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Crane operations

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Toolbox Talk: Safe Crane Operations

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all participants understand the key safety practices for operating cranes safely, including hazard identification, control measures, and emergency procedures.

Introduction

Cranes are essential in many industries for lifting and moving heavy loads. However, improper use can lead to serious accidents, including equipment damage, injuries, or fatalities. Understanding and following safety protocols is crucial to prevent such incidents.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to crane operations.

Key Points

  • Operator Qualifications: Only trained and authorized personnel should operate cranes. Operators must be familiar with crane mechanisms and safety rules [1].
  • Load Handling: Never exceed the crane's rated load capacity. Ensure loads are properly secured and balanced before lifting [2].
  • Signal Recognition: Operators should only respond to signals from the designated signal person to avoid miscommunication [1].
  • Pre-Operation Checks: Conduct thorough inspections of the crane and its components before use, including ropes and safety devices [3].
  • Emergency Procedures: Know the steps to take if power is lost or if an emergency stop is needed [1].

Hazard Identification

  • Overloading: Exceeding the crane's capacity can lead to structural failure and accidents.
  • Improper Rigging: Incorrectly attached loads can shift or fall, posing a risk to workers and equipment.
  • Environmental Conditions: Wind and weather can affect crane stability and operation [4].

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

  • Training and Certification: Ensure all operators are certified and trained in crane operations and safety protocols [5].
  • Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance and inspections to ensure all parts are in good working condition [6].
  • Use of PPE: Operators and nearby workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hard hats and safety boots.
  • Clear Communication: Use standard hand signals or radios for clear communication between operators and signalers [7].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Conduct a pre-operation inspection of the crane and work area.
  2. Verify load weight and ensure it does not exceed the crane's capacity.
  3. Secure the load with appropriate rigging techniques.
  4. Use designated signals to communicate with the operator.
  5. Monitor the load during movement to avoid obstacles and ensure stability.

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Hard Hats: Protect against falling objects.
  • Safety Boots: Provide protection from heavy loads and equipment.
  • High-Visibility Vests: Ensure visibility in the work area.

Real-World Example or Case Study

Discuss a recent incident where improper crane operation led to an accident. Highlight what went wrong and the lessons learned to prevent future occurrences.

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the most common causes of crane accidents?
  2. How can we improve communication during crane operations?
  3. What steps should be taken if a crane malfunctions during a lift?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

  1. Stop all operations immediately if a hazard is detected.
  2. Use emergency stop controls if available.
  3. Evacuate the area if necessary and alert emergency services.
  4. Report the incident to a supervisor and document the event.

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions and provide answers to common questions related to crane operations.

  • Q: What should you do if you notice a defect in the crane?

A: Report it immediately and do not operate the crane until it is repaired [8].

  • Q: How often should crane inspections be conducted?

A: Inspections should be conducted before each use and monthly for thorough checks [3].

  • Q: Can a crane be operated in high winds?

A: No, operations should be stopped if wind speeds exceed safe limits [4].

Summary

Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk:

  • Only trained operators should use cranes.
  • Never exceed the crane's load capacity.
  • Conduct regular inspections and maintenance.
  • Use clear communication and signals.

Action Items

  1. Review and understand the crane's operating manual.
  2. Ensure all operators are up-to-date with training and certifications.
  3. Conduct regular safety meetings to discuss crane operations.

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Always follow protocols and report any hazards immediately.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

Safety powered by SALUS

8 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 34

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (f) Evidence of physical defects, or emotional instability which could render the operator or trainee a hazard to their self or others, or could interfere with their safe performance may be sufficient cause for disqualification. In such cases, you must require specialized clinical or medical judgments or tests (which include annual medical certification for recovered heart attack patients). - (g) Evidence that an operator or trainee is subject to seizures or loss of physical control must be sufficient reason for disqualification. You must require specialized medical tests to substantiate these conditions. - (5) Persons who have recovered from a heart attack must be exempted from the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, as it pertains to their heart condition, provided: - (a) A medical release is obtained from their attending medical doctor. - (b) The release must state that the operation of a crane will not present a hazard to their self or others. - (c) An examination by a medical doctor, and renewal of the work release certification is required annually. - (6) The operator must be fully familiar with all crane rules and with the crane mechanism and its proper care. Needed adjustments or repairs must be reported at once to the proper authority. - (7) The operator must not eat, smoke or read while actually engaged in the operation of the crane, or operate the crane when physically unfit. - (8) The operator or someone especially designated must properly lubricate all working parts of the crane. - (9) You must keep cranes clean. - (10) You must ensure that whenever the operator finds the main or emergency switch open, it is not closed, even when starting on regular duty, until it is determined that no one is on or about the crane. You must not …

