SAFE HANDLING OF OVERHEAD CRANES (GENERAL) TRAINING COURSES

(1 DAY TRAINING COURSE)

CERTIFICATION COURSE

CERTIFIED COMPETENCE TRAINER

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Countless companies in the manufacturing and construction industries rely on overhead cranes to lift and transport materials. When installed and used properly, these systems make operations easier and safer. But, overhead crane accidents cause severe injuries and fatalities every year. Preventing these disasters requires workers to recognize certain hazards that occur during operation and follow safety procedures to avoid them.

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There are multiple hazards that can arise regarding cranes in general. Many accidents involve large lift systems like tower cranes and mobile cranes. But hazards do exist with all types of cranes including overhead cranes and in all facets of crane operation. (Overhead cranes are defined by OSHA as a crane with a movable bridge carrying a movable or fixed hoisting mechanism, and traveling on an overhead fixed runway structure.)

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Analysis of overhead crane accidents reveals three common safety hazards that every company using overhead lift systems should be aware of to keep their workers safe. It’s important to be familiar with these hazards and learn to recognize them in the workplace in order to avoid them. The three most common hazards involving overhead cranes include electrical hazards, overloading, and materials falling/slipping from overhead hoists.

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The following analysis of each hazard provides a description, potential risks, reasons why accidents occur, preventative measures to avoid them, and applicable OSHA requirements. One commonality that all three hazards share is the qualifications of crane operators. It is the responsibility of the crane owner and job supervisor to ensure that crane operators are competent and qualified to do the job. Click here to read more about training requirements and minimum competent personnel guidelines outlined by OSHA.

Safety Tips for Overhead Crane Operation

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1)  Before use, ensure the crane is suitable for the planned hoisting task. Confirm it has appropriate travel, lift, and capacity.

2)  Visually and physically inspect the crane before use.  Check for damage, wear, and proper operation of all functions.

3)  Confirm the load weight. Check the capacity of all equipment including the hardware, rope, and slings. Do not exceed these capacities.

4)  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.

5)  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.

6)  Warn all people in the load lift area before starting the lift. Ensure that the path of the load is clear of persons and obstructions. Do not lift loads over anyone. Center the crane hoist over the load before hoisting to prevent swinging of the load.

7)  Slide the sling fully onto the hoisting hook and ensure the safety latch is closed. Do not load the hook tip or hammer a sling into place.

8)  Secure unused sling legs. Do not drag slings or leave loose materials on a load being hoisted.

9)  Keep hands and fingers from being trapped when slack is taken out of a sling. Step away before the lift is started.

10)  Move the load and controls smoothly. Minimize load swing.

11)  Walk ahead of the load during travel and warn people to keep clear. Use a tagline to prevent rotation or other uncontrolled motion. Raise the load only as high as necessary to clear objects. Do not ride on the hook or load.

12)  Set loads down on blocking, never directly on a sling.  Do not pull or push loads out from under the hoist.

13)  Do not leave the load (or the crane) unattended while the load is suspended.

14)  Where crane operation by other personnel must be restricted, employ lockout and tagging procedures.

15)  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.