May Safety Topic: Crane Safety

Whether you are operating, working with or working around cranes it is important to take the proper steps to minimize potential risks. Following crane operating procedures, good communication and being aware of your surroundings are the key to keeping everyone safe.

Pre-Use Inspection

Only operators trained and certified in accordance with the current API standard (API RP 2D 7th Edition) are authorized to operate Cranes. Before lifting any load, the operator should complete a pre-use inspection of the Crane. The inspection should be visual, functional and be documented. If any deficiencies are found during the pre-use inspection the crane should be taken out of service and be reported to the onsite supervisor or manager per the site-specific procedures. The procedures should also be followed for putting the crane back into service. Some basic items the pre-use inspection should cover are as follows:

• Controls are labeled and in good working order

• Safety Features such as anti-two blocks, limit switches and boom angle indicators are in place and functional

• Load chart is in place and legible

• Wire rope and lifting block/hook are in good condition and free of damage

• Hoses are in good condition and free from damage

• Crane functions are operable (boom up/down, hoist up/down and swing left/right)

• Crane boom has no signs of wear and is free of damage.

Each location has its own crane safety requirements which should include a pre-use inspection. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these requirements and follow it to ensure compliance with the rules of that location. Please remember that it is not only your right but responsibility to stop work that is unsafe.

Lifting Operations

Lifting operations should only commence after the pre-use is completed, the crane has been deemed fit for use, weather conditions are safe for crane operation and the following items have been verified:

• The weight of the intended load to be lifted. The manifest should be used when available

• The correct type, rating and configuration of the rigging is fit for purpose and inspected

• The lifting points are rated for the load, inspected and in good condition

• Tag lines are in place and are adequate length to keep personnel at a safe distance

• The final location of the load once lifted and the path of travel. This is important to ensure no lifting overhead, SIMOPS are identified, and signalman is positioned for safe operations

The operator should not lift the load if it is not rigged properly, if the rigging is not in capacity, center of gravity was not achieved or for any other reason the operator deems necessary. The operator has final responsibility and should stop any work that they deem unsafe. A JSA should be completed and reviewed by all parties involved prior to making any lift.

Personnel Transfer

Lifting operations involving personnel are more critical than lifting material loads and should be treated as such. The site-specific procedures for lifting personnel should always be followed. Only certified, trained and experienced operators should perform personnel lifts. Before lifting personnel, you should:

• Ensure proper communication between the operator and crew being lifted

• All required documentation is completed before lifting

• Weather is checked for safe operating conditions before lifting

• Proper rigging is attached, inspected and fit for purpose to the personnel lifting device

• Personnel lifting device is inspected, in good condition and fit for lifting personnel

• All personnel are set and ready before lifting

Due to the high degree of risk involved with personnel transfer it should be taken very seriously. The safety of the personnel being lifted should be top priority and should anything be deemed unsafe, the lift should be stopped immediately until the issue is resolved. With the proper planning and execution, the risk during personnel transfer can be minimized.

We must remain committed to the safety when operating, working with or working around cranes at the work site. Any crane operation deemed unsafe should be stopped.

Remember, you have the right and responsibility to stop work that is unsafe!