Best Practices for Crane Safety

1980 marks Altec’s entry into the mobile crane market. Almost forty years later, Altec now leads the industry in quality, safety and performance.

Altec cranes offer a wide range of work applications such as power utility repair, tree care, cargo moving and sign, machine and billboard installation. These diverse applications are the result of the growing number of industries that now use Altec’s cranes in their standard operations.

As the need for cranes continues to increase, it is essential that these devices are operated safely and efficiently.

Safe, Efficient Crane Operations

Safe crane operation begins with thorough planning. Before work begins, an operator should determine lift capacity, assess the machine’s capability and identify proper equipment placement.

Before lifting, operators must ensure the object’s weight will not exceed the machine’s capacity. The crane should not be used to determine load weight; instead, weighing the load should be done before the lift occurs.

“A competent operator would determine the load capacity of the crane and its rigging to ensure the planned lift would not exceed capacity at any point,” states Altec Sentry Trainer Phil Doud.

Mark Kruger, Altec Lights and Signs Sales Manager, recommends using the machine’s load chart to determine the crane’s weight and load radius. The chart provides accurate and detailed estimates of the weight the machine can safely bear.

Identifying the best place to set up a crane is another important part of an operator’s initial planning. When setting up, operators should note any overhead obstructions such as powerlines, lights or signs that could hinder the vehicle. Creating a reliable plan can even help to prevent time-consuming unit relocations during a job.

Kruger states that operators should take time to, “know and understand the manufacturers intended uses and purposes for the machine they are using.”

He later adds, “Trying to work on a seventy-foot structure out of a sixty-three-foot aerial does not make for an efficient and safe job site.”

During the planning process, operators should carefully plan for both the movement and placement of the load. Doud points out that efficiency does not mean fast. Operators should always take time to be thorough in their work.

If done correctly, planning prevents costly equipment damage and ensures the safety of on-site workers.

Pylon Structures

When installing signs and equipment onto pylon structures, cranes are commonly used for their reach and capacity. Taking appropriate precautions and paying attention to details can help prevent malfunctions or injuries when working on pylon structures.

Kruger and Doud both say that surveying the work site should be the first step no matter the job. Workers and operators should be aware of overhead obstructions such as electrical wires, towers or additional signage. Electrical wires are a particular concern due to high voltage on or near the work area. OSHA requires cranes in construction to maintain a 20-foot clearance from energized conductors.

Open Spaces

Performing installations on building fronts in open spaces can present a number of unique challenges different from pylon structure installations.

After surveying the area and locating overhead obstructions, the crane should be set up where the operator decided upon during the planning period. Once the machine is in operation, Doud recommends to never lift the load over personnel or to allow anyone to enter the ‘fall zone’ where a falling load could injure or kill.

When working in an elevated location, be sure to inspect, wear and attach your personal fall protection equipment to an appropriate fall protection anchor point.

OSHA Regulations

Recent OSHA construction regulations require certification for operators of cranes capable of lifting more than 2,000 pounds.  Certification helps ensure operators have met a basic standard of general knowledge and skill in safe crane operation.  However, when operating a specific machine, nothing can replace experience and training. In fact, OSHA now requires employers to document an evaluation for their operators on a wide range of skills, knowledge and demonstrated abilities, and to make the documentation available at the worksite.

A second and often overlooked qualification requirement is for a qualified rigger whenever workers are within the fall zone or are involved in hooking, unhooking, guiding or connecting a load.

One final requirement from OSHA is for a properly trained signal person to be present when an operator does not have a full view of the point of operation or the direction of travel.  In addition, either the operator or the person handling the load may determine that a signal person is required because of site-specific safety concerns.

At Altec Sentry, we believe that trained operators are safer operators. For more information on Altec products, operator training and other services, call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.