512 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 16-22

Sections

16-8. General Requirements.

Lattice, Hydraulic, Crawler-, Truck-, Wheel-, and Ringer-Mounted Cranes

For operator aids and devices, refer to the specific paragraph in the guidelines.
In Boom Assembly and Disassembly, teams must follow the manufacturer's procedures with the Competent Person (CP) supervising and approving all steps.
Outriggers must be extended as per the crane manufacturer’s load/capacity chart, and outrigger floats must be securely attached and properly supported.

Portal, Tower, and Pillar Cranes

Foundations, supports, and rail tracks must be constructed and installed based on a design by a Registered Professional Engineer (RPE) knowledgeable about the specific crane type.
Assemble and disassemble cranes according to manufacturer's instructions under the supervision of a Qualified Person (QP), ensuring all components are inspected and cranes are plumb.
Perform pre-operation tests as per manufacturer's instructions and relevant ASME standards, including checks on crane supports, brakes, clutches, and motion mechanisms.

Climbing Procedures for Cranes

Follow manufacturer prohibitions and have an RPE confirm the host structure's strength, ensuring no climbing takes place in excessive wind conditions.
Ensure safety devices and operational aids are in proper working order before beginning work, and provide specific devices and aids as listed in the guidelines.

Tower Crane Specific Instructions

On jobsites with multiple tower cranes, arrange cranes to avoid contact with each other or their loads.
Ensure tower cranes required to weathervane are installed with proper clearance and follow manufacturer instructions and ASME B30.3 for weathervaning.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

16-13. When assembling and disassembling cranes, ensure _____.

all components are inspected and cranes are plumb

all affected personnel are notified of operations

only Authorized Individuals perform the tasks

the process is developed a Registered Professional Engineer (RPE)

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 16-8 (x.–y.).

16-8. General Requirements. (x.–y.).

x.  Lattice, Hydraulic, Crawler-, Truck-, Wheel-, and Ringer-Mounted Cranes. (16-8.x)

(1)  For required operator aids and indicating devices, see paragraph 16-8.q.

(2)  Boom Assembly and Disassembly.  Address these activities in the AHA.
Identify the CP.

(a)  The team must review the manufacturer's procedures before starting the boom assembly or disassembly.  The CP must be present during assembly and disassembly operations.

(b)  When removing pins or bolts from a boom, workers must stay out from under the boom. Block, crib, or otherwise secure all sections to prevent them from falling.

(c)  A CP must confirm, verify, and approve the blocking, cribbing, and other means of securing before assembly and disassembly operations may begin.

(3)  Outriggers.

(a)  Anytime outriggers are required to be used, except for locomotive cranes, extend or deploy them according to the crane manufacturer’s load/capacity chart specifications, except for locomotive cranes.

(b)  When partially extended outriggers are used, address the following requirements:

(b-1)  Do not operate the LHE with partially extended outriggers unless approved by the crane manufacturer.

(b-2)  Set the outriggers at equal positions that correspond to the load/capacity charts supplied by the manufacturer for those positions.  Refer only to the load chart(s) corresponding to the outrigger positions that will be used.

(b-3)  If outriggers must be set at unequal positions, consult with the manufacturer or QP to determine if the capacity reductions, special operating procedures, or limitations are required.

(d)  Blocking/pads under outrigger floats must meet the following requirements:

(d-1)  Have sufficient strength to prevent crushing, bending, or shear failure.

(d-2)  Have sufficient thickness, width, and length to completely support the float, transmit the load to the supporting surface, and prevent shifting, toppling, or excessive settlement under load. Base the blocking area size and thickness on soil conditions, soil type, compaction, liquid limits, underground utilities, crane type and capacity, and having the crane within 1% of level.

(e)  Unless the manufacturer has specified an on-rubber rating, mobile cranes must not pick or swing loads over the side of the crane unless the outriggers are down and properly extended.

(4)  When not in use, lower the crane booms to ground level or secure them against displacement by wind loads or other outside forces.  If the manufacturer recommends against doing this, follow the manufacturer's recommended practice.

(5)  When pick and carry operations occur (such as, with Rough Terrain Cranes), center the boom over the front of the crane, engage the mechanical swing lock, and restrain the load from swinging.

y.  Portal, Tower, and Pillar Cranes.  (16-8.y)

(1)  Construct and install all load bearing foundations, supports, and rail tracks according to a design prepared by an RPE.  The RPE must be familiar with the specific type of crane.

