Crane Safety

 www.safetygoodwe.com 

CRANE COUNTERWEIGHTS 

Although it seems like everyone knows of the danger of being struck by a crane's counterweight, this type of accident still persists in industry. The following incidents illustrate the hazards faced by employees working near cranes. 

• An ironworker was tying rebar for a column in the close proximity of a crawler crane. The crane was busy positioning other material on the job site. The ironworker stepped backwards just as the crane swung it's load. The ironworker was struck by the crane's counterweight. 
• A laborer who was carrying a bag of cement inadvertently walked behind a crane. The crane swung and the worker was pinned between the counterweight and an adjacent pier. 
• A laborer foreman stopped briefly between a lumber pile and crane to watch it's operation. As the crane turned, the foreman stepped back to provide additional room for the swing of the counterweight. The foreman tripped and fell over a pile of lumber. 

A common element in all of the above incidents was the failure to keep the swing area of the crane's counterweight clear of workers and materials or equipment that must be retrieved. Several solutions to this problem are: 

Eliminate the problem - Locate the crane in a position where there will be no pinch points created between the counterweights and nearby objects. The operator should only operate the equipment when the crane's swing area is clear. 

Guard or warn of the hazard - The counterweight's swing area can be barricaded to keep workers out of the hazard zone. When appropriate, warning tape can be used to identify the swing area. Painting a portion of the counterweight a bright color helps to warn of the hazard by making it more highly visible. 

Eye to eye contact - All workers in the area should be told to keep clear of the swing area. If material or equipment must be retrieved from within the counterweight swing area, the worker should make positive visual contact with the operator prior to entering the hazard zone. Once the worker is done, the operator and worker should once again make positive visual contact so that the operator knows it is now safe to continue full operation. 

KEEP WORKERS & MATERIALS CLEAR OF THE CRANE SWING AREA!!

CRANE DRIVERS

1. Before starting ensure that cab windows are clean and controls in neutral.
2. Test the safe load indicator is working correctly and that brakes are satisfactory.
3. Check all round visibility for possible hazards and adjacent personnel, or obstructions. 
4. If overhead power lines are near, ensure that current has been switched off. 
5. If the lines are to remain live, ensure you work to the stated procedures and to the method statement for the operation.
6. Make sure that any load to be lifted is within the safe working limit of the crane, which must not be exceeded; lifting tackle is part of the load.
7. Work only on the signals of the authorized slinger or, where he cannot be seen, the signaler.
8. Loads must be straight lifted and not slewed over personnel. Loads must be correctly slung.
9. Loads must not be left suspended on the hook and they must not be dropped freely or snatch lifted.
10. Make sure cut outs are working correctly, but do not depend entirely on their automatic operation.
11. Always make sure that it is safe to commence lifting and personnel are clear of the load.
12. Always test the load before making a lift. For unequal loads test for level slinging.
13. Avoid over winding or allowing the hoist rope to be run far off the drum.
14. Comply with crane maker’s instructions and any additional ones issued by management
15. Get a Permit to Lift from approver before lifting loads.
16. Ensure that your weekly inspection is recorded
17. Ensure that your 12 monthly test and thorough examination has not expired.

CRANE DANGER SIGNS TO WATCH FOR 

If you work around cranes, you should be on the lookout for the following eight danger signs of improper operation. If you see any of these occurring on a jobsite, immediately inform a supervisor before a catastrophe takes place. Here are things to watch for: 

1. Outriggers, crawler tracks, or tires raised off the ground while operating. This is an extremely dangerous condition which indicates the crane is being overloaded and may tip over or collapse. The wrong move in this situation can cause a catastrophe. 
2. Operating close to power lines or other dangerous objects. Electrocution due to contact with power lines is the leading cause of crane related fatalities. Detailed federal regulations for proximity to high voltage sources must be strictly enforced. Any potential danger should be pointed out to the crane operator or a supervisor-but never touch the crane at this time. 
3. Riding the load or crane hook. This is a serious violation of federal and state safety regulations. Crane structures and cables have far lower strength margins for handling material than what is required for lifting personnel. Workers must never be suspended from a crane boom unless an approved personnel basket with mandatory safety equipment is used, and lifting procedures are strictly followed. 
4. Visible structural damage on the crane or rigging. There is little or no back up system in the load-supporting components of most cranes. A damaged component can fail completely and without warning, causing the boom or load to fall. 
5. Modifications made by adding extra counterweight or holding down the rear of the crane. All job initiated modifications are illegal and may permit overloading the crane. If not approved by the crane manufacturer in writing, these modifications can over stress critical structural components, which could cause failure of the crane. 
6. A crane operating near a trench or excavation. Cranes exert extremely high loads on the soil near the tracks, outriggers, or tires. A crane set up in close proximity to an excavation can cause soil failure, crane turnover, and possible disaster. 
7. The crane is noticeably out of level while operating. There is no faster way to collapse a crane boom than to impose a side force on the boom. Working out of level creates a dynamic side force which means a crane collapse may be imminent. 
8. The crane's hoist line is not vertical at all times during operation. This indicates improper operation. A hoist line which is not vertical obviously indicates that the load is not hanging straight down. Out of plumb loads can cause crane collapse by generating side forces on the boom. In some instances, the crane may tip over if the load swings.