Overhead Crane Safety Training Tips
The Safe-Tech Overhead Crane Training Program is a two-part program consisting of a comprehensive in-class theory session followed by practical operator training and/or testing. Programs cover a broad spectrum of overhead crane operations and rigging focusing on the equipment particular to your operation. (i.e. Bridge, Jib, Monorail, Gantry, Workstation, related components and attachments).
Safe-Tech programs meet or exceed all relevant CSA Standards, applicable Federal and Provincial regulations, and Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development Guidelines.
On-site Overhead Crane Training Programs are available at client’s location in both full or refresher format throughout Ontario including Belleville, Brampton, Burlington, Cambridge, Cobourg, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Markham, Mississauga, Niagara Falls, North Bay, Oakville, Peterborough, Sarnia, Toronto, Waterloo, and Windsor. Public/Off-site programs are available at several locations throughout the GTA.
The following Safety Rules are used in conjunction with the “Safe-Tech Overhead Crane Operator Training Program”. When participating in our Overhead Crane Training Program, each participant is provided with a copy of these recommendations and each point is explained and discussed in detail by our instructor. These rules have been derived from the following sources; the CSA Safety Standard for Overhead Crane B167-16, ANSI/ASME B30.2 or are considered “Best Practice” by Safe-Tech. Please note that these are general safety rules and it should not be assumed that every possible safety rule that may pertain to your particular operation, equipment type and environment is covered herein.
Pedestrian Safety
Never allow a worker to balance a load you are transporting.
Watch for obstructions at all times (i.e. equipment, racking, vehicles, etc.).
Watch for pedestrians. Their safety is your responsibility. Expect the unexpected. Assume pedestrians have not yet been trained to work around cranes.
Do not travel with a load toward anyone who is standing in front of a bench or any other fixed object.
Never leave a raised load unattended.
Do not allow anyone to stand/walk under or near elevated loads. Operator must ensure that raised loads never pass over themselves or another worker.
Overhead Crane Safety
Perform and record a visual and operational inspection of your overhead crane at the start of your shift. Check for current LDI (lifting device inspections) on crane and applicable rigging components and attachments.
Report mechanical problems to your supervisor immediately. Unsafe equipment should be parked, locked out, tagged and reported.
Do not attempt to repair or adjust the crane or attachments unless you are trained and authorized by your employer.
Report injury, damage, near miss accidents and unsafe situations promptly to your supervisor.
Before operating in a new environment or handling unfamiliar material, your supervisor must make you aware of any potential hazards and the correct use of relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Only use attachments as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not modify or alter its intended use.
Never use in-house (homemade) devices unless they are properly inspected, rated and certified by a qualified technician/engineer.
Load weight must not exceed the capacity of the lowest rated lifting device being used (i.e. crane, sling, hardware or attachment).
Observe and obey proper signals given by the slinger/spotter.
Always stop and allow your eyes or lenses to adjust when travelling between changing light conditions.
Ensure that stacks or racking can support the weight of your load. If you are not certain, check with your supervisor. Report damaged loads or racking immediately.
Park crane with hook and block above all traffic, over upright post with controls switched off. Do not block aisles, exits, or emergency equipment.
Always wear approved safety shoes, and any other PPE specified by your employer. Any provided safety equipment on a cab controlled crane, such as seat belts must be used and maintained in good working order.
When required, operators of cab controlled equipment must wear fall protection and remain connected at all times. All personnel who work at height must be trained in the correct use of fall protection equipment and procedures, and companies must have a rescue plan in place.
Keep head, hands, arms, feet and legs inside the confines of a cab control crane while in motion.
Understand that horseplay can be grounds for immediate dismissal and failure to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act or the Canada Labour Code can result in serious penalties.
Do not move a crane that has been involved in a critical injury (i.e. loss of blood, broken bones, unconsciousness) until Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development inspector has arrived. Equipment may be moved if necessary to access injured party.
Never operate any equipment while impaired. Anything that adversely affects your concentration, balance, mobility, vision or depth perception can be considered an impairment.
Report to your supervisor any medical conditions or use of medications which may affect your ability to operate safely.
Never operate unfamiliar equipment until you have been trained, authorized and have reviewed the operator’s manual.
Never allow untrained/unauthorized personnel to operate a lifting device.
Allow a safe distance when following mobile equipment. Six metres (20 feet) is commonly recommended.
Do not pass mobile equipment that is travelling in the same direction and always sound warning devices (when equipped), and achieve eye contact before approaching pedestrians.
Observe all body, hand and feet positions at all times. Stay at a safe distance from a raised load.
Observe and obey the load capacity of the crane. Report missing or illegible capacity rating plates to your supervisor. Installing attachments will reduce overall capacity.
Overloading the crane can cause failure of equipment and load loss.
Check for loose debris before raising load. Load integrity is the operator’s responsibility.
Allow adequate clearances when lifting/lowering/positioning/carrying.
Inspect all hardware, slings and attachments for integrity and damage before each lift.
Always use buffers on corners and sharp edges to protect sling/load.
Never lift a load on a sling that has less than a 30 degree angle.
Ensure all hardware is inserted deep enough into threaded holes or relocate as necessary. Shoulderless eyebolts are allowed for vertical lifts only.
Never attach a lifting device to a shouldered eyebolt at less than a 45 degree angle.
Always verify load weight before lifting. Don’t take chances. Ask a qualified person if you are unable to determine load weight.
Centre hook and block above centre of gravity and remove slack before lifting.
Do not SHOCK load when lifting/lowering. Lift/Lower in a smooth controlled manner.
Always carry load properly balanced, not more than 5-10 degrees offset. Do not attempt to stabilize with your body weight.
When using magnets or vacuums, perform a shock load test before travelling with the load and always maintain a safe distance.
Observe corresponding symbols to choose correct direction of travel.
Use only one directional control at a time.
Always look in the direction of travel. Do not walk backwards with controller. Use a trained spotter if you must move forward with a load that blocks your view.
Ensure that travel path is clear and free of obstructions.
Use tag line when necessary to control rotation of loads.
Carry loads low and allow for adequate ground/obstacle clearance.
Do not make quick starts, jerky stops that may cause load swing.