[2] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 32

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - Other ropes . You must thoroughly inspect all rope which has been idle for a period of a month or more due to shut down or storage of a crane on which it is installed before it is placed in service. You must inspect for all types of deterioration and you must ensure that the inspection is performed by an appointed person whose approval must be required for further use of the rope. You musts make available for inspection a written and dated report of the rope condition. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 15-24-100 (Order 15-04), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 12/01/2015, effective 01/05/2016. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 80-17-015 (Order 8021), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 11/13/80; Order 73-5, § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Handling the load. - (1) Size of load . You must ensure that the crane is not loaded beyond its rated load except for test purposes as provided in WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code]. ## (2) Attaching the load . - (a) You must ensure that the hoist chain or hoist rope is be free from kinks or twists and is not be wrapped around the load. - (b) The load must be attached to the load block hook by means of slings or other approved devices. - (c) You must take care to make certain that the sling clears all obstacles. ## (3) Moving the load . - (a) You must ensure that the load is well secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted more than a few inches. - (b) Before starting to hoist you must note the following conditions: - (i) Hoist rope must not be kinked. - (ii) Multiple part…

[3] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 265

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## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 S-15.1 REG 10 ## G Establish Capability of Crane: Implications of moments, leverage and mechanical advantage on capability Use of load charts to determine capability Effect of boom length, angle and load radius Effect of configuration changes, boom extension and jib Centre of gravity Abnormal loading; wind velocity Multi-crane hoists ## H Rigging: Inspection of ropes and rigging equipment Reeving: sheaves; spools; drums; wire ropes Rigging loads: hooks; safety catches; shackles; end fittings and connections Rigging slings: configurations; angles; safe working loads Safety factors for loads and workers ## I Signalling: Designated signaller: position; visibility; number Methods of signalling: hand; radio Standard hand signals ## J Maintenance of Crane: Maintenance schedule; planned preventative maintenance Inspection and repair procedures Blocking and the safe position of parts during maintenance Wire rope inspection and maintenance ## K Log Books: Record inspections, maintenance, calibrations and work activities Hours of service Signed by employer and person performing inspection, maintenance and calibration ## II Course Duration: - A Overhead travelling crane or hoist: 40 hours, classroom and practical. - B Tower or mobile crane: 100 hours, classroom and practical. - C Crane used to raise or lower a worker in a personnel-lifting unit on a hoist line: 20 hours of classroom and 200 hours of practical experience operating the crane in addition to the requirements set out in items A and B.

[4] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 116

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## S-15.1 REG 10 ## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 - (b) an overhead travelling crane that has a load rating equal to or greater than 50 tonnes; - (c) a crane that is used to raise or lower a worker on a personnel-lifting unit suspended from a hoist line; or - (d) a mobile crane that has a load rating greater than 5 tonnes. - (4) Subsection (3) does not apply to a crane that is: - (a) mounted on a vehicle and used exclusively to load or unload that vehicle; or - (b) owned by an employer, operated by a worker in the service of that employer and used solely at that employer's place of employment to perform work exclusively for that employer. - (5) In any circumstances other than those described in subsection (3), an employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) for any crane with a load rating greater than or equal to 5 tonnes, the designated operator is a competent operator; and - (b) for any mobile or overhead travelling crane with a load rating less than 5 tonnes, the designated operator is a competent worker. - (6) No worker shall operate a hoist, crane or lifting device unless the worker is a designated operator and has been trained in the operation of that hoist, crane or lifting device. - (7) No worker shall operate a crane unless the worker: - (a) has written proof of training in the operation of any crane that the worker will be required or permitted to operate; and - (b) has that written proof of training readily accessible at all times while the worker is operating the crane. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s13-6. ## Operating procedures - 13-7 (1) Subject to subsection (2), an employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) a copy of the manufacturer's operating manual for a hoist or crane is readily accessible to the operator; and - (b) an operator of a hoist or crane is thoroughly trained in and implements the manufacturer's recommended operating procedures. - (2) If the manufacturer's manual for a hoist or crane cannot be …

[5] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 80

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## Maintenance and inspection - 94 A bridge, jib, monorail, gantry or overhead travelling crane must meet the safety requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA B167-96 (R2007), Safety Standard for Maintenance and Inspection of Overhead Cranes, Gantry Cranes, Monorails, Hoists and Trolleys . ## Safe movement - 95 An employer must ensure that a crane operating on rails, tracks or trolleys - (a) has a positive stop or limiting device on the crane or on the rails, tracks or trolleys to prevent it from overrunning safe limits or contacting other equipment that is on the same rail, track or trolley, - (b) is equipped with an overspeed limiting device, - (c) has positive means of ensuring that the rails, tracks or trolleys cannot be spread or misalign, - (d) has sweep guards installed to prevent material on the rail, track or trolley from dislodging the crane, and - (e) has a bed designed to carry all anticipated loads. ## Controls - 95.1 An employer must ensure that the controls of an overhead crane are of a constant manual pressure type. ## Personnel Hoists ## Safety code for personnel hoists - 96 Except for a personnel hoist used in a mine, a personnel hoist must meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA Z185-M87 (R2006), Safety Code for Personnel Hoists . ## Roofer's Hoists ## Safe use and design - 97 (1) An employer must ensure that a roofer's hoist has counterweights - (a) designed as a component part of the hoist to remain securely attached to the hoist until all lifting is completed, and - (b) heavy enough to counterbalance 4 times the maximum weight of the load being lifted. - 97 (2) A person must not use roofing materials as a counterweight. - 97 (3) An employer must ensure that a roofer's hoist is inspected at reasonably practicable intervals by a competent worker designated by the employer. - 97 (4) An employer must ensure that bolts and pins used to interconnect component parts of a roofer's hoist are equipped with safety pins that prevent them from b…

