512 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 16-22

Sections

16-4. Roles and Responsibilities.

General Requirements for Lifting and Handling Equipment (LHE) Operations

Employers and supervisors must ensure all LHE operations comply with OSHA, ASME, and USACE standards.

Competent Person (CP) Duties

Perform inspections and develop Lift Plans as outlined in respective sections.

Qualified Person (QP) Duties

Conduct inspections, operational tests, and oversee the erection and dismantling of specific cranes.
Support CPs in developing lift plans.

Operator Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with the lift team, maintain focus during operations, and never leave controls while a load is suspended.
Follow specific steps to secure the LHE when unattended, responding properly to signals, and maintain the right to stop operations if safety is a concern.

Joint Responsibilities of Operator, Qualified Lift Director, and Rigger

Ensure the LHE is level and stable, the load is secure, and the lift path is clear of obstructions and maintains clearance from electrical sources.
Confirm that all persons are clear of potential hazards like the swing radius of the counterweight.

Qualified Lift Director Duties for Multi-Crane Lifts

Analyze the operation, instruct personnel on proper positioning and movements, and make necessary safety assessments.
Ensure clear communication and understanding of responsibilities among all personnel involved in the crane operations.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

16-4. Operators should effectively communicate with the lift team, maintain focus during operations, and _____.

ensure hoisted loads are under 2,000 lbs

never leave controls while a load is suspended

use equipment to carefully hoist personnel

inspect equipment after each lift

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 16-4.

16-4. Roles and Responsibilities.

a.  Employers and supervisors will ensure all LHE operations are conducted according to applicable OSHA, ASME, and USACE requirements:  (16-4.a)

b.  Competent Person (CP).  (16-4.b)

(1)  Perform inspections according to paragraph 16-5.

(2)  Develop Lift Plans (see para 16-7).

c.  Qualified Person (QP).  (16-4.c)

(1)  Perform inspections according to paragraph 16-5.

(2)  Conduct operational tests according to ANSI/ASME B30 and the manufacturer’s instructions (see para 16-8.t).

(3)  Supervise erection and dismantling of portal, tower, and pillar cranes.

(4)  Assist CPs with development of lift plans.

d.  Operator Responsibilities.  The responsibilities of the operator include, but are not limited to, the following requirements:  (16-4.d)

(1)  Must communicate effectively with the lift director, rigger(s), signal person(s), and other affected employees onsite.

(2)  May not engage in any activity that will divert attention while operating the equipment.

(3)  Must not leave the controls while a load is suspended.

(4)  Before leaving the LHE unattended, the operator must:

(a)  Land any load, bucket, lifting magnet, or other device.

(b)  Disengage the master clutch.

(d)  Put the controls in the “OFF” or neutral position.
(e)  Secure the equipment against accidental travel.

(f)  Stop the engine.

(g)  Exception. When crane operation is frequently interrupted during a shift and the operator must leave the crane, the operator must follow all of the steps for securing unattended LHE, except for stopping the engine, and must also comply with the following:

(g-1)  The CP determines that it is safe to do so;
(g-2)  The crane must be located within an area protected from unauthorized entry; (g-3)  The operator remains adjacent to the equipment and not be engaged in any
other duties; and

(g-4)  The CP implements measures necessary to restrain the boom hoist and telescoping, load, swing, and outrigger functions.

(5)  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, the operator must ensure a full view of the load and the load travel paths at all times the load is rigged to the equipment.

(6)  Each operator is responsible for those operations under their direct control. Whenever the operator is concerned about safety, the operator has the authority and responsibility to stop and refuse to handle loads until a QP has determined that the operation is safe.

e.  The operator, qualified lift director and rigger must jointly ensure:  (16-4.e) (1)  The LHE is level and, where necessary, blocked.
(2)  The load is 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 according to table 16-1.

(4)  All persons are clear of the swing radius of the counterweight and housing.
f.  The qualified lift director is responsible for the following when two or more cranes or LHE are used to lift one load:  (16-4.f)

(1)  Analyzing the operation and instructing all personnel involved in the proper positioning and rigging of the load, and the movements to be made.

(2)  Making necessary assessments and determinations for a safe lift, to include crane (LHE) load ratings reductions, load position, boom location, ground support, and speed of movement.

(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 individual responsibilities.