(2)  Assemble and disassemble cranes following the manufacturer's instructions. If manufacturer’s procedures are not available, follow the instructions developed by an RPE with knowledge of the specific crane.

(a)  When assembled or disassembled, keep the manufacturer’s or RPE’s instructions and a list of the weights at the site.

(b)  A QP must supervise the assembling and disassembling activities.

(c)  Prepare and have an AHA approved for the specific assembling or disassembling tasks, before starting the work.  See paragraph 16-6.c. for the AHA
        requirements.

(d)  The manufacturer must determine the wind velocity at the site at the time of assembly or disassembly, and evaluate whether it is a limiting factor that could require suspending the work. If the manufacturer’s data is not available, then a QP must evaluate any wind loading limitations.

(e)  Before assembling any crane components, visually inspect them for damage. Do not assemble dented, bent, torn, gouged, or otherwise damaged members.

(f)  Upon assembly and after each climb, plumb the crane and keep it plumbed
with wedges or other means.  Plumb cranes to the manufacturer’s tolerance.  Where the
manufacturer does not specify a tolerance, plumb the crane to a tolerance of 1:500 (1 inch:40 feet; 2.5 cm:12.2 m).

(3)  Perform pre-operation tests when cranes are assembled and after each climbing operation, and before placing the crane in service.  Test all functional motions and motion limiting devices and brakes for proper operation according to the manufacturer's instructions and ASME B30.3 or B30.4, as applicable.  Test the:

(a)  Crane supports.

(b)  Brakes and clutches, limit and overload switches, and locking and safety devices.

(4)  Climbing Procedures.  Prior to and during, all climbing procedures (to include inside and top climbing), the employer must:

(a)  Comply with all manufacturer prohibitions.

(b)  Have an RPE verify that the host structure is strong enough to sustain the forces imposed through the braces, brace anchorages, and supporting floors.

(c)  Ensure that no part of the climbing procedure takes place when wind velocity at the crane superstructure exceeds the lower of the limits set by the manufacturer or a QP.  If neither has specified a limit, then the limit is 20 mph (9 m/s) at the crane superstructure. Evaluate wind gusts for their effect on the climbing operation.

(d)  The operator of a hammerhead tower crane must be present during climbing or telescoping operations.

(5)  Safety Devices and Operational Aids.  Do not being other work until the operational aids are in proper working order, except where the employer meets the specified temporary alternative measures.  In addition to those listed in paragraph
16-8.o, provide the following devices and aids:

Note.  The general requirements that are included in paragraph 16-8.o for operational aids do not apply to tower cranes.  The devices listed are required on all tower cranes covered by this subpart, unless otherwise specified.

(a)  Rail clamps, if used, must have slack between the point of attachment to the rail and the end fastened to the crane.  Do not use rail clamps as a means of restraining tipping of a locomotive crane.

(b)  Hydraulic system pressure limiting device.

(c)  The following brakes, which must automatically set in the event of pressure loss or power failure: hoist brake on all hoists, swing brake, trolley brake, and rail travel brake.

(d)  Deadman control or forced neutral return control (hand) levers.

(e)  Emergency stop switch at the operator’s station.

(f)  Trolley travel limiting device to prevent the trolley from running into the trolley end stops.

(g)  Ambient wind velocity device.  Mount the device at or near the top of the crane. Provide a velocity display at the operator’s station in the cab.  A visible or audible alarm must illuminate or sound in the cab and at remote control stations when a preset wind velocity is exceeded.

(h)  Hoist line pull limiting device that limits the lifted load.

(6)  Multiple Tower Crane Jobsites.  On jobsites where more than one fixed jib (hammerhead) tower crane is installed, locate the cranes so that no crane or its load may come in contact with the structure of another crane.  Cranes are permitted to pass over one another.

(7)  Weathervaning.  Tower cranes required to weathervane when out-of-service must be installed with clearance for boom (jib) and superstructure to swing through a full 360-degree arc without striking any fixed object or other weathervaning crane.  The boom must rotate to and in the natural direction of the wind.  Follow manufacturer instruction and ASME B30.3.