BLR’sSafety Training Presentations

BLR’sSafety Training PresentationsCranes and Slings 29 CFR 1910.179 and 184

Safe C

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Cran

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The A

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Cranes Are EverywhereCranes Are Everywhere

Cranes, derricks, and jib hoists are used in almost every industrial setting (tower cranes in construction & shipyards)

Cranes can be found on most construction sites (small cranes, derricks & jibs in garages, trucks & vans)

Crane and Sling GoalsCrane and Sling Goals

Crane hazards, inspection, and operations Sling inspection and use Quiz

Free Standing Jib Cranes Wall Cantilever Jib Cranes

Wall Bracket Jib Cranes

Work Station Bridge Cranes

Portable Gantry CranesMast Type Jib Cranes

Ceiling mounted Bridge Cranes

Crane HazardsCrane Hazards

Crane, sling, or hook could fail if overloaded (any accident: serious injuries, damage)

Load could flip, turn, or release suddenly if not attached correctly (striking a nearby person or object)

People or objects could be struck by the load

Crane CapacityCrane Capacity

Rated capacity clearly marked on each side of the crane

If more than one hoisting unit, each hoist must be marked with rated capacity

Markings clearly legible from the ground (and from the operator’s station)

Crane InspectionsCrane Inspections

Daily inspections and logged-monthly inspections (by the operator) include:– Operating mechanisms to ensure proper working order

– Air or hydraulic systems for leaks

– Hoist chains/ropes for wear, twisting, distortion

Periodic (at least yearly) inspections:– Deformed, cracked, or corroded components

– Loose bolts or rivets

– Wear on brakes, chain drive sprocket

General Operating RulesGeneral Operating Rules

Only trained, designated operators are permitted to operate cranes

A crane must not be loaded beyond its rated capacity

Follow all safe operating procedures

Attaching the LoadAttaching the Load

Hoist chain/rope free of kinks or twists

Do not wrap hoist chain/rope around the load

Attach the load to the load block hook with slings or other approved devices

HooksHooks

Safety latch or clip (preventing the hook from twisting out of the ring)

Load in center of hook’s curve

Picking up load with the hook’s tip causes it to open up and weaken

Replace hooks that are bent open (15% of the normal throat) or twisted (10% from the plane)

Moving the LoadMoving the Load

Be sure the hook and hoist are directly over the load (or load will move, or swing)

Ensure that chains/ropes/slings are not twisted (or load will twist, rotate, or flip)

Ensure that the load is well secured and balanced

When traveling, keep the load close to the floor

Hoisting SafetyHoisting Safety

Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration (extra stress or load, on the crane and slings)

Watch for obstructions

Never leave controls with load suspended

Do not use cranes for side pulls (extra strain and swing)

Never lower the load below the point where less than two full wraps of rope remain on the hoisting drum (never place the hoisting hook on the ground)

Hoisting and PeopleHoisting and People

Never carry loads over people

Do not hoist, lower, or travel a load when an employee is on the load or hook

When two or more cranes are lifting a load, put one qualified person in charge

Hand SignalsHand Signals

Hoist up (index finger up, rotating the wrist)

Hoist down (index finger down, rotating the wrist)

Stop (close fist)

Travel (extend arm with fingers up and motion in the direction of travel)

Crane and Sling GoalsCrane and Sling Goals

Crane hazards, inspection, and operations Sling inspection and use Quiz

Sling TypesSling Types

Eye to eye versus endless

Steel chains

Wire rope or steel cable

Metal mesh

Fiber rope (natural or synthetic)

Synthetic mesh

Operator Sling InspectionsOperator Sling Inspections

Each day before use by a trained operator

Check slings and attachments for damage

Immediately remove damaged and defective slings from service

Thorough Sling InspectionsThorough Sling Inspections

At least annually (documented), performed by a certified inspector

Chains

Wire rope

Metal mesh

Fiber rope

Synthetic web

Sling RulesSling Rules

Never load beyond rated capacity

Label properly

Never shorten with knots, bolts, or any other devices

Protect from sharp edges

Attach securely to the load

Sling Rules (cont.)Sling Rules (cont.)

Protect hands and fingers

Use care when pulling a sling

Never drag a sling

Do not use a damaged or defective sling

Sling StorageSling Storage

Hang slings on a wall

Never leave on the ground

Never expose to water, welding sparks, chemicals, etc.

Sling HitchesSling Hitches

Vertical

Choker

Basket Choker Hitch

Vertical Hitch

Basket Hitch

Sling AnglesSling Angles

Ratings based on a vertical hang

Slings hung >= 5° angle from vertical

Slings used at angles should be checked for capacity

Assume 1,000 lb. load lifted with 2 slings

Slings vertical: 500 lb. each Slings 45° from vertical: 707 lb. each Slings 60° from vertical: 1,000 lb. each

Slings 75° from vertical: 1,930 lb. each

Angle ExamplesAngle Examples

1,000 lb.

1,000 lb.

Crane and Sling GoalsCrane and Sling Goals

Crane hazards, inspection, and operations Sling inspection and use Quiz

SummarySummary

Only trained and authorized operators allowed to use a crane

Inspect both crane and slings before use

Properly secure the load and try to keep slings vertical

Keep all people away from a load while it is being hoisted or moved

Be Safe! 

Tony Soares, Safety Director

Compensation Solutions, Inc.

tsoares@compsolutionsinc.comTel: 1-888-201-5680 Ext. 192

QuizQuiz

1. When do slings need to be inspected? __________

2. Wrapping the hoist’s chain/rope around the load is a safe way to hitch a load. True or False

3. Name two things on a crane that need to be inspected each day: ___________and ___________.

4. What prevents a hook from becoming disconnected from the load? _____________________________

5. Each crane must be clearly marked with its rated capacity. True or False

Quiz (cont.)Quiz (cont.)

6. Lift load high when traveling in order to avoid people or objects. True or False

7. The best way to shorten a chain sling is with a strong bolt through two links. True or False

8. When using a basket hitch, the load must be properly balanced. True or False

9. What causes slings to be subjected to loads in addition to the weight of the object? __________

10. What should be attached to every sling? __________

Quiz AnswersQuiz Answers

1. Inspect slings each day before they are used.

2. False. Never wrap the hoist’s chain/rope around the load.

3. Daily crane inspections include operating mechanisms, air/hydraulics, hoist chains/ropes.

4. A safety latch or clip prevents the hook from disconnecting from the load.

5. True. Cranes must be clearly marked with their rated capacity.

Quiz Answers (cont.)Quiz Answers (cont.)

6. False. Travel with the load as near to the ground as possible.

7. False. Never shorten a sling with a bolt or a knot.

8. True. A basket hitch requires a balanced load.

9. Hanging slings at angles causes them to be subjected to horizontal forces.

10. A label with the sling’s rated capacity.