Crane Safety Program

Chapter Section

Cranes must not be used unless ground conditions are able to support the equipment and any supporting materials per the manufacturer’s specifications.   Equipment must not be assembled or used unless ground conditions are firm, drained, and graded to a sufficient extent so that, in conjunction (if necessary) with the use of supporting materials, the equipment manufacturer’s specifications for adequate support and degree of level of the equipment are met.

All loads shall be hooked or slung under the direction of a competent employee.

Prior to operating any equipment, the operator must be familiar with all recent entries in its log book.

The operator must carry proof of training.

Before the start of each shift or use an operator uses a crane or hoist, the operator must inspect the crane or hoist was inspected for that work shift, and the control and safety devices were tested for that work shift to detect any defect, malfunction or hazardous condition.  All safety devices must be in proper working order before operation begins.  Safety devices are required to be on all equipment and must be in proper working order before operations begin. If any of the devices are not in proper working order the equipment must be taken out of service and operations must not resume until the device is working properly again. Examples of safety devices may include crane level indicator, boom stops, jib stops, foot pedal brake locks, horns, etc.

A fire extinguisher must be immediately available in the cab of each crane or other hoisting equipment.

The operator has the authority to stop and refuse to handle loads whenever there is a safety concern.   Whenever there is a safety concern, the operator must have the authority to stop and refuse to handle loads until a qualified person has determined that safety has been assured.

When the operator of a crane or hoist does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the boom, jib, load line, load hook and load throughout the whole range of the hoisting operation, the operator must act only on the directions of a qualified, designated signaler who has a clear view of the things the operator cannot see.   The operator of the crane or hoist must stop the operation of the equipment on receiving a stop signal from any person.

Operators of hoisting equipment shall disregard signals from anyone except designated signal persons but in an emergency other employees may give a stop signal.

Where the design of a crane is such that the boom may fall over backward, positive boom stops shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

No employee shall ride or be permitted to ride on loads, hooks or similar equipment unless specifically authorized by his or her supervisor.