08 Jun Mobile Crane Safety

Mobile Crane Safety

Mobile crane safety is critical because crane operations expose operators and ground personnel to falling loads, equipment overturns, electrical contact, struck-by hazards, and caught-between hazards. Only properly trained and authorized personnel may operate cranes or participate in rigging and signaling operations.

Before operating a mobile crane, evaluate the work area, crane configuration, load, ground conditions, overhead hazards, and travel path. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, rated capacities, and established lift procedures at all times.

Pre-Operation Inspection

Inspect the crane before use and as required by the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable regulations.

• Check controls, brakes, steering, warning devices, wire rope, hooks, safety devices, and other critical components.
• Inspect outriggers, stabilizers, and supporting surfaces.
• Verify that required load charts and operating information are available to the operator.
• Ensure safety devices and operational aids are functioning properly.
• Inspect slings, hooks, shackles, and other rigging equipment before use.
• Remove defective equipment from service until it has been properly repaired or replaced.

Load Capacity and Rigging

Never exceed the crane’s rated capacity for its configuration and operating radius.

• Determine the load weight before making the lift.
• Consult the manufacturer’s load chart and account for boom length, radius, configuration, attachments, and other applicable factors.
• Use rigging with adequate rated capacity for the load.
• Secure and balance loads before lifting.
• Never shock-load the crane or rigging.
• Make a controlled test lift when appropriate to verify balance and rigging.
• Keep employees clear of suspended loads.
• Never allow anyone to ride a suspended load.

Safe Lifting Operations

Operate the crane smoothly and deliberately.

• Raise, lower, swing, and travel with loads slowly and under control.
• Avoid sudden starts, stops, or changes in direction.
• Use tag lines when necessary to control loads without exposing employees to additional hazards.
• Do not allow employees beneath suspended loads.
• Barricade or otherwise control access to hazardous areas when necessary.
• Secure hooks and other equipment when traveling without a load to prevent uncontrolled swinging.

When multiple cranes are used to lift the same load, the lift must be properly planned and directed by qualified personnel.

Power Line Safety

Contact between cranes and energized power lines can cause electrocution or serious electrical injuries.

Before operations begin:

• Survey the work area for overhead and nearby electrical hazards.
• Treat power lines as energized unless they have been confirmed de-energized and properly grounded in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Determine the required minimum clearance based on line voltage and applicable regulations.
• Establish appropriate boundaries or other controls to prevent encroachment.
• Use a dedicated spotter when required.
• Do not rely solely on proximity alarms or other warning devices to maintain safe clearance.

Never assume that a standard 10-foot clearance applies to every power line. Required clearance increases for higher voltages.

Crane Setup and Stability

Ground conditions must be capable of supporting the crane and anticipated loads.

• Position the crane on firm, drained, and sufficiently level supporting surfaces.
• Follow manufacturer requirements for crane leveling.
• Fully deploy outriggers or stabilizers when required by the load chart or manufacturer.
• Use appropriate blocking, cribbing, or outrigger pads when necessary to distribute loads.
• Never place outriggers over unsupported voids, trenches, utilities, or unstable ground.
• Monitor ground conditions throughout crane operations.
• Do not exceed manufacturer limitations for operating or traveling on slopes.

Stop operations if crane stability becomes questionable.

Protecting Ground Personnel

Employees working around cranes must remain alert to equipment movement, suspended loads, and blind spots.

• Establish controlled-access areas when necessary.
• Stay clear of the crane’s swing radius and counterweight.
• Keep clear of outriggers, wheels, tracks, and other potential crush points.
• Wear required high-visibility clothing, head protection, safety footwear, and other applicable PPE.
• Maintain communication between operators, riggers, signal persons, and ground personnel.
• Never position yourself between moving crane components and a fixed object.

Signals and Communication

Use a qualified signal person when required or whenever the operator cannot clearly see the load, landing area, or travel path.

Only one designated person should normally give operating signals. However, the operator must obey a stop or emergency-stop signal given by anyone who recognizes a hazardous condition.

Radio or hand signals must be clearly understood before lifting begins.

Operator Qualifications

Mobile cranes must be operated only by employees who meet applicable training, qualification, and certification requirements for the equipment and work being performed.

Crane operators must understand the equipment’s controls, limitations, load charts, safety devices, operating characteristics, and site-specific hazards.

Remember

Never make a lift until the crane, load, rigging, ground conditions, power-line hazards, and work area have been evaluated. Keep personnel clear of suspended loads and crush zones, and stop operations whenever conditions become unsafe.