Safety Procedure : Mobile Crane
A crane is a type of machine, generally equipped with a hoist rope, wire ropes or chains, and sheaves, that can be used both to lift and lower materials and to move them horizontally. It is mainly used for lifting heavy materials and transporting them to other places. In job sites cranes are commonly employed for the movement of materials.
Crane Operators (construction work)
- Must be approved by the Workplace Operational Head .
- Are knowledgeable of applicable standards, capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards, and have authorization to take prompt corrective measures.
- Must meet applicable Commonwealth of countries Legal and OSH requirements, including:
- Hoisting License of the appropriate class issued as per the Countries local guidelines.
- Certification from a nationally accredited crane operator testing organization (must be renewed every 5 years), and
- A DOT physical examination and a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
Crane Operators (non-construction work)
- Must be approved by the Workplace Operational Head .
- Are knowledgeable of applicable standards, capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards, and have authorization to take prompt corrective measures.
- Must meet applicable Commonwealth of countries Legal and OSH requirements, including:
- Hoisting License of the appropriate class issued as per the Countries local guidelines.
- Attend crane safety awareness certification, or equivalent, from an approved trainer (must be renewed every 3 years), and
- A DOT physical examination and a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
Environmental Health and Safety Director
- Maintains this procedure.
- Provides compliance assistance to Workplace Operational Head .
- Investigates accidents and incidents involving mobile cranes and identifies corrective actions.
Workplace Operational Head
- In collaboration with the EH&S, authorizes and designates, Crane Operators, Riggers and Signal Persons and ensures that these personnel are trained and certified according to work requirements.
- Ensures that ground conditions at work locations are firm, drained, graded and provide adequate support.
- Informs Crane Operator of the locations of hazards beneath equipment (tanks, utilities, etc.)
- Ensures that contractors comply with all OSH and Country / State requirements.
- Ensures that all mobile cranes are inspected on a regular basis, by qualified inspectors, and that they are properly maintained.
- Ensures that modifications to a mobile crane are approved by the manufacturer or a Professional Engineer.
Qualified Rigger
A Qualified Rigger is a person that:
- Possesses a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or
- Has extensive knowledge, training, and experience, and
- Can successfully demonstrate the ability to solve problems related to rigging loads.
- One of the following options must be used to ensure a rigger is qualified:
- The Qualified Rigger has documentation from a third party qualified evaluator showing that he or she meets the qualification requirements; or
- The Workplace Operational Head or his designee determines if the individual meets the qualification requirements, and provides documentation of that determination.
Signal Person
A Signal Person is required when:
- The point of operation is not in full view of the operator;
- The operator’s view is obstructed in the direction the equipment is traveling; and/or
- Either the operator or the person handling the load determines that a Signal Person is needed because of site-specific safety concerns.
- One of the following options must be used to ensure a signal person is qualified:
- The Signal Person has documentation from a third party qualified evaluator showing that he or she meets the qualification requirements; or
- The Facilities Director or his designee determines if the individual meets the qualification requirements, and provides documentation of that determination.
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES
- Crane operators shall not engage in any practice that will divert their attention while operating the equipment.
- Operators, riggers, and signal persons must wear personal protective equipment, including hard hats and safety shoes when conducting hoisting activities and working within the lifting radius.
- Prior to operating a mobile crane, the operator must make a complete walk around the equipment to ensure that people are clear of the equipment, all equipment is in a safe condition, and to identify any overhead electrical hazards.
- Confirm safe site conditions - checking for hazardous weather, excessive wind, and icing.
- Verify that ground conditions at work locations are firm, stable, drained, graded and provide adequate support. Ensure blocking is stable, adequately supported, and of sufficient strength.
- Barricades, warning signs or other methods must be used to prevent entry into a lift area or turn radius of the crane. Traffic patterns and pedestrian safety must be considered.
- All controls must be tested by the operator prior to operating the equipment. Any malfunctions must be corrected or repaired before operating the crane.
- Operators will respond to signals only from a trained Signal Person.
- All loads must be rigged by a Qualified Rigger.
- The operator is responsible to secure any unattended hoisting equipment.
- At no time shall persons work under a suspended load and suspended loads shall not be left unattended without proper safeguards.
- Rigging design and hoisting procedures should conform to countries Legal & OSH requirements.
- For critical lifts, a critical lift plan must be developed and followed.
- Whenever there is any doubt as to safety, the operator has the authority and obligation to stop all hoisting activities and refuse to handle loads until safety has been assured.
INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Each mobile crane shall be maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications and inspected according to countries Leagl & OSH requirement by a qualified inspector. Any deficiencies must be corrected before use. Inspections include:
- Before each use - Cranes must be visually inspected by the operator to make sure it is in safe operating condition, and all controls tested in accordance with rules.
- Monthly – Documented inspection in accordance with rules
- Annual/Comprehensive - Documented inspection in accordance with rules
- Equipment not in regular use – Equipment that has been idle for three (3) months or more must have a documented inspection before it can be returned to service.
No comments:
Post a Comment