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Cranes

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To ensure crane safety, adhere to these guidelines:

  1. Qualified Operators: Cranes must be operated only by trained and authorized personnel [1]. Operators should be able to communicate effectively and understand safety protocols [1]. They should also meet specific physical requirements, including vision, hearing, and physical capabilities [1].
  2. Regular Inspections: Conduct frequent (daily to monthly) and periodic (1 to 12-month intervals) inspections 1, 4. Inspect for defects in operating mechanisms, deterioration, leakage, and deformations or cracks in hooks 1, 6. Keep written, dated, and signed reports of these inspections 6, 11.
  3. Rope Inspections: Inspect ropes monthly, looking for deterioration, broken wires, corrosion, and worn end connections 2, 7. Maintain records of rope conditions 2, 7.
  4. Load Management: Do not exceed the crane's rated load, except for testing purposes 14, 18. Ensure the load is well-secured and balanced before lifting 14, 18. Avoid carrying loads over people [2].
  5. Operational Testing: Test new and altered cranes for hoisting and lowering, trolley travel, bridge travel, and limit switches [3].
  6. Maintenance and Repairs: Correct any unsafe conditions before resuming crane operation [4]. Adjustments and repairs should be done by designated personnel [4]. Reinstall all guards and reactivate safety devices after maintenance 2, 7.
  7. Warning Devices: Cranes with powered traveling mechanisms should have a gong or other effective warning signal [5].
  8. Clearance and Safety: Maintain minimum clearances between the crane and obstructions [6]. Avoid bumping into runway stops or other cranes [7].
  9. Environmental Conditions: If the crane is outdoors, secure it in a safe position to prevent movement in severe winds [7]. Stop crane operation when wind velocity or temperature exceeds the manufacturer's recommended limits [8].
  10. Tower Cranes: Tower cranes require non-destructive testing of structural and rigging components under the direction of a professional engineer [8]. If tower cranes are close enough that their operation radiuses overlap, ensure that operators have visual or auditory means of communicating with each other [8].

By following these guidelines, you can significantly enhance crane safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

8 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 83

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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

[2] 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

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

Page 28

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Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (h) You must ensure that replacement rope is the same size, grade, and construction as the original rope furnished by the crane manufacturer, unless otherwise recommended by a wire rope manufacturer due to actual working condition requirements. - Equalizers . You must ensure that the tension in the parts is equalized if a load is supported by more than one part of rope. - Hooks . You must ensure that hooks meet the manufacturer's recommendations and are not overloaded. Safety latch-type hooks must be used or the hook must be moused. [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. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.150, and 49.17.240. 79-08-115 (Order 79-9), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 7/31/79; 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] Warning device. You must provide a gong or other effective warning signal for each crane equipped with a powered traveling mechanism except for floor operated cranes. [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. 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] Inspection. - Inspection classification . - (a) You must perform an initial inspection prior to initial use all new and altered cr

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

Page 20

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Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ bridge operator at a predetermined wind velocity. If the clamps act on the rail heads, you must ground off any beads or weld flash on the rail heads. - (b) You must base calculations for wind pressure on outside overhead traveling cranes on not less than 30 pounds per square foot of exposed surface. - Rated load marking . You must plainly mark the rated load of the crane on each side of the crane, and if the crane has more than one hoisting unit, each hoist must have its rated load marked on it or its load block. You must ensure that the rated load marking is clearly legible from the ground or floor. ## Clearance from obstruction . - (a) You must provide and maintain minimum clearance of 3 inches overhead and 2 inches laterally between crane and obstructions in conformity with Specification No. 61 Crane Manufactures Association of America, Inc., [redacted street address]., Suite 201, Charlotte, NC [redacted postal code]. - (b) Where passageways or walkways are provided you must not place obstructions so that safety of personnel will be jeopardized by movements of the crane. - Clearance between parallel cranes . If the runways of two cranes are parallel, and there are no intervening walls or structure, you must ensure that there is adequate clearance provided and maintained between the two bridges. - Designated personnel . You must ensure that only designated personnel are permitted to operate a crane covered by this section. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 18-03-159 (Order 17-24), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 01/23/2018, effective 02/23/2018. 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 A

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

Page 31

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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

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

Page 32

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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

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

Page 33

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Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (i) When two or more cranes are used to lift a load one qualified responsible person must be in charge of the operation. The qualified person must analyze the operation and instruct all personnel involved in the proper positioning, rigging of the load, and the movements to be made. - (j) The employer must assure that the operator does not leave the control position while the load is suspended. - (k) When starting the bridge and when the load or hook approaches near or over personnel, you must sound the warning signal. ## (4) Hoist limit switch . - (a) At the beginning of each operator's shift, the operator must try out the upper limit switch of each hoist under no load. Extreme care must be exercised; the block must be 'inched' into the limit or run in at slow speed. If the switch does not operate properly, the appointed person must be immediately notified. - (b) You must never use the hoist limit switch which controls the upper limit of travel of the load block as an operating control. [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 postal code], filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Operators. - (1) You must ensure that cranes are operated only by regular crane operators, authorized substitutes who have had adequate experience and training under the supervision of a competent operator, or by crane repairmen or inspectors. - (2) You must ensure that crane operators are able to communicate with others

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

Page 30

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Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Testing. ## Operational tests . - (a) Prior to initial use you must test all new and altered cranes to ensure compliance with this section including the following functions: - (i) Hoisting and lowering. - (ii) Trolley travel. - (iii) Bridge travel. - (iv) Limit switches, locking and safety devices. - (b) You must determine the trip setting of hoist limit switches by tests with an empty hook traveling in increasing speeds up to the maximum speed. You must ensure that the actuating mechanism of the limit switch is located so that it will trip the switch, under all conditions, in sufficient time to prevent contact of the hook or hook block with any part of the trolley. - Rated load test . Prior to initial use all new, extensively repaired, and altered cranes should be tested by or under the direction of an appointed or authorized person, confirming the load rating of the crane. The load rating should not be more than 80  of the maximum load sustained during the test. Test loads must not be more than 125  of the rated load unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. You must place the tests reports on file where readily available to appointed personnel. [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. 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] Maintenance. - Preventive maintenance . You must establish a preventive maintenance program based on the crane manufacturer's recommendations. ## Maintenance procedure . - (a) Before adjustments and repairs are started on a crane you must t

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