
Cranes are a feat of engineering and essential in various industrial and commercial applications like construction and shipping. However, due to the massive scale of the machinery, thousands of crane operators, ground workers, and the general public are at the risk of injury or death. The Census of Fatal Occupational reported 297 crane-related fatalities from 2011 to 2017. This goes to show how important following crane safety guidelines are for crane operators and crew. Here are the crane safety guidelines outlined by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that you should know.
Conduct Daily and Monthly Inspections
According to standard number 1926.1412(d)(1), a person must conduct a visual inspection of the crane components. Any malfunctions with the control mechanisms, air, and hydraulic pressure lines, hooks and latches, wire ropes, tires, and other components should be inspected before and after each shift. The crane cannot commence operation until the issues have been resolved; it should undergo monthly and yearly inspections.
Avoid Touching Overhead Power Lines
Cranes can extend for tens of meters at a time and can come in contact with energized power lines. An OSHA study reported 113 electrocutions involving cranes. According to standard number 1926.1408, no part of the crane should be within a 20 feet radius of a power line. It’s the employer’s responsibility to assess the area and install barriers or alarms around the radius. Installing a crane camera system can allow crane operators to detect and avoid power lines.

Never Overload The Crane
Cranes are heavy-duty machines that can lift hefty loads, although they have a limit, and surpassing the limit can cause considerable damage to crane components. In fact, 80% of crane structural fails are caused by exceeding the load capacity. Installing a crane load indicators can help prevent must mishaps from occurring.
Halt Operation During Two-Blocking
Two blocking occurs when the hook touches the boom tip, which stresses the hoist line. According to OSHA 1926.1416(d)(3)(i), telescopic booms should be equipped with an anti-two-block device to prevent any crane damage or human fatality. We provide technologically advanced ATB Systems that immediately trigger an alarm when two blocking are about to occur so the operator can halt hoisting.
Crane Warnings Systems Atlanta is a USA distributor of technologically advanced crane safety equipment from reliable brands like RaycoWylie, Hytera, and Motorola. We’ve been in business for 20 years and are still dedicated to this day to safeguard crane operators and ground crew with superior crane warning systems. Check out our extensive product catalog for more information.
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