QUALIFICATIONS FOR AND CONDUCT OF OPERATORS
AND OPERATING PRACTICES
2-8.0.0
05/23/2003
15. The operator shall be familiar with the equipment
and its proper care. If adjustments or repairs are
necessary, the operator shall report the same
promptly to the appointed person, and shall also
notify the next operator.
16. All controls shall be tested by the operator at the
start of each shift. If any controls do not operate
properly, they shall be adjusted or repaired
before operations are begun
17. Stabilizers shall be visible to the operator while
extending or setting unless operator is assisted by
a signal person.
OPERATING PRACTICES
HANDLING THE LOAD
18. Size of load
A. No crane shall be loaded beyond the rated load
except for test purposes.
B. The load to be lifted is to be within the rated load
of the crane and its existing configuration.
C. When loads which are not accurately known are
to be lifted, the person responsible for the job
shall ascertain that the weight of the load does not
exceed the crane rated load at the radius at which
the load is to be lifted.
19. Attaching the load
A. The load shall be attached to the hook by means
of slings or other devices of sufficient capacity.
B. Hoist rope shall not be wrapped around the load.
20. Moving the load
A. The operator shall determine that:
B. The crane is level and, where necessary, the
vehicle/carrier is blocked properly.
C. The load is well secured and balanced in the
sling or lifting device before it is lifted more
than a few inches.
D. Means are provided to hold the vehicle
stationary while operating the crane.
E. Before starting to lift, the hook shall brought
over the load in such a manner as to minimize
swinging.
F. During lifting care shall be taken that:
1. There is no sudden acceleration or
deceleration of the moving load.
2. Load, boom or other parts of the crane do
not contact any obstruction.
G. Cranes shall not be used for dragging loads
sideways.
H. This standard recognizes that articulating boom
cranes are designed and intended for handling
materials. They do not meet personnel lift or
elevator requirements. Therefore, no lifting,
lowering, swinging or traveling shall be done
while a person is on the hook or load. Hook
attached suspended work platforms (baskets)
shall not be used with cranes covered by this
standard. Work platforms attached to the boom
must be approved by crane manufacturer.
I. The operator should avoid carrying loads over
people.
J. When the crane is so equipped, the stabilizers
shall be fully extended and set. Blocking under
stabilizers shall meet the requirements as
follows:
1. Strong enough to prevent crushing.
2. Of such thickness, width and length as to
completely support the stabilizer pad.
K. Firm footing under all tires, or individual
stabilizer pads should be level. Where such a
footing is not otherwise supplied, it should be
provided by timbers, cribbing, or other structural
members to distribute the load so as to not
exceed allowable bearing capacity or the
underlying material.
L. In transit, the boom shall be carried in stowed
position.
M. When rotating the crane, sudden starts and stops
shall be avoided. rotational speed shall be such
that the load does not swing out beyond the
radius at which it can be controlled.
N. The crane shall not be transported with a load on
the hook unless recommended by the
manufacturer.
O. No person should be permitted to stand or pass
under a suspended load.
21. Stowing procedure. Follow the manufacturer's
procedure and sequence when stowing and un-
stowing the crane
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