Crane Operations

Course details

This course is intended for all crane operators and who want to learn more about crane safety on construction sites, and how to develop comprehensive crane safety plans that are both safety-program-compliant and project-specific. The goal of this training is to raise awareness of crane Operators roles, responsibilities, and influence with regard to safety on the construction worksite – including crane safety. The ASCE/CI OSHA-sponsored Crane Safety Training course will prepare crane operators to utilize their management and technical training to implement safety as a core objective of the construction/maintenance/service project.

The program will also provide high-level technical background, legal and regulatory explanations; and expert guidance to deal effectively with all players on the project – owner to subcontractor - relative to crane operations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Identify the elements of a site specific crane safety plan
• Recommend best practices regarding management roles and responsibilities for crane safety on construction sites – from owner to subcontractor
• Become familiar with the different types of mobile cranes
• Cover hazards associated with crane operation and explain how the crane safety plan will minimize the risk of crane accidents
• Explore current regulations, standards and certification programs

TOPICS COVERED:

• Establishing a Crane Safety and Lifting Program
• Mobile Cranes and Alternate Lifting Methods
• Rigging Awareness
• Site Preparation
• Preventing Crane and Lifting Accidents
• Regulations and Legal Aspects

Glossary:

• ANSI: American National Standards Institute. Provides the accrediting methodology for development of ASME standards among others.
• ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Produce a collection of 28 volumes on the safe use of equipment in the workplace
• Boom: A pivoting structure attached to the upper that supports the ball and/or block.
• Boom Angle: The angle above or below horizontal of the longitudinal axis on the boom base section.
• Boom Length: The distance along the centerline of the boom from the center of the boom foot pin to the center of the boom point sheave pin.
• Crane: A Crane is a lever and the simple principles of movement apply. The weight of the load, times the distance from the fulcrum, is the overturning moment.
• Critical Lift: Any lift: utilizing multiple cranes; exceeding 85% of total capacity of the crane at lift radius; over an occupied structure or public street; of lifting an item of high value or long replacement time.
• Jib: An extension attached to the boom point to provide additional boom length for lifting specified loads.
• Load Moment: The force applied to the crane by the load. The leverage the load exerts on the crane. (Calculation: gross load times the horizontal distance form the tipping axis to the center of gravity of the suspended load).
• Outrigger: Extendable or fixed members attached to the mounting base that rest on supports at the outer ends used to support the crane.
• Qualified Person: One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience has successfully demonstrated ability to solve or resolve problem relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project. (OSHA definition)
• Radius: The horizontal distance between the centerline of rotation and the center of gravity of a suspended load.
• Rated Capacity: The maximum allowable lift for the crane. A crane can safety operate at rated capacity only when operating at the minimum lifting radius which is the horizontal distance from the center of the rotation of the crane to the center of gravity of the load; with minimum boom length. In the industry the size of the crane is commonly referred to as the rated capacity.
• Tipping Axis: The point or line about which a crane tips – commonly called the fulcrum.
• Lift Director: Responsible for each lift or series of lifts on a jobsite. Ensures compliance with crane safety plan and appropriate lift plan.
• Safety Coordinator: Coordinates all crane activities and control operations on the site. Only one safety coordinator on a job site. Safety Coordinator may be responsible for multiple Lift Directors.