Standard 29 CFR Part 1910.179

Crane and Hoist Training

Today’s agenda

In today’s session, you’ll be learning about:

•Safety before using the crane or hoist

•How to conduct a crane and hoist pre-use inspection

•Safety during the lift

•Safety at the end of the job

What are cranes and hoists?

Cranes are machines for lifting and lowering loads, and moving the load horizontally.

A hoist is a machine that can be part of a crane or it can be installed alone. Hoists are designed to lift and lower material.

Cranes and hoists: Before use

•Only trained and authorized personnel are allowed to operate cranes and hoists

•Read and understand the manufacturer instructions for safe operation

•Always inspect the crane or hoist before operation

Pre-use inspection

1. Visually check all components for damage and wear

2. Check hydraulic and air systems for leaks

3. Check hooks and latches

4. Check hoist chains and ropes

5. Operate all controls to ensure proper operation with no load

6. Check operation of the upper limit switch with an empty hook at low speed (beginning of the shift)

NEVER USE A DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE CRANE OR HOIST!

Starting the job

•Safe attachment and rigging of material is a critical part of crane and hoist safety: be sure that you have adequate instructions or supervision

•Loads must always be centered on the crane at or near its balance point

•Plan your route so material is never moved over or close to people or where the load might strike another object in the work environment

NEVER LIFT MATERIAL OVER YOUR HEAD OR OVER OTHER PERSONNEL

Starting the job

•Communicate crane and hoist use when material is handled close to where others are working: alert other workers verbally or by using crane warning devices (if present)

•Check the weight of the load and be sure that it is within the maximum lifting capacity of the crane or hoist

NEVER EXCEED THE MAXIMUM LIFTING CAPACITY OF A CRANE, HOIST, SLING OR OTHER LIFTING

DEVICES

During the lift

•Never place any body part under the suspended load. Stay back from the potential drop zone of the suspended material

•Never wrap the lifting rope or chain around material: use a sling or other device to attach the load to the crane or hoist

•Do not twist the lifting rope or chain, or slings and rigging devices

During the lift

•Do not jerk the material: use slow and steady movements when operating equipment

•Never make lateral lifts or side pulls: the material should be directly below the lifting block of the crane or hoist

• If the load starts to fall: warn others in the area and get away

NEVER ATTEMPT TO CATCH OR STOP A LOAD THAT IS FALLING FROM A CRANE OR HOIST

Finishing the job

•Do not leave loads suspended on a crane or hoist

•Raise and/or store the lift hook and block where it is not a hazard for others walking through the area

Lifting equipment in our facility

The following cranes and hoists are used in our facility:

• insert list of equipment here

Conclusion

When using cranes and hoists:

• The operator is responsible for her/his safety and for the safety of all others in the area.

• To keep the job safe, the rules must be followed from inspection through the end of the job.

For more information

For more information regarding crane and hoist safety, or other safety issues please contact:

Gregory & Appel InsuranceMike Salazar, Vice President Direct: 317-686-6407Email: msalazar@gregoryappel.com