[6] Occupational Health and Safety Code

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## Structural testing and examination 105 (1) An employer must ensure that all structural and rigging components of a tower crane undergo non-destructive testing under the direction and control of a professional engineer in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications - (a) as close as reasonably practicable to the project site, - (b) before the crane is used for the first time in a project in Alberta, and - (c) if the crane is moved from project to project, before it is used after the move. 105 (2) If a tower crane is in operation on a project for more than one year from the date on which the crane starts operating, the employer must ensure its structural components are examined under the direction and control of a professional engineer after each period of 2000 operating hours or 12 months after the date on which it starts operating, whichever occurs first. 105 (3) The employer must ensure that the results of the testing or examination required by subsections (1) and (2) are certified by a professional engineer in a report that clearly identifies the crane and the components to which the information relates. ## Wind and temperature limitations 106 (1) An employer must ensure that operation of a tower crane is stopped when the wind velocity at the elevation of the crane exceeds the limit recommended in the manufacturer's specifications or, if there are none, in specifications certified by a professional engineer. 106 (2) An employer must ensure that operation of a tower crane is stopped when the temperature in the vicinity of the crane is below the limit recommended in the manufacturer's specifications or, if there are none, in specifications certified by a professional engineer. ## Multiple cranes - 107 If 2 or more tower cranes are erected in such a manner that the radii of operations overlap, - (a) the employer must ensure that operators are provided with a visual or auditory means of communicating with each other, - (b) the operators must be able …

[7] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 31

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (b) After adjustments and repairs have been made you must not operate the crane until all guards have been reinstalled, safety devices reactivated and maintenance equipment removed. ## Adjustments and repairs . - (a) You must correct any unsafe conditions disclosed by the inspection requirements of WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] before operation of the crane is resumed. You must ensure that adjustments and repairs are done only by designated personnel. - (b) You must maintain adjustments maintained to ensure correct functioning of components. The following are examples: - (i) All functional operating mechanisms. - (ii) Limit switches. - (iii) Control systems. - (iv) Brakes. - (v) Power plants. - (c) You must provide repairs or replacements promptly as needed for safe operation. The following are examples: - (i) You must carefully examine accessory components, such as hooks, periodically and at the time of annual examination and inspection. You must discard cracked or deformed hooks immediately and not reused on any equipment subject to the provisions of this code. - (ii) Load attachment chains and rope slings showing defects described in WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] (2)(d) and (e) respectively. - (iii) All critical parts which are cracked, broken, bent, or excessively worn. - (iv) You must keep pendant control stations clean and function labels kept legible. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 15-24-100 (Order 15-04), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 12/01/2015, effective 01/05/2016. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 73-5, § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-[redacted post…

[8] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 50

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Handling the load. ## (1) Size of load . - (a) You must not load any crane beyond the rated load, except for test purposes as provided in WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code]. - (b) When loads which are limited by structural competence rather than by stability are to be handled, you must ascertain that the weight of the load has been determined within plus or minus 10% before it is lifted. ## (2) Attaching the load. - (a) You must ensure that the hoist rope is not wrapped around the load. - (b) You must ensure that the load is attached to the hook by means of slings or other approved devices. ## (3) Moving the load . - (a) The employer must ensure that: - (i) The crane is level and where necessary blocked properly. - (ii) The load is well secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted more than a few inches. - (b) Before starting to hoist, you must note the following conditions: - (i) Hoist rope must not be kinked. - (ii) Multiple part lines must not be twisted around each other. - (iii) The hook must be brought over the load in such a manner as to prevent swinging. - (iv) If there is a slack rope condition, it should be determined that the rope is properly seated on the drum and in the sheaves. - (c) During hoisting you must take care that: - (i) There is no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load. - (ii) The load does not contact any obstructions. - (d) You must ensure that side loading of booms is limited to freely suspended loads. You must not use cranes for dragging loads sideways. - (e) You must not do any hoisting, lowering, swinging, or traveling while anyone is on the load or hook. - (f) The operator should avoid carrying loads over people. - (g) On truck moun…

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