CRANE SAFETY

Safety and Occupational Health

Omaha District

Crane Cab Documentation

All Cranes shall have the following documentation in cab at all times.
Crane Operating Manual developed by manufacturer, and specific to model.
Load-Rating Chart. Located on chart; Make & Model, Serial Number,
Manufactured Year, Load Rating for all Configurations, Recommended
Reeving for Hoist Line, Operating Limits in Windy or Cold Weather
Conditions.
Durable Load Chart fixed at a location visible to operator while seated at the
control station.
Crane Log Book (Hours, Crane Inspections, Maintenance, Repair) Updated
Daily and Signed by Operator and Supervisor.

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Operator Qualification
Shall have written proof of qualification for the particular
piece of equipment.
Shall be valid no longer than 5 years from date of
issuance.
Prior to re-issuance of qualification crane operator must
have attended at least 8 hours of crane safety training;
passed an operational examination; and passed a
physical examination within 2 years.
Physical examination for operators are required to be
conducted biennially and any time thereafter if indicated
by a medical condition that may impact safe operation of
the crane. Written proof signed by a physician stating
that the crane/derrick operator has had physical
examination and meets requirements in Appendix G. 3
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Crane Operator Responsibilities

The operator shall not leave the controls while a load

is suspended.

Before leaving the crane unattended, the operator

shall:

Land any load, bucket, lifting magnet, or other device

Disengage master clutch
Set travel, swing, boom brakes, and other locking devices
Put controls in neutral position
Secure crane against accidental travel, and stop engine

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Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA)

An AHA shall be developed and implemented for crane

set-up and set-down procedures (mobilization, assembly
or erection, dismantling, and demobilization) .
Work will not begin until the AHA has been accepted for
the work activity, including the contractor, subcontractor
(s), and Government on-site representatives at
preparatory and initial control phase meetings.
Competent/Qualified personnel shall be listed on AHA,
and proof of competency/qualification shall be submitted
to GDA

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Crane Inspections

Inspections of cranes and derricks shall be in accordance with

the manufacturer's recommendations.

A qualified person shall conduct inspections that cover, at the

minimum, the items listed in Appendix H.

The Contractor shall notify the GDA at least 24 hours prior to any
inspections/tests so that the GDA may be available to observe
the inspection/test. There are basically five types of inspections:

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Crane Inspections
Types of Inspections
1.

Initial Inspection: Before initial use, a qualified person shall inspect

all new and altered cranes to ensure compliance with all applicable
standards
Functional Test Inspection: Before every operation at the beginning
of each shift of the crane, the operator or designated person shall
conduct start-up (pre-operational as follows:

2.
a.

3.

If check lists are used for start-up (pre-operational) inspections, a copy of the checklist
shall be maintained on-site. If checklists are not used, the operator or designated person
shall indicate the successful completion of the inspection.

Frequent Inspection: Visual and audible examination of the crane.

The crane operator or designated person shall conduct frequent
inspection as follows:
a.

4.

Normal Service - Monthly, Heavy Service - Weekly to Monthly, Severe Service Daily to
weekly

Periodic Inspection: Visual and audible examination of the crane.

The crane operator or designated person shall conduct frequent
inspection as follows
a.

Normal Service - Yearly, Heavy Service - Yearly, Severe Service Quarterly

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Crane Performance Testing

A qualified person shall conduct performance tests in

accordance with ANSI/ASME, OSHA, and
manufacturers recommendations. At minimum,
performance testing shall meet the requirements in
Appendix I. Test loads shall not be less than 110%
anticipated load and shall not exceed 100%
manufacturers load rating capacity chart at the
configuration of the test.
Written reports of the performance test , showing test
procedures, and confirming the adequacy of repairs or
alterations, shall be maintained with the crane or at the
on-site project.
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Operational Performance Test

Shall be conducted in Accordance to Appendix I:

Before initial use of crane in which a load bearing or
load controlling part or component, brake, travel
component, or clutch have been altered, replaced or
repaired.
Every time a crane is reconfigured or reassembled
after disassembly.
Every time a crane is brought onto a USACE project
Every year

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Load Performance Test

Shall be conducted in Accordance to Appendix I:

Before initial use of crane in which a load bearing or
load controlling part or component, brake, travel
component, or clutch have been altered, replaced or
repaired.
Every time a crane is reconfigured or reassembled
after disassembly.
Every 4 years

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Required Crane Safety Devices

All Cranes shall be equipped w/ the following

devices:

A2B, Anti-Two Blocking Device

Fire Extinguisher / minimum rating 10-B-C
Boom Angle Indicator
Load Moment Indicator or Load Indicator
Crane Level
Drum Rotator Indicators (Mfct. Before 1990.)
Boom Angle or Radius Indicator within operator view
Cable Support Booms
Boom Stops
Boom Hoist-Disengaging Device

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Required Crane Safety Devices

Load Indicator

Boom Stops

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Boom Angle Indicator

Anti-Two Blocking

Boom Hoist Disconnect

Level

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A2B Anti-Two Blocking

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A2B Anti-Two
Blocking

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A2B Anti-Two Blocking

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Out-Riggers
When the load to be handled and/or the
operating radius require the use of
outriggers, or anytime when outriggers are
used, outriggers shall be fully extended to
the appropriate setting indicated by the load
chart.
The outriggers will be deployed so that the
weight of the machine is totally removed
from the wheels at every setting.
Outrigger floats must be securely attached
Any blocking under the outrigger float
should be at least three times larger in area
than the float, it should be rigid and
completely support the total area.
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Out-Riggers

Do not block under the outrigger beam.

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Leveling of Cranes

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Electrical Clearances

Danger is greater from high voltage transmission

lines where flashover can occur without actual
contact.
TABLE 11-1
MIMIMUM CLEARANCE FROM ENERGIZED OVERHEAD ELECTRIC LINES

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Nominal system voltage

Minimum rated clearance

0 - 50 kV

9.8 (3 m)

51 - 200kV

14.7 (4.5 m)

201 - 300 kV

19.7 (6 m)

301 to 500 kV

24.6 (7.5 m)

501 - 750 kV

34.4 (10.5 m)

751 - 1000 kV

44.3 (13.5 m)

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Critical Lifts

What Defines a Critical Lift?

Load weight is 75% of the rated capacity of crane.
Load is out of operators view.
Lifts with more than one crane.
Non-routine, technically difficult rigging.
Hoisting personnel with a crane.
Any lift that crane operator believes should be.

Protocol for a Critical Lift

Before making a critical lift, the qualified person, in
conjunction with the crane operator, lift supervisor, and
rigger, shall prepare a critical lift plan.
The plan shall be documented and a copy shall be provided
to the GDA.
The plan shall be reviewed and signed by all personnel
involved with the lift including GDA.
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Questions?
Contact your Safety Office

In Addition to Crane Safety, A Lifting

& Rigging Safety Presentation is
Currently Being Developed.
Check the Safety Internal Web-Site to
View.
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