CRANE ISSUES:
- Insufficient risk assessments: Not thoroughly evaluating the potential dangers involved in a lift, including ground conditions, load weight, and crane stability.
- Poor site analysis: Failing to accurately assess the work area, including obstacles, access points, and potential hazards like overhead power lines.
- Inadequate lifting plans: Not creating detailed plans outlining the crane configuration, load weight, lifting path, and safety procedures.
- Improper rigging selection or rigging: Choosing incorrect lifting equipment or rigging that is not suitable for the load, potentially leading to failure.
- Lack of communication: Not effectively communicating safety concerns and procedures between crane operators, signal persons, and other workers on site.
- Inadequate training: Not ensuring all personnel involved in crane operations have proper training and/or certification.
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1435(b)(3) Foundations and structural supports. Tower crane foundations and structural supports (including both the portions of the structure used for support and the means of attachment) must be designed by the manufacturer or a registered professional engineer.
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1435(b)(7)(ii) Have a registered professional engineer verify that the host structure is strong enough to sustain the forces imposed through the braces, brace anchorages, and supporting floors.
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1435(f)(2) Pre-erection inspection. Before each crane component is erected, it must be inspected by a qualified person for damage or excessive wear.
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1435(b)(1) – Section 1926.1403 (Assembly/Disassembly–selection of manufacturer or employer procedures), § 1926.1404 (Assembly/Disassembly–general requirements (applies to all assembly and disassembly operations)), § 1926.1405 (Disassembly–additional requirements for dismantling of booms and jibs (applies to both the use of manufacturer procedures and employer procedures)), and § 1926.1406 (Assembly/Disassembly–employer procedures–general requirements), apply to tower cranes (except as otherwise specified), except that the term “assembly/disassembly” is replaced by “erecting, climbing and dismantling,” and the term “disassembly” is replaced by “dismantling.”
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1402(a)(1) “Ground conditions” means the ability of the ground to support the equipment (including slope, compaction, and firmness).
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1408(a)(2) Determine if any part of the equipment, load line, or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), if operated up to the equipment’s maximum working radius in the work zone, could get closer than 20 feet to a power line. If so, the employer must meet the requirements in Option (1), Option (2), or Option (3) of this section, as follows:
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1412(c)(1) Upon completion of assembly, the equipment must be inspected by a qualified person to ensure that it is configured in accordance with manufacturer equipment criteria.
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1417(a) The employer must comply with all manufacturer procedures applicable to the operational functions of equipment, including its use with attachments.
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1417(c)(1) The procedures applicable to the operation of the equipment, including rated capacities (load charts), recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, instructions, and operator’s manual, must be readily available in the cab at all times for use by the operator.
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1417(d) The operator must not engage in any practice or activity that diverts his/her attention while actually engaged in operating the equipment, such as the use of cellular phones (other than when used for signal communications).
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1424(a)(1) The requirements in paragraph (a)(2) of this section apply where there are accessible areas in which the equipment’s rotating superstructure (whether permanently or temporarily mounted) poses a reasonably foreseeable risk.
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1424(a)(3)(i) Before an employee goes to a location in the hazard area that is out of view of the operator, the employee (or someone instructed by the employee) must ensure that the operator is informed that he/she is going to that location.
OSHA Standard Subpart CC 1926.1427(a) General requirements for operators. The employer must ensure that each operator is trained, certified/licensed, and evaluated in accordance with this section before operating any equipment covered under subpart CC, except for the equipment listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
FOCUS POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Conduct thorough risk assessments: Identify potential hazards and develop mitigation strategies.
- Create detailed lift plans: Include crane specifications, load details, lifting path, and safety protocols.
- Proper site preparation: Ensure the work area is safe and accessible for crane operations. Plan to keep non-essential workers clear of the area.
- Select appropriate rigging and provide correct rigging: Choose the right lifting gear for the load and conditions and know the proper configurations.
- Effective communication: Maintain clear communication between all personnel involved in the lift.
- Regular equipment inspections: Provide documented – regular inspections of cranes and rigging for wear and tear.
- Proper training and certification: Ensure all crane operators, signal persons, and riggers are adequately trained and certified.