12 Jul Crane Operations – Working Under the Load

Crane Operations – Working Under the Load

Crane operations involve heavy loads that may shift, swing, rotate, or fall unexpectedly. Even when equipment is properly maintained and loads are correctly rigged, mechanical failure, rigging failure, changing conditions, or human error can occur.

The most effective protection is simple: stay out of the fall zone and never position yourself beneath a suspended load.

Plan the Lift

Crane movements should be considered before lifting begins. Whenever possible, plan the lift so suspended loads do not travel over employees or occupied work areas.

Before the lift:

• Identify the load’s intended travel path.
• Establish and control the fall zone.
• Remove unnecessary personnel from the lifting area.
• Identify potential pinch and crush points.
• Verify that rigging is appropriate for the load and properly attached.
• Determine whether tag lines or other load-control methods are needed.
• Establish clear communication between the operator, signal person, and rigging personnel.
• Make sure employees understand where they may safely stand during the lift.

If the planned load path could expose other employees, stop affected work and clear the area before proceeding.

Stay Clear of Suspended Loads

Never assume that a suspended load will remain stable.

• Never stand, walk, or work directly beneath a suspended load.
• Stay outside the fall zone unless your work requires you to be there and applicable procedures permit it.
• Never position yourself between a suspended load and a wall, vehicle, structure, equipment, or other fixed object.
• Do not walk beneath crane booms or loads when doing so exposes you to the suspended load.
• Remain alert to crane operations occurring above or near your work area.
• Warn coworkers if you observe them entering a hazardous area.

Only employees essential to receiving, guiding, or connecting a load should be permitted within the fall zone when allowed by the applicable lifting procedure.

Controlling the Load

Loads can swing or rotate because of crane movement, wind, momentum, or an unbalanced center of gravity.

When tag lines are appropriate:

• Use them to maintain distance between yourself and the load.
• Keep the line free of knots and entanglements.
• Never wrap or loop a tag line around your hand, arm, waist, or any other part of your body.
• Wear appropriate gloves when handling rope or tag lines.
• Stand where the load cannot swing into or crush you.
• Never attempt to stop a swinging load with your body.

If a load begins to swing or rotate uncontrollably, move clear and allow it to stabilize rather than attempting to overpower it.

Guiding and Landing Loads

Employees may occasionally need to approach a load to guide or position it. This work requires particular attention to caught-between and pinch-point hazards.

• Approach only when necessary and when the load is under control.
• Keep hands and feet away from pinch points.
• Never place any part of your body beneath a suspended load.
• Use appropriate tools or tag lines to position loads whenever practical.
• Keep an escape route available.
• Do not attempt to manually control a load that is moving unexpectedly.
• Follow the signal person’s directions and established lifting procedures.

Watch Your Travel Path

Workers controlling tag lines often concentrate on the suspended load and may overlook hazards at ground level.

Before the lift begins:

• Inspect your intended travel path.
• Remove tools, materials, cords, and other trip hazards.
• Identify holes, uneven surfaces, excavations, and changes in elevation.
• Maintain adequate clearance from equipment and structures.
• Never walk backward without knowing that your path is clear.

Maintain awareness of both the suspended load and your surroundings throughout the operation.

Communication

Good communication is essential during crane operations.

• Follow established hand signals or approved communication methods.
• Only the designated signal person should normally give operational signals to the crane operator.
• Anyone who recognizes an emergency or dangerous condition may give the stop or emergency-stop signal.
• Stop the operation if communication is lost or instructions become unclear.
• Never assume the operator knows where you are.

Remember

A suspended load can shift, swing, or fall without warning. Stay out of the fall zone, never work beneath a suspended load, maintain a safe escape route, and never use your body to stop or control a moving load.

No load is worth putting yourself underneath.