Crane Safety | Cranes | Mobile cranes | Boom truck crane | A Crane |Hydraulic Crane

 Crane Safety | Cranes | Mobile cranes | Boom truck crane | A Crane |Hydraulic Crane

Crane safety

Crane Safety | Cranes | Mobile cranes | Boom truck crane | A Crane |Hydraulic Crane

Requirements for Cranes | Special Restrictions | Safe Practices in Using Mobile Cranes | Requirements for Cranes Used For Lifting Persons in Suspended Man-Baskets.

 

Requirements for Cranes

All cranes shall have the following:

·         A hoisting limit device that, when actuated, stops the hoisting motion and applies the brake on the hoisting winch automatically.

·         A luffing limit device that, when actuated, stops the luffing motion and applies the brake on the luffing winch automatically, and that is so arranged as to prevent bypassing of this device in the normal operation of the crane.

·         Operating levers and switches that are clearly identified and marked. All markings shall be in English or internationally agreed symbols.

·         Engine stop systems that operate in a manner such that the engine comes to rest with minimum delay.

·         Check valves shall be fitted to all hydraulic cylinders to prevent cylinder movement in the event of hose failure.

·         A facility for emergency lowering of loads.

·         Temperature sensing devices, audio or visual type, or equivalent safeguards to give adequate protection to the prime mover and associated equipment.

·         An emergency stop with manual re-set capability within crane operator reach.

·         Motion control levers that return to neutral with a minimum delay upon release – this does not apply to the engine throttle lever.

·         Adequate fire extinguishers of the company Fire section approved size and type.

·         All pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical connections are clearly tagged/marked, corresponding to the markings on the crane circuit drawings.

·         An emergency escape route for personnel.

·         Safety latches that automatically close-fitted to all integral crane hooks.

·         A suitable operating cab that adequately protects the crane operator and controls from the elements (weather), is adequately cooled (if possible) and ventilated, and provides a clear and unrestricted view of all operations associated with the crane.

·         The SWL of the hook block is prominently marked and highlighted on the hook

·         Where the design of the crane is intended for SWL loads of greater than five tonnes, a calibrated automatic SWL Indicator shall be fitted and a legible metric crane capacity chart prominently displayed.

·         Outriggers and hooks are clearly marked with a red and white chevron pattern.

·         Crane hooks (for mobile cranes) are secured to ensure no swinging occurs in transit.

·         The maintenance and repair logbook for each crane is to be maintained.

·         Audible and visual alarms to be installed in all cranes, which shall sound continuously when the crane slewing is set on.

·         No crane shall be utilized for any operation other than that for which it was designed.

·         Audible and visual alarm fitted on crawler cranes while traveling forward or reversing.

SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS

·         No person shall be transported by a crane except in an approved workbasket or personnel transfer net. The operator shall not leave the controls while the personnel or load is suspended.

·         All cranes utilized at the Site for handling loads shall have a legible metric load chart that has been calculated in accordance with the dynamic factor (load factor) or as recommended by the crane manufacturer, permanently fixed in the crane operator‘s cabin.

·         When a crane is being operated, hand signal communication between the rigger and the crane operator shall be conducted in accordance with the standard hand signal requirements, except that voice communication, by radio or telephone between those persons, is permitted as an alternative.

·         No crane shall be used beyond its statutory test period.

·         Cranes shall not be used to transport loads unless they are specifically designed for the purpose.

·         No crane is allowed to lift any weights above the SWL marked up as per the capacity chart.

·         No crane is allowed to pull or tow/drag weights. No crane is allowed to enter any hazardous zone without permission and verification of zone requirements.

·         Cranes shall not be utilized when the wind speed is more than 25 knots or where due to the nature of the load it becomes unmanageable due to wind acting on the load.

·         Cranes shall not be utilized to carry out any lifting operations after sunset. Any lifting operations that have to be carried out after sunset or during periods of poor visibility, shall be with the full approval of the company operational area management and department safety representative. The operational area shall be adequately illuminated to ensure all involved persons and equipment are clearly visible when carrying out the lift. In addition, the lifting equipment shall have its own means of illumination to ensure that the operator at all times can see adequately what actions are taking place and the crane itself shall be fitted with lights at all extremities and along the length of the

·         Boom, where feasible to assist all personnel involved in the operation, can be aware of any movement of the crane.

·         The ground condition shall be assessed before deploying the crane outriggers. Crane pads shall be used to help disperse weight evenly under each of the crane's outriggers

·         Cranes not in regular use shall be subjected to special checks as per the manufacturer‘s instructions/applicable standard, prior to being used.

SAFE PRACTICES IN USING MOBILE CRANES

·         The Top Management shall ensure that riggers and crane operators are qualified, certified, and competent for the task. The Crane operator shall have valid equipment operations license and THIRD PARTY certificate.

·         Drop area shall be barricaded using tapes or other means in areas where operation or maintenance activities are in progress.

·         Outriggers shall be fully extended

The designated rigger shall give signals for crane operations. He shall wear a florescent jacket and red helmet for easy visibility.

·         Load chart shall be available in the crane operator’s cabin.

·         The next due date for inspection shall be painted/tagged on the crane.

·         Guide rope (tag lines) shall be used to control swinging.

·         Communication equipment (Radios) shall be used when the rigger cannot give clear signals to the operator due to obstructions, height, or distance and when the crane operator can't see the load.

·         Night parking within unit areas shall not be allowed. If required, it shall not block hydrants or any other access and 15m away from running units with the joint approval of the Operations Supervisor and the Safety Engineer.

·         Critical lifting operations must be planned with extreme care and written procedure shall be prepared.

·         No one shall stand under the suspended load.

·         The load shall not be left suspended and unattended. The Crane operator or the rigger shall not leave the area without a substitute.

·         Fly jib shall not be used unless it is certified. Moving along the road with fly jib shall be minimized and with prior approval of the area Safety Engineer.

·         Multiple crane lifting operations must be planned with extreme care and written procedure shall be prepared for each lifting. Wire ropes shall remain vertical. Each crane shall be assumed to have 25% less than the rated SWL (Safe Working Load).

·         No passengers are allowed to ride on the body of the crane.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR CRANES USED FOR LIFTING PERSONS IN SUSPENDED MAN-BASKETS.

·         The crane shall have a factor of safety of 10:1 on crane capacity for each personnel lifting operation.

·         The crane shall automatically stop all motions when the controls are released.

·         The crane shall be equipped with a wind speed meter.

·         The crane control shall be such that the man-basket can move gently and the working speed shall not exceed 0.5 m/s on all motions.

·         The crane shall have a control mechanism to lower the man basket to a safe position, in a controlled manner, in the event of power failure or crane‘s control failure. The operator shall be familiar with this control mechanism.

·         The wire rope used for hoisting and lowering the man-basket shall have a diameter of 12 mm and above.

·         Guide rope (tag lines) shall be used to control swinging.