512 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 16-22

Sections

16-8. General Requirements.

Operation of Lifting and Hoisting Equipment (LHE)

Operators must keep the manufacturer's operating manual, load-rating chart, and crane logbook in the equipment's cab at all times.
Modifications or additions affecting LHE capacity or safety require the manufacturer's written approval and appropriate updates to instruction plates, tags, or decals.
Hoisting wire ropes must be installed according to ANSI/ASME standards and the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring at least two full wraps on the drums.

Communications during LHE Operations

Operators must use a standard signal system and have a signal person when the operator's line of sight is obstructed or when deemed necessary.
Only one person may communicate with the operator at a time, except for emergency stop signals, which anyone can issue, and the operator must obey immediately.

General Safety Practices

Avoid riding on hoisting equipment not meant for personnel and use tag lines to control loads unless impractical or hazardous.
Cease operations during a slack line condition to check rope seating and maintain a safe distance from power lines, following specific safety measures.
The employer must ensure physical clearances are maintained around the LHE and use crane mats for a stable work surface when required.

Environmental Considerations for LHE Operation

Do not operate LHE in wind speeds exceeding the manufacturer's recommendations, and cease operations in adverse weather conditions like icing, reduced visibility, or lightning proximity.
Plan work activities according to weather forecasts, be prepared to stop operations during bad weather, and ensure night operations are adequately illuminated.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

16-12. Modifications or additions affecting LHE capacity or safety require the _____.

a competent LHE operator's recommendation

approval of a qualified person

the KO/COR's validation

the manufacturer's written approval

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 16-8 (v.–w.).

16-8. General Requirements. (v.–w.).

v.  Operation.  (16-8.v)

(1)  All LHE must have the following documents with them (in the cab, if applicable) at all times they are to be operated:

(a)  The operating manual developed by the manufacturer for the specific make and model of equipment.

(a-1)  When not available from a manufacturer, a QP must develop an operation and maintenance manual type document for the LHE.  The document must include the
            ratings and operating limitations (such as, load charts), recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, instructions, and maintenance, testing, and inspection requirements.

(a-2)  Where load capacities are available only in electronic format, 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 operator obtains a useable electronic or hardcopy of the load capacities.  A hardcopy of the load capacities must be maintained and available.

(b)  The load-rating chart must include:

(b-1)  The LHE make and model, serial number, and year of manufacture.

(b-2)  Load ratings for all operating configurations, including optional equipment.

(b-3)  Recommended reeving for the hoist line.

(b-4)  Operating limits in windy or cold weather conditions.

(c)  A durable load chart with legible letters and figures must be readily available to the operator at the control station.

(d)  Crane logbook.  Update the logbook daily as the crane is used.  Record the operating hours and all crane inspections, tests, maintenance, and repair events.  The operator and supervisor must sign the logbook each day of use.  Service mechanics must sign the log after conducting maintenance or repairs on the crane.

(2)  Do not make modifications or additions that affect the capacity or safe operation of LHE without the manufacturer's written approval.

(a)  If such modifications or changes are made, revise the capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals accordingly.

(b)  In no case may the original safety factor of the equipment be reduced.

(3)  Install hoisting wire ropes according to ANSI/ASME standards and the
equipment manufacturer's instructions.

(a)  Overhead and gantry cranes must have at least two full wraps of wire rope on the drums at all times.

(b)  All other cranes must have at least two full wraps (that is, not layers) of wire rope on the drums at all times unless the manufacturer’s instructions or applicable ASME standards require additional wraps.

(4)  Communications.

(a)  Use a standard signal system with all LHE (that is, by hand, voice, audible or comparable signals).

(a-1)  Hand signals may be used when the distance between the operator and signal person is not more than 100 feet (30.5 m).  If using hand signals, use the Standard Method.

(a-2)  Use a radio or cellphone, or a combination voice/video system when the distance between operator and signal person is more than 100 feet (30.5 m) or when they cannot see each other.

(b)  Use a signal person whenever:

(b-1)  The operator does not have a clear line of sight to the point of operation, load travel, or area near or at load placement.

(b-2)  The equipment is traveling and the view in the direction of travel is obstructed.

(b-3)  The operator or the person handling the load determines that it is necessary.

(c)  During LHE operations requiring signals, the ability to transmit signals between
        the operator and signal person must be maintained.  If that ability is interrupted at any time, the operator must safely stop operations requiring signals until the signals can be given and understood.

(d)  Only one person may communicate with an LHE operator at a time unless an emergency stop signal is given.  Anyone may signal an emergency stop and the operator must immediately obey it.

(5)  Do not ride on loads, hooks, hammers, buckets, material hoists, or other hoisting equipment not meant for personnel handling of the following actions.

(6)  Always use tag lines to control loads unless it is not practical or their use creates a hazard.

(7)  Whenever a slack line condition occurs, cease operations and check for the proper seating of the rope in the sheaves and on the drum prior to further use.

(8)  Power Line Clearance - Equipment Operations (all voltages).  The employer must identify the operating envelope for each LHE.  Determine if any part of the LHE,
load line, or load (to include rigging and lifting accessories), if operated up to the equipment’s maximum working radius in the operating envelope could get within 20 feet (6.1 m) of the power line.  If so, perform at least one of the following:

(a)  De-energize and ground.  Confirm from the utility owner/operator that the power line has been de-energized and visibly grounded at the work site.

