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502 EM 385-1-1 Sections 14-19
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16.L.14 Use of Elevating Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) Onboard Floating Platforms.

Lifts that hang up on ships and lifting objects that exceed limits are two serioss AWP hazards.
  1. AWPs must only be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for service on floating platforms.
  2. AWPs used on floating platforms must have a secondary set of controls at ground level.
  3. AWPs may not be moved on the platform (driven) during operations with personnel onboard the lift unless it is allowed and addressed in the NAA.
  4. Floating Platform Heel and Trim.
    • (1) When an AWP is to be used on a floating platform, the floating platform heel and trim must remain within the AWP manufacturer's identified limits for floating operation.
    • (2) The floating platform must be ballasted as needed to maintain barge heel and trim within the manufacturer's limits for the AW P operation.
  5. Verification of Floating Platform Heel and Trim.
    • (1) Platform heel and trim must be verified prior to operations with personnel on the AWP.
    • (2) The secondary set of platform controls must be utilized to verify platform heel and trim through the intended range of AWP operations. The test must incorporate weight on the platform at least equal to the personnel and equipment using the AWP.
  6. Operations on Floating Platform during AWP operation. No operations on the floating platform that will affect the platform heel and trim beyond the required limits must be permitted during the use of the AWP.

16.L.15 Near-Maximum Loads.

When loads approach the maximum rating of the crane or derrick, the person responsible for the job must ascertain that the weight of the load has been determined within +/- 10% before it is lifted.

16.L.16 Safety Devices and Operational Aids.

In addition to those required by Section 16.E, the following are required:

  1. Machine Heel and Trim indicating device. This device must be located in the crane cab or at the operator's station (if there is no cab);
  2. Boom Angle Indicator within clear view of the operator's station;
  3. Floating Platform List and Trim indicating device: as a means for the operator to visually determine the heel and trim of the platform as opposed to the crane;
  4. Draft Marks - as a means for monitoring both draft and freeboard;
  5. Wind speed and direction indicator must be within clear view of the operator's station;
  6. Anti two-block device - see Section 16.E.03.

16.L.17 Portable Remote Controls.

If portable remote controls are used for lifting, the operator must:

  1. be directly aware of the vessel heel and trim and the crane machine heel and trim during lift operations, or
  2. be in direct communication with a team member who is directly monitoring vessel heel and trim and the crane machine heel and trim during lift operations.

16.L.18 Inspections.

In addition to inspection of the crane/derrick per Section 16.D, inspection of the barge, pontoons, vessel or other means of flotation used to support a land crane/derrick by a CP is required.

  1. Each shift: the means used to secure/attach the equipment to the vessel/flotation device must be inspected for proper condition, to include wear, corrosion, loose or missing fasteners, defective welds and (where applicable) insufficient tension.
  2. Monthly: In addition to Section 16.L.08.a, the vessel/means of flotation used must be inspected for the following:
    • (1) Taking on water;
    • (2) Deck load for proper securing;
    • (3) Chain lockers, storage, fuel compartments and battening of hatches for serviceability as a water-tight appliance;
    • (4) Firefighting and lifesaving equipment in place and functional.
  3. If any deficiency is identified, an immediate determination must be made by a QP as to whether the deficiency constitutes a hazard. If so, the vessel/flotation device must be removed from service until it has been corrected.

16.L.19 Operations.

  1. Operator Lift Planning. Operators must plan lifts in advance, with particular attention to lift radii & boom angle and machine list & trim. Lift planning must address the anticipated range of boom angles, LMI response, and expected LMI warning indicators, if any. > See Section 16.L.20.
  2. Operators must monitor the boom tip and the boom angle indicator carefully to ensure that limits of the load chart are not exceeded. The boom angle indicator will respond directly to increasing lift radius resulting from crane trim created by floating platform heel and trim.
  1. Operators should be aware that safety devices such as LMIs do not offer protection against loads generated by relative motions between a floating crane and a fixed object to be lifted. The AHA must address the potential for gross overload and failure mode conditions.
  2. Where portable remote controls are used during lifting, the operator must have procedures to monitor vessel heel and trim and crane machine heel and trim.
  3. Whenever practical, crane use during buoy tending must be limited to lifting the freely suspended buoy clear of the water onto the vessel.
  4. Bilges must be kept as dry as possible to eliminate the adverse effect of free surface (sloshing liquid).
  5. Where crane mats are required for a stable, level work surface for crane operations, the matting material must be in good condition and of adequate thickness, width, and length as to completely support the crane. The mats must be laid perpendicular to the crane travel path, and must be placed as close to each other as possible. A spotter must be used to guide the crane when it moves on the mat surface to prevent the crane from traveling beyond the limit of the crane mats and the NAA.

16.L.20 Standard Lift Plan (SLP).

  1. All lifts must be planned to avoid procedures that could result in configurations where the operator cannot maintain safe control of the lift. In addition to the requirements and criteria to be considered in Section 16.A.03 for a written Standard Lift Plan (SLP, non- mandatory Standard Pre-Lift Plan/Checklist, Form 16-2 may be used), the SLP for LHE on floating plant must also consider the following:
  2. Lifts must reflect floating operational parameters such as anticipated boom angles, values for wire leads, unknown load for extractions, and upper limits on crane force.
  3. When deck loads are to be carried while lifting, the situation must be analyzed for modified ratings.
  4. When mounted on barges or pontoons, the rated loads and radii of land cranes must be modified as recommended by the manufacturer or QP. The modification must be evaluated by the QP specific to the flotation device/platform being used.
  5. Load charts in accordance with 16.L.07 must be posted in the cab or at the operator's station (if no cab). All other procedures applicable to the operation of the equipment (instructions and operators manual, recommended operating speeds, etc.) must be readily available on board.
  6. Procedures to monitor vessel heel and trim and crane machine list and trim, if portable remote controls are used.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

16-19. For operator lift planning, what must operators give particular attention to?