Cranes Introduction

TOTAL SOUTH PARS
CRANES
Identification and Capacity

The manufacturer must issue a Test Certificate for every crane he produces, identifying it and specifying the Safe Working Load (SWL) which must be clearly marked on the Crane structure. Safe Working Load
In large organisations which have their own system of plant identification it should relate to the Manufacturers Certificate.
Identification Number
Maintenance
Apart form Statutory Inspections, Cranes should be inspected regularly by the users own staff and preventative maintenance schedules followed. Records should be kept of these checks and of any work done, especially if it is in response to a Statutory Inspection requirement.
Safety Measures
To protect both the Operator and the Crane itself, a number of safety devices are incorporated in the design of the Crane and these include :
1) Overtravel Switches
To prevent the hook or sheave block from being raised right up to the cable drum, a robust limit switch should be fitted to the crab or upper sheave block. Checks of this limit switch should be included in routine inspections.
NO
2) Protection of Bare Conductors

Where bare pick-up conductors are used to carry the power supply they must be shielded form accidental contact particularly if near cabin access. Suitably worded notices, e.g. WARNING BARE LIVE WIRES, should be posted on the walls or building structure. The power supply isolating switch posted on the walls or building structure. The power supply isolating switch should be provided with means for locking-off during maintenance work.
3) Controls
The controls of Cranes, whether cabin, pendant or radio, should be clearly identified to prevent inadvertent operation. On Overhead Electric Travelling (OET) cranes with electric pendant controls the directions of travel should be unambiguously marked. Controls should be of the Dead-Man type.
4) Load Indicators
Load Indicators are required to be fitted to jib cranes and can be used with benefit on all cranes. There are two types : A) A load / radius indicator that shows the radius at which the crane is working and the safe load at that radius. It must be clearly visible to the driver. B) An automatic Safe Load Indicator that warns, either visually or audibly, that the load is approaching the maximum safe level or that it has exceeded that value.
5) Safety Catches
Wherever practicable, crane hooks should be fitted with safety catches9 to prevent slings, chains, ropes, etc. from jumping off the hook.
NO!
6) Emergency Escape
Where, on travelling cranes, access to the cab is not an integral part of the crane, suitable escape equipment should be provided to enable the driver to reach the ground quickly and safety in an emergency.
7) Safe means of access should be provided to enable: a) the Driver to reach his operating position; b) the necessary inspections and maintenance work to be carried out safely.
8) Operating Position
The arrangement of the drivers cab should ensure: a) a clear view of the operating area and loads; b) all controls are easily reached by the driver without the need for excessive movements of arms or legs; c) all controls are clearly marked as to their function and method of operation.
9) Passengers
No one, other than the driver, should be allowed on the Crane when it is operating unless there is a special reason for being there and it has been authorised. Riding the hook is prohibited but should it be necessary to carry persons, the properly designed and approved chair or cradle should be used.
Harness to be clipped to hook of crane NOT to basket.

Man Basket must be of an approved type. (Bureau veritas inspected)
10) Safe Working Load

All cranes should be marked with their Safe Working Load which must never be exceeded except for test purposes. If there is any doubt of the weight to be lifted, advice should be sought.
Crane Operations
With many cranes including overhead electric travelling, mobile jib and Construction Tower Cranes, the safe moving of loads relies on team effort involving the driver, slinger and sometimes a separate Signaller (or Banksman).
Only one person, the Signaller or if there is no Signaller the Slinger, should give signals to the Driver and these should be clearly understood by both. Slingers, Signallers and Driver should be properly trained, medically fit and of a steady disposition.
Steady Disposition !
Safe operating techniques for Cranes

There are certain basic techniques that must be practiced to ensure the safest possible operation of the Crane. These techniques include:
1) The driver carrying out a brief check of the Crane at the beginning of his shift. The items checked may vary in different factories, but they should be agreed locally.
2) Loads should NOT be left hanging on the hook at the end of a shift. 3) Those working above floor level who are likely to be struck by the crane or its load MUST BE WARNED.
4) The crane must not approach nearer than 7 meters to anyone working on the trench.
7 meters
5) Loads should not be carried over people. Assaluyeh Site Regulations state. Drop zone (length of JIB radius) PLUS (+) 10 meters MUST be barriered and vacated of ALL personnel.
Barrier = r + 10m
6) Loads must be lifted vertically-the crane must not be used to drag a load.
7) Power to the Crane should be switched off when the Crane is left unattended.
Mobile jib Cranes present extra hazards in use. Particular points requiring attention include: 8) The travelling height of the Crane with jib lowered and raised should be marked on the Crane.
9) Overhead obstructions or hazards should be clearly identified and marked with the maximum clearance height. 10) Care should be taken to ensure that no one is trapped by counter-balance weight, etc., as the crane slews.
11) The condition of the ground should be checked before lifting with a mobile crane and it should not approach close to excavations.
12) Tandem lifts should be avoided if possible. If they must be undertaken, it must be by a fully trained gang under the a Strict Control of a Competent Person.
Whilst work is in progress: Check that there is an up-to- to-date Test Certificate.
Check that the daily/weekly inspections are being carried out.
Ensure that the Crane is operating from planned / approved position only.
Ensure that the Banksman is working in the correct manner.
Ensure that the correct Lifting Gear is being used.
Ensure that outriggers are being used, and are adequately supported.
Check that the safe load / radius indicator is in working order.
Check that the Tyres / Tracks are at the correct pressure and in good, clean condition.
Check that the Crane is kept at a safe, predetermined distance from open excavations, etc.
Check that, when travelling, the load is carried as near to the ground as possible and that hand lines are being used.
Check that when travelling on sloping ground the driver changes the radius to accommodate the moving
of the load OR
Shock loading a Boom can result in this ! Fall of three people 20 m.
20 Meter
Check that loads are not being slewed over persons and that persons and that persons are not standing or walking under the load.
NO!
Automatic safe load indicator

All Cranes with a lifting capacity in excess of 1 ton must be fitted with an approved type of automatic safe load indicator.
It is the responsibility of the operator to: (a) Determine the type of Indicator fitted; (b) Determine how the adjustments are made; (c) Ensure that it is correctly adjusted for the various lifting duties; (d) Ensure that the electrical circuit is tested for serviceability; (e) Take immediate action when an overload is indicated.
The signals given by the indicator take the form of coloured light, a dial indicator or both and a bell. Green/white
-- Indicator adjusted for free duties

-- Indicator adjusted for blocked duties
-- Maximum safe load being approached
Blue
Amber
Red
-- Overload condition reached.
The red light will be supported by a bell to give an audible warning of overload.
Always use Tag Lines !
Certification
Certification
Certification

Cranes Introduction

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What safety devices are incorporated in crane design and why?

What are the responsibilities of the crane operator regarding load indicators?

TOTAL SOUTH PARS

Identification and Capacity

2) Protection of Bare Conductors

Harness to be clipped to hook of crane NOT to basket.

10) Safe Working Load

Safe operating techniques for Cranes

Check that the daily/weekly inspections are being carried out.

Ensure that the Banksman is working in the correct manner.

Ensure that the correct Lifting Gear is being used.

Check that the safe load / radius indicator is in working order.

Shock loading a Boom can result in this ! Fall of three people 20 m.

Automatic safe load indicator

-- Indicator adjusted for free duties

-- Overload condition reached.

Always use Tag Lines !

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