SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL

 

Topic: HOIST AND CRANE SAFETY PROGRAM
Section: INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM
Number: XX.6.G 
Date Issued: Dec. 18, 1992
Date Revised:

PURPOSE:

To establish policy and procedures for maintaining hoists and cranes in a safe operating condition. Assure that hoists and crane operators are trained and will report any unsafe conditions in writing to their supervisor.

LEGAL BASIS:

California Code of Regulation, Title 8 Hoists and Cranes.
Code of Federal Regulations, Hoists and Cranes.

DOCUMENTS:

Employee Safety Training Sign-in Sheet
Hoist and Crane Inspection Form

POLICY:

  1. The OSH Division of the Personnel Department shall develop and administer an effective Hoist and Crane Safety Program.

  2. Individual departments will be responsible in identifying all hoists and cranes.

  3. The OSH Division will coordinate Hoist and Crane training for County employees.

  4. County department safety liaisons will be responsible for identifying employees using cranes and hoists and assuring that they receive training.

PROCEDURE:

  1. Inspections - General

    1. Hoisting of equipment of any kind must not be used if safe load limits of the equipment are not known. Safe load limits shall be plainly marked on hoists and cranes.

    2. Hoisting equipment must never be overloaded.

    3. Before using hoisting equipment, inspect it to see that it is in proper working condition.

    4. All lever hoists are to be equipped with load sentries. Portable hoists and chain falls are to be equipped with load limiters.

    5. All hoist hooks require a safety latch.

    6. After performing maintenance on a hoist it must be inspected prior to being placed in service.

    7. A bumper must be placed at the end of a jib hoist to prevent the load trolley from running off the beam.

  2. Frequency of Inspections.

    All cranes and hoists must be inspected prior to being used. The inspection shall include at a minimum: (see attached)

  • Qualification of Operators.

    1. Have a vision of at least 20/30 with corrective lenses.

    2. Be able to distinguish colors. 

    3. Hearing, with or without hearing aid must be adequate for a specific operation requirements.

    4. Have sufficient strength, endurance, agility, coordination and speed of reaction to meet demands of equipment operation. 

    5. Evidence that an operator is subject to seizures or loss of physical control shall be sufficient reason for disqualification.

  • Only trained and authorized operators should be allowed to guide overhead cranes using the safe work procedures listed below:

    1. General operating rules.

    2. Trainee shall work with a supervisor or experienced craneman for sufficient training as deemed necessary.

    3. Supervisors shall monitor crane operators in order to assure that safe operating procedures are being followed.

  • Conduct of Operators 

    1. The operator shall not engage in any practice which will divert attention while operating the crane.

    2. When in doubt as to the safety of a load the operator shall consult with his supervisor before handling the load.

    3. Before leaving a crane unattended, the operator shall land any attached load, place controllers in off position, and open the main line device of the specific crane.

    4. If power goes off during operation, the operator shall immediately place all controls in the off position.

    5. The operator shall be familiar with the equipment and its proper care. If repairs are needed, the operator shall report them to his supervisor and shall not operate the equipment until such repairs are performed.

    6. Before repairs are performed on the crane, the operator shall lock, tag or flag the main switch in the de-energized position.

  • Attaching the load 

    1. The hoist chain or hoist rope shall be free from kinks or twists and shall not be wrapped around the load.

    2. The load shall be attached to the load-block by means of slings or other devices.

    3. Care shall be taken to make certain that the sling clears all obstacles.

  • Moving the Load

    1. The appointed person directing the lift shall see that the load is well secured and properly balanced and positioned in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted more than a few inches.

    2. Before starting the lift, the following conditions should be noted.

      1. Hoist rope shall not be kinked.

      2. Multiple-part lines shall not be twisted around each other.

      3. The hook shall be brought over the load in such a manner as to minimize swinging.

    3. During lifting care shall be taken that:

      1. There is no sudden acceleration or deceleration in the moving load.

      2. Load does not contact any obstructions.

    4. Cranes shall not be used for side pulls unless pre-approved by the OSH Division.

    5. The operator shall not lift, lower or travel while anyone is on the load or hook.

    6. The operator shall not carry loads over people.

    7. When 2 or more cranes are used to lift a load, one qualified person shall be in charge of the operation.