General Crane Safety  Suggestions

The Crane Manufacturers' Association of America recommends these general standards for crane operators and support personnel.

Know Your Crane

Crane operators should be familiar with the principal parts of a crane and have a thorough knowledge of crane control functions and movements. (See "Crane Components")

Both the crane operator and the person hitching (or rigging) the load should be required to know the location and proper operation of the main runway conductor disconnecting means for all cranes in the area. The crane operators should be thoroughly familiar with the operating manual provided by the Crane Manufacturer.

Responsibility

Each crane operator should be held directly responsible for the safe operation of the crane. Whenever there is any doubt as to SAFETY, the crane operator should stop the crane and refuse to handle loads until: (1) safety has been assured or (2) the operator has been ordered to proceed by the supervisor, who then assumes all responsibility for the SAFETY of the lift.

Do not permit ANYONE to ride on the hook or a load.

Don't Argue

Cab-controlled crane operators should never argue with personnel on the floor. The crane operator's job requires close cooperation with the hitcher.

All disagreements concerning crane operation should be called to the attention of the supervisor.

Entering a Crane (Cab-Operated Cranes)

Crane operators should enter and leave cranes only at designated places using the platform, steps or ladder provided -- unless otherwise authorized by the supervisor.

Both hands should be used when ascending or descending a crane ladder. Keep hands free. A handline should be used for lifting or lowering material, tools, lunch buckets, etc. Operators should fasten handlines securely to the crane or building structure, not to themselves.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping should be maintained at all times. The crane operator should keep the crane cab and access clear and clean. Do not permit loose objects such as tools, bolts, boards, etc. around the cab or on the crane because they represent a safety hazard.

Inspection

Test all controls on the crane at the beginning of each shift. Be sure the limit switches, brakes, ropes, hooks and other protective devices are in good working order. Check crane for such things as proper functioning of all controls, and check for loose or damaged parts.

Whenever the operator finds anything wrong or apparently wrong, the problem should be reported immediately to the proper supervisor.

Signals

Standard crane signals (See Figure 2) should be accepted only from ONE authorized person except where it is apparent that to do so would result in an accident. 

Obey a STOP signal at all times, no matter who gives it.

Loads should not be moved unless the standard crane signals are clearly given, seen and understood.

Unusual signals are seldom required, but if used they should be thoroughly understood by the crane operator and authorized person giving the signal.

 

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