Overhead Crane and Gantry Safety

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOc5DmhaImU

Using cranes or derricks to hoist personnel poses a significant risk to employees being lifted. To help prevent employee injury or death, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1926.550, limits the use of personnel hoisting in the construction industry and prescribes the proper safety measures for these operations.

Personnel platforms that are suspended from the load line and used in construction are covered by 29 CFR 1926.550(g). In addition, there is no specific provision for suspended personnel platforms in Part 1910. The governing provision, therefore is general provision 1910.180(h)(3)(v), which prohibits hoisting, lowering, swinging, or traveling while anyone is on the load or hook. OSHA has determined, however, that when the use of a conventional means of access to any elevated worksite would be impossible or more hazardous, a violation of 1910.180(h)(3)(v) will be treated as "de minimis" if the employer has complied with the provisions set forth in 1926.550(g)(3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8).

The OSHA rule for hoisting personnel is written in performance-oriented language that allows employers flexibility in deciding how to provide the best protection for their employees against the hazards associated with hoisting operations and how to bring their work sites into compliance with the requirements of the standard.

This discussion covers OSHA's requirements for hoisting personnel by crane or derrick in the construction industry, prescribes the measures employers must take to bring their work operations into compliance, and describes safe work practices for employees; but it is not a substitute for the actual OSHA rule.

Articles and Information

·                               Cranes and Derricks 1926.550 (OSHA)

·                               Crane, Derrick & Hoist Safety (Collection from OSHA)

·                               Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators, and Conveyors (OSHA)

·                               Preventing Electrocution of Crane Operators Near Overhead Power Lines (NIOSH)

·                               Aerial Lift Safety (CPWR)

·                               Aerial Lift Safety in Construction (Construction Occupational Safety & Health)

·                               Crane Safety (1 Safety Source)

·                               Crane Safety - Balancing the Load (Occupational Safety Observer)

·                               Crane or Derrick Suspended Personnel Platforms (OSHA)

·                               Cranes and Hoists (Jefferson Lab)

·                               Construction Resource Manual (OSHA)

·                               Elevated Platform Safety (California State Univ., Fullerton)

·                               Hoisting and Rigging Manual (DOE-Hanford)

·                               Mobile Crane Inspection Guidelines (OSHA)

·                               Tractor Cranes (Worksafe Western Australia)

·                               Overhead Crane Safety (Lab Safety Supply)

·                               Safety Tips for Aerial Lifts (SSPC)

·                               Sling and Hoist Selection Guide (Lab Safety Supply)

·                               Sling Safety (OSHA)

Other Resources

Crane Institute of America
Navy Crane Center
CraneAccidents.com
Sigalarm (high voltage power line proximity warning system)