Write a toolbox talk on crane safety

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# WORKING AROUND CRANES Date Posted: 08/14/2016 Working around cranes can be dangerous at all times. This danger is not only when loads are moving. • If there is a pinch point for the crane, then the swing radius must be protected. • The color of the demarking tape is always red. • Only the operator can grant access into the cranes working area. • Since 34% of accidents happen during erection, always keep clear of the erection area. • Keep your eyes open for anything that does not look right. If you see something that appears wrong, speak up and say something. • Never walk under a boom or hook, especially if it has a load on it. • Never work within the swing radius. ## IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER The crane operator is going to be watching the operator's load or the signal person, not stray workers. Never enter the swing radius of a crane unless it is absolutely necessary and enter only by permission of the operator. <table><tr><th>Incidents</th><th>Percentage</th><th>Year</th></tr><tr><td>Erection/ Dismantling/ Extending of the tower crane - 29 Incidents</td><td>34%</td><td>2010</td></tr><tr><td>Contact with objects or equipment</td><td>61%</td><td>2006</td></tr><tr><td>Accidents from human error</td><td>95%</td><td>2006</td></tr></table> ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION: • What are some reasons that a crane might go over in our work environment, or on this job-site? • Who is the only person who can grant access into the crane working area? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Tool Box Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Tool Box Talk relevant to your jobsite. • Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion. Funding and support for this project has been provided by the State of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries.

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK Boom Truck Safety Heavy items can be lifted safely if the boom truck crane is operated properly. Each time the boom lifts a load, its angle changes as it extends, and the crane's upper deck rotates to swing the load. With that motion, the distance from the load's center of gravity to the crane's tipping axis changes. These movements can make a boom truck unstable, especially if the crane's lift capacity is exceeded. The crane can overturn and the boom can collapse. ## Bernardo's Story A boom truck crane was being used to lift steel beams to the 4th floor of a building being constructed. The operator did not know the beams exceeded the crane's capacity. The heavy load caused the crane boom to buckle and collapse, dropping the load to the ground. Bernardo, who was working nearby, saw what was happening and was able to alert other workers to get out of the way in time. In this incident no one was hurt, but it put the operator, Bernardo, and other nearby workers in danger. - How could this incident have been avoided? Have you known or heard of anyone who was injured or killed while operating a boom truck crane because it collapsed or dropped its load? If so, what happened? ## Remember This If you will be operating a boom truck: ➤ Check to see that it has been properly inspected and is certified for operation. ➤ Perform an operational inspection as required for boom truck cranes. ➤ Be sure support blocking is securely placed. ➤ Do NOT operate the crane unless you have been trained and authorized to operate the crane and give signals. ➤ Do NOT operate the crane unless you and the signal persons are in direct, clear view or in headset communication. ➤ Always check the weight of the load and rigging. Do NOT lift a load that exceeds the crane's capacity. ➤ Always check the wind speed to make sure it is safe for lifting the loads. ➤ Always use proper blocking methods to adequately suppo…

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FACE/WA Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation FATALITY NARRATIVE Framer Electrocuted when Crane Hoist Line Contacts Power Line * Industry: Framing contractors Task: Rigging OSB bundle to be lifted by crane Occupation: Framer Type of Incident: Electrocution Incident Date: June 7, 2012 Release Date: August 13, 2013 SHARP Report No.: 71-123-2013 Case No.: 12WA019 On June 07, 2012, a journeyman framer acting as a rigger was electrocuted when a boom truck's crane hoist line contacted an overhead power line. The 34-year-old victim was employed by a framing contractor. The victim, who was the site lead framer, and two other framers had been working on a new two- story, single-family residence for 15 days. On the day of the incident, an employee of another contractor was operating a telescopic boom truck crane to deliver trusses and lumber. In order to make room for delivery of the trusses, the victim asked the crane operator to lift two bundles of OSB sheathing to the residence's second floor. The victim used a steel chain to rig an OSB bundle. The crane operator then lifted the bundle slightly and the victim placed blocks under the bundle so that he could place a second chain around it. As the victim was placing a second chain around the bundle in preparation for the lift, he grabbed the crane's hoist line in order to hook the chain. The line was in contact with a 7,200 volt overhead power line and carried electric current to the victim. He was electrocuted and died two days later. ## Requirements - Have a formal Accident Prevention Program tailored to the needs of the particular operation and potential overhead power line electrocution hazards involved with operating, rigging, and signaling a crane. See WAC [redacted identifier](2). • Identify potential hazards by performing a site walk-around safety inspection. See WAC [redacted identifier](9). • Conduct a crew safety meeting. See WAC [redacted identifier](5). • Define a work zone by demarcating boundar…

