502 EM 385-1-1 Sections 14-19

16.G Operation.

1. A copy of the operating manual developed by the manufacturer for the specific make and model of equipment.
• (1) When not available from a manufacturer, a QP must establish the ratings and operating limitations (load charts), recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, instructions and operators manual, maintenance, testing, and inspection requirements that apply during the use.
• (2) Where load capacities are available only in electronic form: in the event of a failure which makes the load capacities inaccessible, the operator must immediately cease operations or follow safe shut-down procedures until the load capacities (in electronic or other form) are available. A printed copy of the load capacities must be maintained and available.
2. A copy of the load-rating chart (separate or included in the operating manual), must include:
• (1) The LHE make and model, serial number, and year of manufacturer;
• (2) Load ratings for all operating configurations, including optional equipment;
• (3) Recommended reeving for the hoist line, and
• (4) Operating limits in windy or cold weather conditions.
3. A durable load chart with legible letters and figures must be readily available to the operator at the control station;
4. The crane log book must be used to record operating hours and all crane inspections, tests, maintenance, and repair. The log must be updated daily as the crane is used and must be signed by the operator and supervisor. Service mechanics must sign the log after conducting maintenance or repairs on the crane;
5. All inspections, test, maintenance and repairs for LHE must be maintained in the log, the O&M records or equivalent for that piece of equipment.

16.G.02 No modifications or additions that affect the capacity or safe operation of LHE must be made without the manufacturer's written approval.

1. If such modifications or changes are made, the capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals must be changed accordingly.
2. In no case must the original safety factor of the equipment be reduced.

16.G.03 Hoisting wire ropes must be installed in accordance with ANSI/ASME standards and the equipment manufacturer's recommendations.

1. Overhead and gantry cranes must have at least two full wraps of wire rope on the drums at all times.
2. All other cranes must have at least three full wraps (not layers) of wire rope on the drums at all times.
3. The drum end of the wire rope must be anchored to the drum by an arrangement specified by the crane manufacturer.

16.G.04 Responsibilities.

1. The responsibilities of the operator include, but are not limited to, the following requirements:
• (1) The operator must not engage in any activity that will divert his attention while operating the equipment;
• (2) The operator must not leave the controls while a load is suspended;
• (3) Before leaving the LHE unattended, the operator must:
• (a) Land any load, bucket, lifting magnet, or other device;
• (b) Disengage the master clutch;
• (c) Set travel, swing, boom brakes, and other locking devices;
• (d) Put the controls in the "OFF" or neutral position;
• (e) Secure the equipment against accidental travel; and

• (f) Stop the engine.

  Exception: When crane operation is frequently interrupted during a shift and the operator must leave the crane. Under these circumstances, the engine may remain running and the conditions above must be followed (don't have to stop the engine). In addition, the following conditions must apply:

  • (i) The operator must remain adjacent to the equipment and is not engaged in any other duties;
  • (ii) The CP determines that it is safe to do so and implements measures necessary to restrain the boom hoist and telescoping, load, swing and outrigger functions;
  • (iii) The crane must be located within an area protected from unauthorized entry.
• (4) The operator must respond to signals from the person who is directing the lift or an appointed signal person. When a signal person is not used in the LHE operation, the operator must ensure he has full view of the load and the load travel paths at all times the load is rigged to the equipment;
(5) Each operator is responsible for those operations under his direct control. Whenever there is a concern as to safety, the operator must have the authority to stop and refuse to handle loads until a QP has determined that safety has been assured.
2. The operator, qualified lift supervisor and rigger must jointly ensure:
• (1) The LHE is level and, where necessary, blocked;
• (2) The load is well secured and balanced in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted more than a few inches;
• (3) The lift and swing path is clear of obstructions and adequate clearance is maintained from electrical sources per Table 16-1; and
• (4) All persons are clear of the swing radius of the counterweight and housing.
3. When two or more cranes (tandem lift is a critical lift) or LHE are used to lift one load, the lift supervisor must be responsible for the following:
• (1) Analyzing the operation and instruct all personnel involved in the proper positioning, rigging of the load, and the movements to be made;
• (2) Making determinations as necessary to reduce crane (LHE) ratings, load position, boom location, ground support, and speed of movement, which are required to safely make the lift;
• (3) Ensuring that dedicated personnel are present and equipment is functioning properly. All personnel involved with the crane (LHE) operation must understand the communication systems and their responsibilities.

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