sling. 
• Do not pull or push loads out from under the hoist.
• Do not leave the load (or the crane) unattended while the load is suspended.
• Where crane operation by other personnel must be restricted, employ lockout and tagging procedures.
• Store slings off the floor in a clean, dry location on hooks or racks. 
• Do not leave slings, accessories, or blocking lying on the floor.