MOBILE CRANE OPERATORS

MOBILE CRANE OPERATORS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

There are on average 17 fatal accidents each year involving cranes and lifting gear. But behind every fatality there are numberous incidents and dangerous occurrences it is the purpose of this awareness talk to identify how we can manage those incidents remember it is people who cause accidents not plant!

HAZARDS

• Untrained operatives
• Inadequate knowledge of machine make model
• Poor maintenance
• Untrained Rigger 
• Poor environment immediate surroundings, weather
• Ground conditions
• Poor control for members of the public
• Inadequate access for operator and maintenance personnel
• Poor knowledge of loads and duties

HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

• You must only operate a machine of a type on which you have been trained and authorized to use
• Before operating, ensure that the machine is correctly maintained and the weekly inspection register completed. Report all defects immediately
• check all wire ropes for wear at frequent intervals
• Before operating, test-check the safe load indicator and all crane motions. Ensure crane is on firm and level ground. Use mats if necessary
• Before hoisting ensure that the load is correctly sling, balanced and secure
• Never exceed the safe working load. Obey warning devices and notices
• When assessing the total load to be lifted, allow for the weight of the appropriate lifting gear
• After the load is lifted a short distance completely clear of the ground, stop and check the safe load indicator for possible overload before continuing lift
• Always keep within the limits shown on the indicators when derricking
• Work only with an authorized rigger and operate to his signals. Do not react to signals from unauthorized persons, except in an emergency
• Check for obstruction and men in the vicinity of the crane before slewing. Clearance of at least 1m must aas far as practicable be maintained between moving parts of the crane and any nearby fixture
• Slewing motions should be operated gently to reduce load swing to a minimum
• Before travelling ensure that the slewing lock is engaged
• Watch out for overhead power lines. Do not pass under, unless within the confirms of  "goad posts" and a rigger is in attendance 
• Working alongside power lines should not be undertaken unless authorized and closely supervised and authorized specifically by the site manager and special precautions laid down and adgered to

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• When travelling with a load, keep it as near the ground as possible. Drive slowly and look out for obstructions and uneven ground. Operatives should not walk in front of the crane steadying the load. Steady ropes should be used
• Outriggers, where fitted, shall always be fully extended according to the load chart inthe cab when using the crane in a blocked capacity. Use suitable packing to spread the load
• Lower gently when depositing load
• Before loading a vehicle ensure the driver is out of the cab unless this has special protection
• Never share a load with another crane unless the operation has been planned and is supervised.
• If persons have to be lifted, they must travel in an approved chair, cage or skip, and the crane must be equipped with power lowering and automatic breaking
• Never leave the crane with a load suspended
• When leaving the crane, make sure the power is off, the hook is unloaded and out of the way, the brakes are on, and the cab is locked, so that no unauthorized person can interfere with the crane
• No unauthorized driver is permitted to operate the crane. A trainee must be accompanied by the authorized crane operator

QUSTIONS

• What type of crane can you operate?
• When assessing the load to be lifted what must be included?
• What action must be taken when leaving your crane?

SAFETY REMINDER

Crane operations must be attended by a competent rigger without clear instruction work must be stop.