Safety Training Module

Cranes

Offshore Installation HSE Department Offshore & Engineering Division1, Cheonha-Dong, Dong-KuUlsan, Korea, 682-792.

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Cranes Are Everywhere

Cranes, derricks, and jib hoists are used in almost every industrial setting Cranes can be found on most construction sites

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Crane and Sling Goals

Crane hazards, inspection, and operationsSling inspection and useQuiz

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Crane Hazards

Crane, sling, or hook could fail if overloadedLoad could flip, turn, or release suddenly if not attached correctlyPeople or objects could be struck by the load

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Crane Capacity

Rated capacity clearly marked on each side of the craneIf more than one hoisting unit, each hoist must be marked with rated capacityMarkings clearly legible from the ground

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Crane InspectionsDaily inspections include:

Operating mechanisms to ensure proper working orderAir or hydraulic systems for leaksHoist chains/ropes for wear, twisting, distortion

Periodic inspections:Deformed, cracked, or corroded componentsLoose bolts or rivetsWear on brakes, chain drive sprocket

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General Operating Rules

Only trained, designated operators are permitted to operate cranesA crane must not be loaded beyond its rated capacityFollow all safe operating procedures

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Attaching the Load

Hoist chain/rope free of kinks or twistsDo not wrap hoist chain/rope around the loadAttach the load to the load block hook with slings or other approved devices

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Hooks

Safety latch or clipLoad in center of hook’s curvePicking up load with the hook’s tip causesit to open up and weakenReplace hooks that are bent open or twisted

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Moving the Load

Be sure the hook and hoist are directly over the loadEnsure that chains/ropes/slings are not twisted Ensure that the load is well secured and balancedWhen traveling, keep the load close to the floor

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Hoisting Safety

Avoid sudden acceleration or decelerationWatch for obstructionsNever leave controls with load suspended Do not use cranes for side pullsNever lower the load below the point where less than two full wraps of rope remain on the hoisting drum

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Hoisting and People

Never carry loads over people Do not hoist, lower, or travel a load when an employee is on the load or hookWhen two or more cranes are lifting a load, put one qualified person in charge

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Hand Signals

Hoist upHoist downStopTravel

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Crane and Sling Goals

Crane hazards, inspection, and operationsSling inspection and useQuiz

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Sling Types

Eye to eye versus endlessSteel chainsWire rope or steel cableMetal meshFiber rope (natural or synthetic)Synthetic mesh

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Operator Sling Inspections

Each day before use by a trained operatorCheck slings and attachments for damageImmediately remove damaged and defective slings from service

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Thorough Sling Inspections

At least annually, recorded in a logChainsWire ropeMetal meshFiber ropeSynthetic web

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Sling Rules

Never load beyond rated capacityLabel properlyNever shorten with knots, bolts, or any other deviceProtect from sharp edgesAttach securely to the load

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Sling Rules (cont.)

Protect hands and fingersUse care when pulling a slingNever drag a slingDo not use a damaged or defective sling

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Sling Storage

Hang slings on a wallNever leave on the groundNever expose to water, welding sparks, chemicals, etc.

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Sling Hitches

VerticalChokerBasket

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Sling Angles

Ratings based on a vertical hangSlings hung >= 5° angle from vertical Slings used at angles should be checked for capacity

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Angle Examples

Assume 1,000 lb. load lifted with 2 slings

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

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

1,000 lb.

1,000 lb.

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Crane and Sling Goals

Crane hazards, inspection, and operationsSling inspection and useQuiz

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Summary

Only trained and authorized operators allowed to use a craneInspect both crane and slings before useProperly secure the load and try to keep slings verticalKeep all people away from a load while it is being hoisted or moved

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Quiz

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 False3. 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

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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? __________

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Quiz 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.

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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.