Crane Lifting

Crane lifting is the process of using a crane to move, lift, or lower heavy objects or materials. It involves attaching a sling and shackle or other lifting gear to the crane hook and then using the crane boom, which can raise or lower the load to its desired location. Crane lifting is commonly used in construction, manufacturing and shipping for loading and unloading materials. It is a crucial aspect of many industries but requires careful planning and skilled operators and riggers to ensure safety.

Crane Lifting jobs involve risks for both workers and the items being lifted, which is why it is important to identify and implement the best safety practices to avoid serious or even fatal accidents. For this reason, today we are going to discuss some of the practices that you should consider to take care of yourself, your workers, your cranes, and the items to be lifted. Anyone who works with cranes must be familiar with OSHA 1926.1432, which includes multi-crane/derrick lift and SABIC SHEM 08.06

Crane lifting SABIC SHEM 08.06

According to SABIC SHEM 08.06, there must be a system to qualify crane operators. Qualified crane operators may only operate the cranes. The following requirements must be met to become a “Qualified Crane Operator” are:

• Medically fit.
• Possess a valid driver’s license as per local rules and regulations,
• Pass the written test
• Satisfactorily meet the demonstrated ability requirements.

Crane

All cranes shall be equipped with a load chart. When in stationary lift mode, truck-mounted cranes should always have their outriggers fully extended. A lifting plan must be prepared by qualified personnel based on the types of cranes, hazards, and restricted areas to operate.
Rated load capacities, a load capacity table, recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, or instructions must be prominently posted on all cranes.

Accessible areas within the turning radius of the rear of the crane’s rotating superstructure, whether permanently or temporarily mounted, must be barricaded in such a way as to prevent personnel from being struck or crushed by the lifting load. Cranes and derricks with variable-angle booms must be equipped with a boom angle indicator that is readily visible to the operator.

Or an accurate determination of the load radius to be used during lifting. All cranes must be equipped with an anti-two-block device.
A hand-held carbon dioxide or dry chemical fire extinguisher should be kept in the cabin. Carbon tetrachloride extinguishers should not be used. In addition, operators must be trained in the proper operation and procedures for the use of portable fire extinguishers. The light in the cab must be sufficient to allow the operator to see enough to do his job.

Drop object

Types of crane

• Crawler cranes: Their wide tracks make them mobile and stable, so they do not require outriggers for stability.
  all terrain crane
• All-terrain cranes: these are also called rough terrain cranes or mobile cranes. they are equipped with tyres and an outrigger.
• Tower cranes: are some of the most recognizable cranes due to their frequent use in urban construction. Its tall lattice towers, sometimes hundreds of feet tall, reach up to the city skyline with long rotating lattice arms mounted on top.
  truck mounted crane
• Truck-mounted cranes: ride on large rubber tires and are typically designed to drive to and from a job site under their power. Most crane trucks can be driven on the highway and use horizontal stabilizers for added stability on the job site.
• Jib cranes: used inside the workshops
• Gantry cranes: These types of cranes are used to transport materials and loads in vertical and horizontal movements

Types of overhead crane

• bridge crane
• gantry crane
• semi portico crane
• cantilever crane
• moth crane (swivel arm)

Crane inspection

The inspection procedure for cranes in regular service will be divided into two general classifications based on the intervals at which the inspection must be performed. The two general classifications are designated herein as “Frequent” and “Periodic” with respective intervals between inspections.

Frequent inspections will be performed by crane operators who have been trained in crane operation and inspection techniques. It will be the responsibility of the Owner’s Department to provide the appropriate training, whether provided by the manufacturer or another department within the facility. A crane that has been idle for more than 6 months will need to undergo a full inspection before being put into service. Standby cranes will be inspected at least semi-annually.

Lifting gears

The hoist chain or hoist cable must be free of kinks or twists and must not wrap around the load. The load will be attached to the hook of the load block using slings. Chain blocks, pulleys and similar devices must be marked for the maximum safe working load. Slings and other lifting equipment must be properly stored away from sources of corrosion or damage. Care must be taken to ensure that the sling clears all obstacles. Before starting to hoist, the following conditions must be taken into account:

• The hoist cable must not be twisted.
• Multi-part lines must not twist around each other.
• The hook will be placed on the load in a way that prevents it from swaying.
• There is no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load.
• The load does not contact any obstruction.
• Must be used tagline.