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# A Breakdown of the Major Changes in the Part L Updates <table><tr><th>Past requirements</th><th>Updated requirements</th></tr><tr><td>Certifiers must pass Washington state tests, valid for three years. Tests taken in person.</td><td>Certifiers must pass national tests, and a singular Washington State test, valid for five years. Tests may be taken at any computer when utilizing a webcam.</td></tr><tr><td>Operator must be certified. If no certification is available, the operator must be trained and evaluated.</td><td>Operator must be certified and evaluated. When there is not a certification available for a specific crane type, L&amp;I will accept the "most similar" certification.</td></tr><tr><td>A/D director must be qualified and competent, or qualified and assisted by other qualified individuals. No test requirement.</td><td>A/D director must be qualified and competent and may be assisted by other qualified individuals. Must pass test, valid for five years. (For tower cranes only, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, A/D directors must be certified by a nationally accredited testing organization).</td></tr><tr><td>Lift director must be qualified. No test requirement.</td><td>Lift director must be a qualified rigger, qualified signal person, and pass a lift director test. Qualification valid for five years.</td></tr><tr><td>Rigger has no assigned duties.</td><td>Rigger now has assigned duties including, but not limited to, inspecting the proper rigging equipment; ensuring the weight of the load and its center of gravity have been found; properly attaching the rigging to the hook; ensuring edge protection is addressed; and installing a tag line when load control is required.</td></tr><tr><td>A/D director has no assigned duties.</td><td>A/D director now has assigned duties including, but not limited to, having the authority to ensure prompt corrective measures are taken to eliminate hazards; providing direct on-site supervision; creating a site-specific plan; and performing and…

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# RIGGING SAFETY Date Published: 05/15/2025 # Rigging Safety It is crucial to properly rig and secure loads as poorly rigged loads may become unbalanced and fall, causing severe consequences. Additionally, rigging hardware may fail under excessive loads, which can also be catastrophic. Certain training and experience are required to rig a load. A qualified rigger is necessary during any hoisting activity used for the assembly or disassembly of a crane. They are also required whenever a worker is engaged in hooking, unhooking, guiding a load, or making an initial connection of a load to a component or structure within the fall zone. Note: Fall zone means the area (including but not limited to the area directly beneath the load) in which it is reasonably foreseeable that partially or completely suspended materials could fall in the event of an accident. ## WHAT IS RIGGING? to Rigging is the process of fastening a load to a lifting device, such as a crane. In order to rig a load properly, riggers need to be able to make calculations determine the weight of the load and the best method to use for rigging it. This may involve using ropes, chains, slings, shackles, lifting attachments, or other equipment. To prevent dangerous movement of the load during transportation, a tagline may be used to control it. Finally, the load will be safely landed. ## RIGGING HAZARDS The following are some hazards with rigging a load: • An improperly rigged load may cause a failure in the rigging equipment and thus cause the load to drop. • Failure to rig the load to its center of gravity may cause the load to be hoisted unlevel, add extra strain to the rigging, and, in some cases, cause the load to fall out of the rigging. • An improperly - rigged load may add strain/force to the load and cause damage to the load. • Hands or fingers can get injured by pinch points when taking up the strain of the rigging or when landing loads. ## GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RIGGING • Ensur…

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Crane Safety: Construction Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Stability and Tipping Cranes are used to lift and move heavy materials on construction sites. When a crane lifts and moves a load, the distance from the load's center of gravity to the crane's tipping axis changes. If the crane's lift capacity is exceeded, the distance exceeds the safe operating range listed in the crane's load chart, or the crane is not set up properly, it can tip over, resulting in injuries, many fatal, to the operator and workers nearby. ## Ed's Story Ed was in charge of receiving materials and having them safely unloaded at the construction site. The outriggers on the delivery truck's crane were not fully extended. As a result, the weight of the load caused : the crane to tip over. The falling materials nearly crushed two other workers, and Ed was injured when the crane tipped. He was hospitalized for 3 days and missed 2 weeks of work while recovering. - What caused this incident? - How could this have been prevented? *Have you ever been injured by a crane collapsing or tipping, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent injuries while working with cranes? ## Remember This • Know or calculate the weight of each load. - Always use the manufacturer's load chart provided for each crane. Do not exceed the safe operating range listed on the chart. . Always observe information provided by installed load sensors in newer cranes. - Check the manufacturer's maximum wind speed for the crane to make sure that it can lift the load in windy weather. - Before beginning a lift, follow the manufacturer's procedures for outrigger deployment. Make sure the outrigger pads are supported on a firm, stable surface so the crane is properly set up and level. Use crane mats or pads if necessary. - Check the hoist brakes when multiple heavy lifts are made from one location, such as during duty cycle operations. • Alw…

