Safety comes first
Mobile cranes are responsible for a large portion of accidents,
injuries, and fatalities.. An organization should be aware of the
hazards involved in mobile crane operations. It is the employer’s
responsibility to provide training for all phases of safe crane
operations, andload handling. It is an employer’s responsibility to
ensure that all proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are
utilized in crane operations..
Loads that are dropped by mobile cranes pose a severe hazard to any
personnel involved in crane operations. The manufacturer’s rated
capacity shall never be exceeded, no matter what the reason.. A mobile
crane operator has the authority to refuse to lift any load if there
is any question as to safety, the weight of the load or any other
reason. Per ASME B30.5-2007, it is the operator’s responsibility to
consult with the person in charge of the lift, or the site supervisor,
and not lift until safety is assured..A load indicating device is a
tool that is meant to assist an operator in not exceeding a crane’s
rated capacity, but is not meant to replace the operator’s common
sense and judgment. An organization should insure they are calibrated
annually.. A mobile crane operator should insure that the loads are
rigged correctly and that the load hook is placed over the center of
gravity of the load prior to lifting it. The person in charge of the
lift shall inspect all sling and rigging hardware that is to be used.
When two or more cranes are used to lift one load, one designated
person shall be responsible for the operation. That person shall
analyze the operation and instruct all personnel involved in the
proper positioning, rigging of the load, and the movements to be made.
Decisions such as the necessity to reduce crane ratings, load
position, boom location, ground support, and speed of movement shall
be in accordance with this analysis.
Cranes coming into contact with energized overhead power lines are
the number one killer of ground personnel in the United States. Prior
to beginning work a site safety analysis should be conducted where all
potential hazards are identified and marked..
All lines should be considered energized unless the owning utility has
provided written documentation stating that they are indeed de-
energized.Always maintain the required clearances from electrical
lines and sources as specified by ASME B30. 5 and the applicable OSHA
Regulation.
Operators should use an audible warning and operating signal device
to notify workers of crane movement. If the operator has a limited
view, a trained, qualified signal should direct the crane operations.
No one shall be permitted to ride on the load, or load hook. The load
hook shall be secured when the crane is in transit to prevent side
loading on the boom and possible boom damage. Lack of proper
training is a major cause of accidents. Mobile crane operator
training, in accordance with ASME B30.5 is required for all
operators.
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