Crane/Lifting Equipment Inspections

This under discussion safety topic applies to all types of cranes including mobile and fixed cranes (e.g., overhead and gantry cranes) and the use of slings and other rigging hardware.

Crane/Lifting Equipment Inspections

1. Inspect all contractor, or third-party  mobile and fixed cranes before use with the Crane Operator Daily Inspection Checklist
2. Operate only cranes that have a valid inspection sticker from recommended approved the third party.
3. Verify that supplemental lifting equipment used below the hook (e.g., spreader bars, man baskets) has a valid inspection sticker.

Crane Operations

Do not operate a lifting heavy equipment/machinery/crane unless you are:

Certified per the requirements for  the mobile crane, fixed crane, or extensions/ attachments indicated on the certificate, or

Under the direct supervision, instructions and guidance of a qualified trainer.

Performing crane maintenance or inspection duties.

Communicate details of any crane lifts to the affected person in the area of operation.

1. Use universal hand or radio signals for communication between the designated signalman and crane operator.
2. Do not obstruct the crane operator’s line of sight to the designated signalman.
   
3. Always keep all cab glass clean without hindrances (e.g., curtains, cardboard) or damage. Cab glass must be safety glass.
4. Utilize tag lines to control all suspended loads, except when their use may create a greater possibility of hazard.
5. Do not side-load (for example, always be sure to center the hook directly over the load).
   
6. Avoid suspending loads over workforce, personnel, equipment, or traffic movement areas.
   
7. Know the accurate weight of all loads and lifting gear before the lift.
   
8. Transport personnel only using approved crane- suspended personnel platforms (man baskets).
   
9. Usefully extended outriggers with appropriate float pads and mats when performing crane lifts.
   
10. Do not permanently secure mats to the outrigger pads.
    
11. Do not leave the crane cab unattended while a load is suspended, unless the load is properly secured to a load-bearing structural member.
    
12. Always lower hydraulic crane booms and secure the hook while traveling (in operation).
    
13. Do not perform crane lifts at wind speeds above 32 km/h (20 mph) unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
    
14. Do not perform crane-suspended personnel platform (man basket) operations at wind speeds greater than 25 km/h (15 mph).
    
15. Maintain the below mentioned minimum distances when conducting crane operations near trenches and  excavations:
    Depth of the trench or excavation for Class A soils.
    2X the depth of the trench or excavation for Class B and C soils (see the Excavation and Trenching safety topic for soil classifications).
    
16. Maintain the minimum distances when operating cranes around overhead power lines.
    
17. Use Critical Lift Plans for certain conditions and activities, including:
    
    • Cranes operating around power lines.
    • Operation around hydrocarbons and above ground pressurized piping areas, populated and or traffic areas, and railroads.
    • All loads of 40 tons or greater.
    • All loads exceeding 85% of the rated load capacity of the crane for that particular lift.
    • Tandem, various, or tailing lifts (any lift requiring two or more cranes to lift one load).
    • Lifts involving a crane-suspended personnel platform (man basket). A Crane Suspended Personnel Platform (Man basket) Permit is required.
    • High level and/or long reach crane lifts.
    • Lifts on barges, vessels, or loading piers.
    • On rubber or pick and carry lifts.
    • A nighttime crane lifts, except as approved during a turnaround and inspection (T&I) or shutdown.
    • Blind lifts.
    • Other lifts as determined by (Company) management.

Crane/Lifting Equipment Inspections