Working with and around a machine like a crane is tough and challenging. It doesn’t only expose workers to extreme risks but also involves several operational complexities. Back in the 1800s, the new, less effective forms of material movement equipment weren’t safe or optimized.
However, modern-day crane manufacturers prioritize crane safety and workers’ wellbeing. They use sturdy materials to build crane parts, install devices to improve user safety, and offer detailed manuals and troubleshooting guides. However, crane operators and signalers might still face problems and crane risks if their employer doesn’t stay code-compliant.
At Crane Warning Systems Atlanta, we don’t just sell crane warning products but also educate our clients about OSHA and NCCCO regulations and crane safety instructions. This way, they’re able to steer clear of unwanted penalties and improve your worksite safety.
In this detailed blog, we’ve shed light on the most important aspects of crane safety documents published by OSHA. You will learn about their key requirements, mandatory practices, safety concerns, and a lot more. So let’s delve into the details right away!
A Primer On the Standard Crane and Derrick Safety by OSHA
The OSHA Standard 1910.179 is a detailed document entailing all the safety and operational requirements for operating a crane. Crane managers and operators must be trained and tested about their OSHA code understating.
Here are the key points that you must extract and follow from the said OSHA code:
While the standard is filled with legal wording, you can use its different sections to create inspection checklists for easy compliance
Always use machine guards when operating a crane
Guards should be fastened properly and reinforced during and before each shift
All the employees and concerned staff members must be warned about an upcoming or an ongoing crane operation
Crane inspections are mandatory. Crane operators and professional engineers must work together to perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual crane checks
The Crane system and software interface should be checked for errors and potential malfunctions. It helps in improving risk-detection accuracy and operators’ control
Crane Inspections and OSHA Guidelines—What’s the Connection?
OSHA requires crane operators to perform regular inspections. The organization has categorized crane safety and inspections into three parts: daily, monthly, and yearly checks. According to OSHA, all cranes must be inspected at least once a year. However, checking the physical and motor controls before each shift is one of the most effective safety-enhancement practices.
Regular inspections help crane operators identify small issues that can turn into bigger nuisances. They also assist crane managers in identifying the need for newer, better crane safety devices such as a wireless wind speed indicator or a load moment indicator.
The three crane inspection categories are further divided into frequent and periodic inspections. OSHA suggests that:
Frequent inspection should entail a hydraulic system, engine, fuel tank, control box, hook and hoist, and jib assessment. These inspections shouldn’t be ignored as they play a critical role in improving worksite safety. Frequent services are scheduled once a week or before every operational shift.
Periodic crane inspections are more detailed, and they comprise detailed assessments of everything from bolts and nuts to crane safety products and electric batteries. Periodic inspections are great for identifying system malfunction service requirements and detailed repairs. Crane operators must perform periodic inspections bi-annually or once a year.
Using Software Tools for Crane Operations—What Does OSHA Say About It?
OSHA definitely endorses technological advancement and digitalization of old-school, traditional crane operations. It vets and creates newer, better regulations for crane operators and owners who want to implement advanced software and crane inspections. A crane inspection software, however, must be compliant with OSHA codes.
It’s a no-brainer that technology can simplify the process of tracking risks and mitigating errors in crane equipment.
For starters, we recommend you install a software-integrated CANBUS system RCI and LMI systems for improved crane safety. At Crane Warning Systems Atlanta, we want to make crane operations safer and performance-driven. And it’s only possible to do so by complying with OSHA codes and installing modern crane safety devices. Check out our complete product range today!
Some Critical OSHA Codes for Better and Improved Crane Operations
In addition to the standard crane and derrick safety codes, you should also maintain complete compliance with supporting crane safety regulations. Here are some resources that can help:
Fall protection during crane operations
Overhead crane safety during loading and unloading
Correct load application and movement
Hoist operation safety
Employee guidelines for load management around crane equipment
For more details, head over to the official OSHA website now.
Why Are OSHA Crane Safety Regulations So Important?
Short for Occupational Health and Safety Administration, the OSHA is all about maximizing employee wellbeing and employer accountability in the US. Along with several other codes and regulations, their 1910.179 standard focuses on improving crane safety at construction and industrial sites. This code is particularly curated for overhead cranes to reduce the risk of accidents and operator injuries.
OSHA standards curate a clear path for crane personnel and help them implement a holistic safety plan. They also clarify crane inspection requirements and assist companies in avoiding fines and penalties that can also lead to employee claims and dented business reputation.
Why Should You Partner with Crane Warning Systems Atlanta?
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta is an authorized distributor of original, world-class RaycoWylie crane safety devices and systems. We have been offering cutting-edge crane safety equipment for over 22 years and have an impressive client base. At Crane Warning Systems Atlanta, our wide range of crane safety products includes rated capacity indicators, load limit indicators, crane visibility devices, load moment indicators, and more.
You can also shop for high-quality crane system displays, wire ropes, portable links and shackles, and more. Check out our free-access troubleshooting guides, crane equipment wiring diagrams, and support manuals now, or contact us for more details.