Cranes and Slings29 CFR 1910.179 and 184

Cranes and Slings29 CFR 1910.179 and 184

Cranes Are EverywhereCranes Are Everywhere

Cranes, derricks, and jib hoists are used in almost every industrial setting

Cranes can be found on most construction sites

Crane and Sling GoalsCrane and Sling Goals

Crane hazards, inspection, and operations Sling inspection and use Quiz

Crane HazardsCrane Hazards

Crane, sling, or hook could fail if overloaded

Load could flip, turn, or release suddenly if not attached correctly

People or objects could be struck by the load

Crane CapacityCrane Capacity

Rated capacity clearly marked on each side of the crane

If more than one hoisting unit, each hoist must be marked with rated capacity

Markings clearly legible from the ground

Crane InspectionsCrane Inspections

Daily inspections include:–Operating mechanisms to ensure proper working order–Air or hydraulic systems for leaks–Hoist chains/ropes for wear, twisting, distortion

Periodic inspections:–Deformed, cracked, or corroded components–Loose bolts or rivets–Wear on brakes, chain drive sprocket

General Operating RulesGeneral Operating Rules

Only trained, designated operators are permitted to operate cranes

A crane must not be loaded beyond its rated capacity

Follow all safe operating procedures

Attaching the LoadAttaching the Load

Hoist chain/rope free of kinks or twists Do not wrap hoist chain/rope around the load Attach the load to the load block hook with

slings or other approved devices

HooksHooks

Safety latch or clip Load in center

of hook’s curve Picking up load with

the hook’s tip causesit to open up and weaken

Replace hooks that are bent open or twisted

Moving the LoadMoving the Load

Be sure the hook and hoist are directly over the load

Ensure that chains/ropes/slings are not twisted Ensure that the load is well secured and

balanced When traveling, keep the load close to the

floor

Hoisting SafetyHoisting Safety

Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration Watch for obstructions Never leave controls with load suspended Do not use cranes for side pulls Never lower the load below the point where

less than two full wraps of rope remain on the hoisting drum

Hoisting and PeopleHoisting and People

Never carry loads over people Do not hoist, lower, or travel a load when

an employee is on the load or hook When two or more cranes are lifting a load,

put one qualified person in charge

Hand SignalsHand Signals

Hoist up Hoist down Stop Travel

Crane and Sling GoalsCrane and Sling Goals

Crane hazards, inspection, and operations Sling inspection and use Quiz

Sling TypesSling Types

Eye to eye versus endless Steel chains Wire rope or steel cable Metal mesh Fiber rope (natural or synthetic) Synthetic mesh

Operator Sling InspectionsOperator Sling Inspections

Each day before use by a trained operator Check slings and attachments for damage Immediately remove damaged and defective

slings from service

Thorough Sling InspectionsThorough Sling Inspections

At least annually, recorded in a log

Chains Wire rope Metal mesh Fiber rope Synthetic web

Sling RulesSling Rules

Never load beyond rated capacity Label properly Never shorten with

knots, bolts, or any other device Protect from sharp edges Attach securely to the load

Sling Rules (cont.)Sling Rules (cont.)

Protect hands and fingers Use care when pulling a sling Never drag a sling Do not use a damaged or defective sling

Sling StorageSling Storage

Hang slings on a wall Never leave on the ground Never expose to water, welding sparks,

chemicals, etc.

Sling HitchesSling Hitches

Vertical Choker Basket

Sling AnglesSling Angles

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

for capacity

Assume 1,000 lb. load lifted with 2 slings

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

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

Angle ExamplesAngle Examples

1,000 lb.

1,000 lb.

Crane and Sling GoalsCrane and Sling Goals

Crane hazards, inspection, and operations Sling inspection and use Quiz

SummarySummary

Only trained and authorized operators allowed to use a crane

Inspect both crane and slings before use Properly secure the load and try to keep

slings vertical Keep all people away from a load while

it is being hoisted or moved

QuizQuiz

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 False

3. 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

Quiz (cont.)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? __________

Quiz AnswersQuiz 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.

Quiz Answers (cont.)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.