Crane lifting equipment

Crane lifting equipment must be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure safe lifting operation. Additionally, all crane lifting equipment or gears must be certified by a third party. who operate cranes and riggers who give signals must receive proper training and be certified by a third party to safely use the lifting equipment and understand the safety rules and regulations. Crane lifting equipment is used to move, lift, and lower heavy loads. Some of the common crane lifting equipment include:

• Slings: Used to secure loads to the crane hook. Slings come in various materials and designs such as wire rope, chain, synthetic fibre or metal mesh. The appropriate type of sling must be chosen based on the weight, shape, and nature of the load.
• Shackles: Used to connect the slings to the crane hook or the load. Shackles come in various designs such as D or bow shapes and are made of various materials like steel, aluminium, or alloy. When selecting shackles, it is important to ensure that capacity limits are observed based on the type of shackle and the angle of the load.
• Spreaders beam: Used to spread and balance the load. Spreader beams are typically adjustable and come in various lengths and capacities.
• Chain Blocks: Chain blocks, also known as chain hoists or lever hoists, are hand-operated devices used to lift and lower loads. These may be manual, electric or pneumatic. Chain blocks are ideal for smaller loads, where little headroom is available.
• Rigging accessories: Rigging accessories like hooks, eye bolts, and turnbuckles are used to connect the various elements.
• Counterweight: Heavyweights are added to the other end of the crane to offset the weight of the load being lifted.

Crane lifting hazards and risks

Crane lifting is a high-risk activity that involves numerous hazards to both the operators and those nearby. Some of the hazards associated with crane lifting include:

• Overloading: The crane’s weight capacity can be exceeded if the load is too heavy. This can cause the crane to tip over or the supporting structure to collapse.
• Incorrect slinging: Incorrect slinging can cause the load to slip or fall, posing a risk to the workers below.
• Electrical hazards: Electrocution can occur when the crane accidentally contacts power lines. Electrical contacts due to:
• Crane collapse: Improper maintenance, defective components, high wind speed, overload or structural damage can cause crane collapse, which can be fatal to those nearby.
• Overturning or collapse of the machine on objects or people due to: Defective levelling of the same, Location of the machine near slopes or unstable ground, Exceeding the maximum allowable load moment or due to the effect of the wind, Use in conditions contraindicated by the manufacturer, Poor equipment handling/controls, Lack of training, Lack of regular inspections, Poor maintenance, Failure of the lifting system etc.
• Worker or materials falls: Operators and other workers can fall from the crane, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Fall of the load on people or objects due to: Failure in the hydraulic circuit, brakes, etc, Collision of the loads or the end of the boom against an obstacle.
• Fall at a different level due to: Carrying out work near slopes, Existence of uneven, weak or slippery terrain, Work with poor visibility or insufficient lighting, and Jumping from the crane to the ground.
• Collisions: The crane can collide with objects or other machinery, causing injury or death.
• Objects falling on people due to: Hoist loads that are badly tied or secured with loose objects.
• Collision of the load against people or materials due to the existence of personnel or materials in the area of passage of the crane, Crane invasion of work, transit or storage areas without prior notice, and Limited visibility by the crane driver.
• Weather conditions: High winds, rain, or snow can cause instability and disrupt the crane lifting operation.
• Poor lighting: can cause minor to major risk during crane lifting.
• Contact with sharp or pointed objects during the preparation or handling of loads due to: Loads with sharp edges or burrs, chips, etc, Existence of sharp elements present in the workplace without wearing personal protective equipment.

