Pre-Lift Safety Checklist

1. Training and Certification:

• Ensure you have the necessary training, qualifications, or certification to operate the crane as required by local regulations.

2. Crane Suitability:

• Verify that the crane is suitable for lifting and traveling the load. This includes checking the crane’s capacity, reach, and condition.

3. Job Site Preparation:

• Plan and lay out the job site properly. Ensure there’s adequate room for emergency vehicles if needed. Avoid working near overhead power lines and other hazards.

4. Ground Conditions:

• Check that ground conditions are stable and capable of supporting the crane and load. This includes assessing the terrain and ensuring it is firm and level.

5. Crane Inspection:

• Perform a visual inspection of the crane before use. Look for any visible damage, wear, or maintenance issues.

6. Load Preparation:

• Ensure that all loose materials, parts, blocking, and packing have been removed from the load before lifting.

7. Sling and Rope Checks:

• Remove any slack from the sling and hoisting ropes before lifting. Ensure that the lifting device is properly seated in the hook’s saddle.

8. Load Capacity Verification:

• Confirm that the load does not exceed the crane’s maximum load capacity.

Safe Load Movement Procedures

1. Smooth Controls:

• Operate crane controls smoothly to avoid abrupt or jerky movements that could destabilize the load.

2. Signal Communication:

• Follow signals only from one designated slinger. Use agreed-upon signals and communicate clearly with all involved.

3. Safety Alerts:

• Ensure everyone is clear of the load before hoisting. Use bells, sirens, or other warning devices and start lifting slowly.

4. Equipment Condition:

• Verify that all slings, hooks, and hardware are in good working order and appropriate for the load. Check that sling angles are correct.

5. Obstruction Awareness:

• Make sure nothing is linked or caught on the load and that nothing obstructs the load’s movement.

6. Brake System Check:

• Lift the load slightly to confirm the braking system is functioning properly before proceeding with the full lift.

7. Load Control:

• Keep the load controlled while lowering. If the braking system fails, lower the load by reversing the hoist controller as needed.

8. Proper Load Placement:

• Set the load on blocking or a stable surface, not directly on the sling.

9. Wire Rope Care:

• Avoid lowering the load below a level that leaves less than two full wraps of wire rope on the drum.

10. Power Failure Protocol:

• In case of a power failure, remain in the crane cab, place controls in the “off” position, attract attention, and wait for assistance.

Post-Operation Procedures

1. Remove Load:

• Ensure that the load is removed from the crane hooks before leaving the crane.

2. Hook Positioning:

• Raise all hooks to a mid-position to avoid accidental contact or damage.

3. Crane Spotting:

• Position the crane at a designated location as per safety protocols.

4. Controller Settings:

• Before turning off the main switch, confirm that all controllers are in the “off” position.

What to Avoid When Operating an Overhead Crane

1. Hand Carrying Items:

• Do not carry items in your hands while climbing ladders. Use ropes or other methods to transport items too large for pockets or belts.

2. Defective Equipment:

• Avoid operating a crane if limit switches are malfunctioning or if cables are defective.

3. Wire Rope Management:

• Do not lower blocks to a level where fewer than two full wraps of cable remain on the drum.

4. Overloading:

• Never attempt lifts that exceed the crane’s rated load capacity or the capacity of slings.

5. Load Centering:

• Always center the crane directly over the load before hoisting to prevent swinging.

6. Rider Safety:

• Do not allow anyone to ride on the load or hooks.

7. Sling Management:

• Avoid leaving slings dangling from the load hook. Place sling hooks on the sling ring when transporting slings.

8. Height Management:

• Do not raise loads higher than necessary to clear objects.

9. Avoiding Workers:

• Never move or pass a load over workers.

10. Motor Operation:

• Do not reverse a motor until it has come to a full stop, except to avoid accidents.

11. Crane Runway Safety:

• Do not walk on the crane runway.

12. Unattended Loads:

• Do not leave suspended loads unattended.

By adhering to these guidelines, operators can enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability in crane operations, ensuring a safer working environment and reducing the risk of accidents and equipment damage.