Crane Operation Rules

 

Overview
Safe crane operation involves using the correct type and size of crane for the work site. An active inspection program, as well as periodic maintenance, contributes to a safe operation.

What must I do to operate a crane safely?
Guidelines to follow for safe crane operations include:

• Evaluate the site—mobile cranes require a solid, level supporting surface. Check the loadbearing capacity of the site. Inspect for any underground utility lines and additional digging hazards.

• Check for overhead power lines—OSHA requires a 10-foot clearance between the power line and the equipment. A signal person should used to maintain the required distance. It is a good idea to check with the electric company to see if the line can be de-energized.

• Never exceed the crane's load-limit—load rating should be tested on an annual basis. The weight of the load blocks and slings should be included in the calculations. Loads should always be balanced and secured. Personnel should never stand underneath loads.

• Lift loads properly - Lower, raise, brake, and swing loads slowly. If a load is moved too fast, it drifts away from the crane which can cause the crane to tip forward or the boom to collapse.

• Never exceed the crane's load-limit—load rating should be tested on an annual basis. The weight of the load blocks and slings should be included in the calculations. Loads should always be balanced and secured. Personnel should never stand underneath loads.

• Only lift loads when the crane is level. Consider wind speed and how that might affect the load. Don't drag or push a load. Swing every load slowly and don't change speed suddenly.

• Avoid positioning the hook, or swinging a load over a person. When a load is held, be sure to set and lock the brakes.

Crane inspections
To ensure smooth crane operation, take time to perform the following functions:

• Tighten or replace loose or missing hardware.

• Inspect wire rope for defects.

• Check fluid levels and look for leaks. If fluid is leaking, schedule an appointment with the maintenance shop to have it fixed.

• Ensure that operating controls are clearly marked.

• Check to make sure a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit is available.

• Ensure that load limiting devices are available.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Disaster Recovery

 

After a disaster, employees may be injured, buildings may be damaged, records and equipment may be lost, and normal business operations are interrupted or stopped altogether.

Successful disaster recovery requires good planning. The company takes a close look at how possible disaster situations could affect operations and prepares a disaster recovery plan with the goal of safely resuming normal operations as quickly as possible.

The company will probably need to hire outside contractors to help with recovery efforts, but it may be necessary for a team of employees to reenter the facility during recovery operations.

This team may be involved in:
• Escorting incident investigators (fire department, police, insurance agents, OSHA compliance officers, etc.).
• Salvaging records, files, personal property, etc.
• Directing the activities of contractors.

Recovery hazards
The recovery team needs to be aware of the unique hazards that may be present in a facility that has been damaged in a disaster.

Fire and explosion hazards - The facility's smoke detector, fire alarm, and fire suppression systems may be inoperable.

Flooding - Workers should be aware of the risks for disease or poisoning from contact with contaminated flood waters.

Chemical hazards - Recovery workers need to be observant for chemical spills. Only specially trained personnel can be authorized to clean up hazardous chemical spills.

Electrical hazards - Recovery workers must inspect all electric appliances carefully before use. Damaged equipment must be removed from use for repair or replacement.

Natural or LP-gas supplies - Recovery workers who discover any gas leaks should immediately evacuate the facility, warn others to evacuate, leave doors open, and call for emergency assistance.

Using portable generators and temporary heaters - Recovery workers must follow all manufacturer's operating instructions for using this equipment.

Employee training
Because your employer may need to change safety plans so they address the hazards during recovery operations, recovery workers may need additional training in topics such as:
• Emergency action plan.
• Fire prevention plan.
• First aid procedures and exposure control plan.
• Hazard communication.
• HAZWOPER (emergency response plan).
• Personal protective equipment hazard assessment.
• Process safety management program.
• Respiratory protection program.
• Risk management plan.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Crane Inspections

 

Cranes and derricks are inspected to prevent injuries and fatalities caused by equipment failures. A key method of accomplishing this goal is through the use of an inspection process that identifies and addresses safety concerns.
OSHA requires that the various inspections be conducted by either a “competent person” or a “qualified person” depending on the type of inspection. “Competent person” means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

“Qualified person” means a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, successfully demonstrated the ability to solve/resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

Each shift
The shift inspection is the first of three required regularly scheduled equipment inspections.
The employer will often use the equipment operator as the competent person who conducts the shift inspection. The operator, in most cases, by virtue of his or her qualification or certification, experience, and familiarity with the equipment, is a competent person. However, the employer has the flexibility to use someone else to conduct the shift inspection as long as that person is a competent person.

A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used. It must be completed before or during that shift and consist of observation for apparent deficiencies. OSHA does not require documentation of the shift inspection.