Crane lifting safety precautions

By taking proper precautions, you can help ensure that crane lifting operations are safe for workers and other personnel involved in the process. To ensure a safe crane lifting operation, the following precautions should be taken:

• Plan the operation carefully and conduct a risk assessment: Before commencing any crane lifting operation, a plan should be developed, and a risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential hazards and manage them efficiently.
• Involve Qualified and experienced personnel: Only trained and qualified personnel (operators, signalers, riggers, and flagmen) should work closely with the crane during the operation.
• Check the crane and equipment before any operation: Before lifting, the crane and other lifting equipment should be inspected for signs of damage or wear. Mechanisms like the hoist and the braking system should be in good condition.
• Weather Check: Ensure that the weather is suitable for the lifting operation and that they adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications. The crane should not operate under extreme weather conditions unless it has been designed for the task.
• Follow proper lifting procedures: Proper lifting procedures must be followed, such as correct rigging and sling arrangement, centring of loads, the proper landing of the load, and correct hooking.
• Overloading Avoidance: The load weight must not exceed the crane’s capacity. Balancing and rigging must be correctly done to prevent overloading.
• Protection for pedestrians: A safety perimeter around the lifting area should be established to keep pedestrians and other workers away from the crane lifting operation. Post safety signage regarding lifting hazards and precautions,
• Proper Communication: Effective communication should be established between the operator, crane handlers, and signalers for a successful lifting operation.
• Proper training: Workers performing lifting operations must be properly trained and certified in the use of the equipment and lifting procedures.
• Proper equipment and maintenance: Cranes must be properly maintained and inspected before every lift to ensure safety.
• Always determine the weight of the load and check the capacity chart to determine that the load can be lifted in the desired radius.
• You must keep all parts of the crane always away and out of electrical lines or equipment. Avoid sparking with friction or engine exhaust, use anti-spark mesh.
• Do not allow a person to stand or work under the load.
• Never leave a load in the air. If you have to leave the crane, place the load on the ground.
• Always make sure you have enough clearance for the crane to swing with the counterweights, especially if there are cars or people in the area.
• Never get on or off the moving crane.
• Use of proper PPE: Finally, it is essential to wear a helmet, gloves, and safety shoes suitable for the place of the manoeuvre, a reflective vest, a certified harness, and glasses for particles and/or ultraviolet rays, both you and all the support personnel who will be with you in the manoeuvres.
• Ground(earthing) the crane and keep a fire extinguisher near the lifting area.

Crane lifting plan example

This is just an example of general crane lifting plan requirements that may vary based on the situation, regulations, and equipment involved. It is important to always conduct a thorough risk assessment and develop a detailed plan to ensure crane lifting operations are carried out safely. Here is an example of a crane lifting plan:

1. Description of the load:

• The weight, size, and shape of the load will be determined.
• The load will be inspected for any defects or damage.

2. Site inspection:

• The area where the crane will be used will be inspected for potential hazards.
• Sufficient space and ground conditions will be checked for stability and clearances.
• All obstructions will be cleared from the path of the crane to maintain safety.

3. Crane selection:

• The crane type will be chosen based on the load weight, reach, height, and environmental conditions.
• The crane lifting capacity must be adequate.
• Crane Details: Type, Capacity, Boom Length, Radius, Boom angle

4. Rigging and slinging:

• The load type and weight will determine the required slinging equipment.
• The load will be rigged and slung correctly to ensure the load is secure and balanced.
• Correct rigging equipment, including slings, shackles, and chains, will be used.

5. Communication:

• A working communication system will be established between the operator and crane handler.
• A signalman will be present and used as required.

6. Safety measures:

• The Crane matting or stabilizers will be used.
• The load will be lifted within the crane capacity limits.
• The area around the crane will be cordoned off for public access.
• The crane will be grounded to prevent electrocution.

7. Emergency procedures:

• All crane operators have first aid training.
• Emergency response procedures are in place.

8. Records: A record of all crane lifting activity is kept, including load chart, crane type used, weather condition, and personnel involved.
9. Personnel and qualifications:

• Qualified and certified personnel must be used.
• Every employee involved in the lifting of the crane must understand the plan.

10. Risk Assessment:

• Heavy traffic near the sit
• Overhead power lines on the street
• Sensitive neighbouring property to the north of the site

Note: Post-lift debriefing and meeting by all participating crew will determine the need for changes and help ensure future success.

Conclusion

Proper training, maintenance, and adherence to safety guidelines can help reduce the risks associated with crane lifting. It’s important to select the right crane lifting equipment and use them correctly to ensure safe and successful crane lifting operations. It’s also important to follow all manufacturer’s instructions and industry standards and practices for rigging, hoisting, and lifting. With the safety rules for using a crane, you will take care of your life and that of others.

SHEM-08.01 General EHSS Rules