(b)  Establish a 20 feet (6.1 m) clearance.  Ensure no part of the LHE, load line or load gets closer than 20 feet (6.1 m) to the power line by doing all the following:

(b-1)  Conduct a planning meeting with the site/lift director,  signal person/rigger, operator, crew, and the other workers who will be in the area.  Review location of the power lines and the control measures to prevent encroachment or electrocution.

(b-2)  If tag lines are used, they must be non-conductive.

(b-3)  Erect and maintain an elevated warning line, barricade, or line of signs in view of the operator. Equip them with flags or similar high-visibility markings at 20 feet (6.1 m) from the power line or at the minimum allowable distance required by table 16-1.

(b-4)  Perform at least one of the following additional measures in paragraph (b-5)
            through (b-8):

(b-5)  Use a dedicated spotter who is in continuous contact with the operator.  The spotter must have a visual aid to assist in identifying the minimum clearance distance (for example, a clearly visible line painted on the ground).  The spotter must stand
            where they can effectively gauge the clearance distance.

(b-6)  Use a proximity alarm set to give operator sufficient warning.

(b-7)  Use a device that automatically limits range of movement and is set to prevent encroachment.

(b-8)  Use An insulating link/device installed at a point between the end of the load line (or below it) and the load.

(c-1)  Determine the line’s voltage and minimum allowable clearance distance
            using table 16-1.

(c-2)  Determine if any part of the equipment, load line, or load in the operating envelope could get closer to the power line than is allowable.  If so, implement the 20 feet (6.1 m) clearance control measures in (b) above.

(d)  Install permanent overhead and gantry cranes with clearances according to
NFPA 70.

(e)  When working near transmitter/communication towers where the LHE is close enough for an electrical charge to be induced in the LHE or materials being handled, deenergize the transmitter or provide an electrical ground.  Taglines, if used, must be non-conductive.

(f)  Assume that all power lines are energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms that the power line has been and will continue to be deenergized and visibly grounded at the work site.

(9)  Power Line Safety (over 350 kV).  The requirements of paragraphs 16-8.v(8) and 16-8.v(9) apply to power lines over 350 kV except:

(a)  For power lines over 350 kV but at or below 1000 kV, substitute “50 feet (15.2 m)” wherever “20 feet (6.1 m)” is specified.

(b)  For power lines over 1000 kV, the utility owner/operator or an RPE, who is a QP with electrical power transmission and distribution experience, must establish the minimum clearance distance.

(10) Power line safety while traveling under or near power lines with no load.  The employer must:

(a)  Lower the boom/mast and its support system enough to meet the allowable clearances in table 16-2.

(b)  Evaluate and address the effects of speed and terrain on equipment movement (including boom/mast) to ensure clearances are maintained according to table 16-2.

(c)  If any part of the LHE will get closer than 20 feet (6.1 m) to the power line, position a dedicated spotter to be in continuous contact with the operator.

(d)  When traveling at night, or in conditions of poor visibility, such as fog, smoke, or precipitation, the employer must:

(d-1)  Illuminate the power lines, or use other method(s) to identify the location of power lines.

(d-2)  Delineate and follow a safe travel path.
            (11)  Physical Clearances.

(a)  Maintain adequate clearance between moving and rotating structures of the LHE and fixed objects so that employees can move about without harm.  The minimum adequate clearance is 24 inches (61 cm).

(b)  Barricade the accessible at the rear of the LHEs rotating superstructure areas and within the swing radius of permanently or temporarily mounted items to prevent an employee from being struck or crushed.

(12)  Crane Mats.  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.  Place the mats perpendicular to the crane travel path and as close to each other as possible.  Use a spotter to guide the crane when it moves on the mat surface to prevent the crane from traveling beyond the limit of the crane mats.

w.  Environmental Considerations.  (16-8.w)

(1)  Do not operate LHE when wind speeds reach the maximum wind velocity based on the surface/load ratio recommendations of the manufacturer.

(a)  At winds greater than 20 mph (9 m/s), the operator, rigger, and lift director must cease all crane operations, evaluate conditions, and determine if the lift may proceed. Base this determination on the manufacturer’s instructions for calculating wind speed.

(b)  Document the decision to proceed or not with the lift in the LHE/crane operator’s logbook.

(2)  During adverse weather involving icing of the LHE or reduced visibility, operate the LHE at reduced functional speeds and with a signaling means appropriate to the situation.

(3)  Stop all LHE operations when lightning is observed.  If lightning is within 10 miles, all work stop until 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning event.  Determine how close the lighting is to the operations using a lightning detector.  Alternately, once lightning is seen, count the number of seconds until thunder is heard.  Divide number of seconds by five to get the distance the lightning is away in miles.

(4)  Plan work activities according to the latest weather forecast and be prepared to stop operations until bad weather has safely passed.  Document the event and actions taken (for example, in the daily report, crane operator’s logbook).

(5)  For night operations, provide lighting adequate to illuminate the working areas while not interfering with the operator’s vision (see chapter 7).