Crane Safety

Fatalities and serious injuries can occur if cranes are not inspected and used properly. Many fatalities can occur when the crane boom, load line or load contacts power lines and shorts electricity to ground. Other incidents happen when workers are struck by the load, are caught inside the swing radius or fail to assemble/ disassemble the crane properly.

a) Cranes are to be operated only qualified and trained personnel.
b) A designated competent person must inspect the crane and all crane controls
before use.
c) Be sure the crane is on a firm/stable surface and level.
d) During assembly or dis-assembly to not unlock or remove pins unless sections
are blocked and secure (stable).
e) Fully extend outriggers and barricade accessible areas inside the crane's
swing areas.
f) Watch for overhead power lines and maintained at least a 10-foot safe working
clearance from the lines.
g) Inspect all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist lines around the load.
h) Be sure to use the correct load chart for the crane's current configuration
and setup, the load weight and lift path.
i) Do not exceed the load chart capacity while making lifts.
j) Raise load a few inches, hold, verify capacity/balance and test brake system
before delivering load.
k) Do not move loads over workers.
l) Be sure to follow signals or manufacturer instructions while operating cranes.


Sources: OSHA US Department of Labor