Nothing is more frightening to a crane operator than a crane becoming unbalanced or collapsing due to excessive weight load. In an average year, injuries related to cranes and hoists account for approximately 1,000 lost-time work hours. Employees working with this type of equipment are exposed to great hazards which require taking extra safety precautions.

This week, we will discuss the safety rules for operating cranes, moving loads, and parking loaded cranes. We will also discuss how to properly inspect overhead cranes, hoists, and wire ropes used on hoists.

Monday – Safety Tips Before Operating Cranes

Serious injuries or fatalities can occur if overhead cranes are not inspected before each use. Here are some safety tips for operators to follow before operating and loading a crane.

• Ensure you are properly trained and authorized to operate a crane. Read the operation manual provided by the manufacturer before beginning any task.
• Completely understand the tasks you will perform.
• Study the signals used by an authorized signal person during operation. Obey all signals.
• Do not operate if any damage exists. Report damage or malfunction to your supervisor.
• Attach loads to the hoist hook and ensure that they do not exceed the load capacity of the crane or hoist.
• Verify that the load is balanced properly when it is lifted.
• Verify that the hoist wire is not damaged, twisted, or kinked.
• Notify all personnel in the work area of an overhead load and ensure that the area is clear.

Tuesday – Safety Tips for Moving the Load

Yesterday, we reviewed safety tips to keep in mind when operating a crane. Today, we will discuss safety tips for moving a loaded crane.

• When operating a loaded crane, stay focused and do not engage in any activity that can distract you.
• Do not lower, lift, or transport any load before ensuring all personnel are clear from the area.
• Ensure that the load can clear all obstacles before moving.
• Never move loads over people’s heads.
• Lift the load only a few inches before moving to ensure the hoist braking system is working.
• Never swing the load or hoist hook while moving.
• Use the warning device during travel to notify nearby people of the moving load.

If a crane does not have a warning device, verbally warn all people in the area before beginning operation.

Wednesday – Safety Tips for Parking the Load

Overhead cranes are an essential piece of equipment in many manufacturing, industrial, and maintenance work environments. Using cranes drastically eliminates the risks associated with heavy lifting so it is very important to follow all safety rules when it comes to operation. However, parking loaded cranes comes with risks that require taking unique precautions to ensure the safety of all people.