Monthly
The monthly inspection of the equipment is the second of the three required regularly scheduled general inspections. It is identical in coverage and manner to the shift inspection and must be conducted by a competent person. However, unlike a shift inspection, the employer must document the inspection and retain the documentation for a minimum of three months.

The documentation must show the:
• Items checked and the results of inspection, and
• Name and signature of person who did the inspection and the date it was done.

Annual/comprehensive inspection
OSHA requires an annual (once every 12 months) general inspection of the equipment, the third of the three required regularly scheduled general inspections. It promotes safety by ensuring that a thorough, comprehensive inspection of the equipment is performed to detect and address deficiencies that might not be detected in the shift and monthly inspections.

Annual inspections must be performed by a qualified person due to the more thorough examination required. The higher level of expertise of a qualified person helps to ensure that the inspector is able to identify deficiencies necessitating a greater degree of scrutiny than what would be required in the shift inspection; for example, a deficiency that is not apparent in a visual inspection but is detectable through taking apart equipment components.

Some disassembly of the equipment may be needed for the qualified person to complete the inspection.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Dipping and Coating Operations

 Overview
In dipping and coating operations, employees need protection in addition to good ventilation systems. Examples of dipping and coating operations include:

• Electroplating
• Anodizing
• Dyeing
• Dipping
• Tanning
• Bleaching
• Degreasing
• Stripping
• Digesting
• Paint dipping
• Pickling
• Quenching
• Cleaning
• Roll coating
• Flow coating
• Curtain coating

How can I protect myself?
In order to protect yourself adequately, you need to know what the hazards are, what type of protection to use, and what emergency procedures you may need to follow.
Know the location of hazards
• Processes which use dip tanks, including the equipment and substances used.
• Operational hazards of dip tanks such as chemical hazards, wet floors, and equipment failures.

Personal protective equipment
• Foot protection using rubber boots.
• Gloves that are selected for the type of liquid used in the process. The length of the glove should be long enough to prevent liquid from entering the glove.
• Chemical goggles whenever splashing of chemicals may occur. A face shield may need to be added in some situations.
• Respirators - Used to reduce exposure and/or provide adequate oxygen. Respirator use must be according to OSHA’s standard on Respiratory Protection.
• Other types of PPE that would be necessary for a particular process including aprons, coats, jackets, sleeves, or other garments made of rubber or materials impervious to liquids.

Emergency procedures
• Permit-Required Confined Space - Entries into the tank must follow the applicable procedures outlined in OSHA’s regulation on Permit-Required Confined Spaces. A permit system, authorized entrants, attendants, and rescue equipment may be needed before anyone is allowed to enter a tank.
• First-aid - Employees must know the first-aid procedures that are appropriate to the dipping or coating hazards.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Lockout/Tagout

 

Overview Lockout/tagout is an important part of confined space entry. Locks and tags are used to prevent accidental start-up of equipment while you are in a confined space. Steam, water, gas, or power lines that enter the confined space, and mechanical equipment must all be locked out and tagged before you enter the space. Before entry into such spaces, the entire space should be removed from service and completely protected against the release of energy and material into the space. Lockout/tagout Procedures Employers must evaluate the confined space to determine if any equipment or lines need to be locked out and tagged. A pre-entry permit or checklist, a part of the confined space entry plan, must be completed before workers enter the confined space. All pumps and lines which may reasonably cause contaminants to flow into the space must be disconnected, blinded and locked out, or effectively isolated by other means, to prevent development of dangerous air contamination or engulfment. Main power switches to equipment must be locked out at main power panel. Locks must be tagged to inform others that a confined space entry is in process. If blocking and/or isolation requires entry into the space, the provisions for entry into a confined space must be implemented. Lockout/tagout Methods Lockout is the process of turning off and locking out the flow of energy from a power source to a piece of equipment or circuit, and keeping it locked out. Lockout is accomplished by installing a lockout device at the power source so that equipment powered by that source cannot be operated. A lockout device is a lock, block, or chain that keeps a switch, valve, or lever in the off position. Locks are provided by your employer and cannot be used for other purposes. Tagout is accomplished by placing a tag on the power source. The tag acts as a warning not to restore energy—it is not a physical restraint. Tags must clearly state: Do not operate or remove this tag or the like, and must be applied by hand. The employer’s primary tool for providing protection is the energy-isolating device. This is the mechanism that prevents the transmission or release of energy and to which all locks or tags are attached. This device guards against accidental machine or equipment start-up or the unexpected reenergization of equipment during servicing or maintenance. To avoid confusion and an accidental removal of a lock or tag when a confined space entry is in progress your company must have a lockout/tagout plan. Know the plan and never violate it for any reason. This information is provided by Assurance Agency