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# GENERAL CRANE SAFETY Date Posted: 05/12/2025 ## General Crane Safety Cranes are incredibly versatile, powerful, and vital pieces of equipment on a construction site. They can handle many heavy-lifting tasks, which can save time and energy on a project. However, they can also be incredibly dangerous, as they can lift heavy loads over large project areas, require workers to perform work at great heights, and pose a risk of electrocution. It's crucial for employees working with and around cranes to understand the hazards of moving parts and rigging loads. Many different types of cranes play an essential role in lifting heavy loads. Regardless of which piece of equipment is being used, there are general safety rules regarding the maintenance and operation of cranes that should always be followed. ## HAZARDS OF WORKING AROUND CRANES It has been reported that approximately 40 construction workers die each year due to crane accidents. To ensure safety, cranes with a lifting capacity of over 2,000 pounds are regulated, and their operators must be certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). Companies that use cranes are legally responsible for any injuries, damages, or harm caused to workers, bystanders, and structures. • Striking injuries from moving equipment, raising, or dropping loads. • Crushing injuries from equipment overturning, breaking, or rigging failures. • Falls from performing work at heights. • Electrocution from contact with overhead power lines. ## BEFORE MOVING A LOAD Before lifting a load, it is crucial that all individuals involved have a clear understanding of their respective roles, the potential hazards related to rigging and hoisting, and how to perform the lift safely to avoid any injuries or fatalities. Consider the following general requirements before initiating a lift: • All operators should be qualified and certified by WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code]. - Check first for overhead obst…

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# OSHA QUICK CARD™ ## Protect Yourself Crane Safety Fatalities and serious injuries can occur if cranes are not inspected and used properly. Many fatalities can occur when the crane boom, load line or load contacts power lines and shorts electricity to ground. Other incidents happen when workers are struck by the load, are caught inside the swing radius or fail to assemble/ disassemble the crane properly. • Cranes are to be operated only by qualified and trained personnel. • A designated competent person must inspect the crane and all crane controls before use. - Be sure the crane is on a firm/stable surface and level. - During assembly/disassembly do not unlock or remove pins unless sections are blocked and secure (stable). - Fully extend outriggers and barricade accessible areas inside the crane's swing radius. - Watch for overhead electric power lines and main- tain at least a 10-foot safe working clearance from the lines. - Inspect all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist lines around the load. • Be sure to use the correct load chart for the crane's current configuration and setup, the load weight and lift path. - Do not exceed the load chart capacity while making lifts. - Raise load a few inches, hold, verify capacity/bal- ance, and test brake system before delivering load. • Do not move loads over workers. • Be sure to follow signals and manufacturer instruc- tions while operating cranes. For more complete information: Occupational OSHA Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA OSHA 3259-09R-05

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK # Overhead Power Lines Overhead power lines at construction sites can be dangerous for the workers, especially when equipment such as cranes, cherry pickers, and high lifts are used. Contact with overhead power lines can result in serious injury and even death. ## Lawrence's Story Lawrence was part of a crew that was installing steel roof beams on a school building, using a boom crane. He was standing by the joists, waiting to hook the beams to the chain slings, when the crane operator swung the slings toward him. The slings touched the power line, became energized, and sent electricity through Lawrence. An ambulance rushed him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. * Do you know anyone who has been injured or electrocuted when a crane contacted an overhead power line? If so, what happened? - Could an electrocution involving a crane and power line happen at your worksite? ## Remember This ➤ Check with your supervisor to make sure the power company has shut off the energy to the power lines before using equipment nearby. ➤ Keep machinery, equipment, and loads 20 feet (or more) from power lines. ➤ Never store materials and equipment under or near overhead power lines. ➤ Use only nonconductive (or insulated) tag lines. ➤ Operate machines at a slower-than-normal rate when close to power lines. Use a spotter to keep a safe distance. ➤ Be careful to maintain distance from overhead power lines, since wind can cause the lines to sway and reduce the clearance between them and the machinery or equipment. - Follow routes marked as safe and color coding when machines must travel beneath power lines. ➤ Use caution when traveling over uneven ground. This could cause the machine to weave or bob into power lines. ➤ Stay 20 feet (or more) from machines that are close to power lines. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent electrocutions from overhe…

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# GENERAL CRANE SAFETY (cont.) ## WHILE MOVING A LOAD (cont.) • A trained signal person is required, and the signal person and operator must use standard industry hand signals. The crane operator and signal person must be able to see each other or communicate by radio at all times. • Only one person should operate a lift or give signals at a time unless required due to a specific hazardous situation. This prevents conflicting messages that could confuse. • Make use of an air horn to signal a lift is in motion to alert personnel of what's overhead. It should be loud enough to alert nearby persons who might not be watching the crane. • Never raise a load higher than necessary. • Never leave a load suspended in the air unattended. • Use tag lines to control the load while it is being lifted. ## REFERENCES WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] - Cranes Rigging and Personnel Lifting WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] - Operator Qualifications and Certification WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] - Rigger Qualifications WAC 296-155-[redacted postal code] - Signal Person Qualifications FSPO-901-000 Standard Hand Signals for Cranes (wa.gov) Deadly Power-Line Contact with Cranes Hazard Alert (wa.gov)