SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES
Folio 1113-4
b. The load is secured and properly balanced in the
slings or lifting device before lifting the load more
than 3 – 6 in. (76 – 152 mm).
c. The lift and swing paths are clear of personnel and
obstructions.
d. The load is free to be lifted.
e. The load line is not kinked or otherwise damaged.
f. Multiple part load lines are not twisted around each
other in such a manner that the lines will not
separate when the load is lifted.
g. The hook is brought over the load in a manner that
will minimize twisting or swinging.
h. The load line and boom hoist ropes are properly
spooled on the drums and seated in the sheaves.
i. The load drum brakes are in proper working order.
The operator shall test the load drum brakes each
time a load approaching the rated load is handled.
Lift the load 3 – 6 in. (76 – 152 mm) and fully apply
the brakes —
load must not lower through applied
brakes.
j. Unused load drums are parked (working and
parking brakes applied; if equipped, drum pawls
engaged).
k. All personnel are clear of the swing radius of the
crane’s counterweight.
2. While lifting or moving the load, the operator shall take
the following precautions:
a. Accelerate and decelerate the load smoothly to
avoid excessive stress on the crane boom and
machinery.
b. Avoid sudden starts and stops while swinging. Keep
swing speed under control to prevent the load from
swinging out beyond the radius at which the load
can be handled and to minimize the pendulum
action of the load.
c. Use taglines or other restraints to control the load
when necessary.
d. Do not exceed any swing limitations (areas of
operation) given on the capacity chart.
e. Do not allow the load, the boom, or any other part of
the crane to contact obstructions.
f. Do not use the crane to drag a load.
g. Do not hoist, lower, or swing the load while
personnel are on the load or hook.
NOTE: See Personnel Handling topic in this folio.
h. Avoid carrying the load over personnel. Loads which
are suspended shall be blocked or cribbed before
personnel are allowed to work under or between
them.
i. Before lifting a load which requires use of outriggers
(or anytime outriggers are used), fully extend the
outrigger beams and jacks so the truck tires do not
bear any load.
Securely fasten outrigger jack pads or floats to the
jacks and set them on a flat, firm surface that will
support the load placed on the pads or floats. Do not
set jack pads or floats in holes, on rocky ground, or
on extremely soft ground.
When dictated by ground conditions, install wood
blocking or steel plates under the jack pads or floats
to properly distribute loading on the supporting
surface.
Wood blocking or steel plates used under jack pads
or floats shall be:
- Free of defects.
- Strong enough to prevent crushing, bending, or
shear failure.
- Of sufficient thickness, width, and length to
completely support the jack pad or float,
transmit the load to the supporting surface, and
prevent shifting, toppling, or excessive
settlement under load.
j. Fully retract and lock jacks and outrigger beams so
they cannot extend when not in use.
k. Operate with extreme caution when using two or
more cranes to lift the same load.
One designated person shall be responsible for
operation when two or more cranes are used to lift
the same load. The designated person shall analyze
the lift and instruct all personnel involved in the
proper rigging and positioning of the load and all
movements to be made. Decisions such as
necessity to reduce crane ratings, load position,
boom position, ground support, and speed of
movements shall be in accordance with the
designated person’s decision.
l. Do not lower the load or boom to the point that less
than two full wraps of wire rope remain on the
respective drum.
m. Engage the boom hoist pawl when operating with
the boom at a fixed radius.
3. While traveling, the operator shall take the following
precautions:
a. Sound the signal horn before traveling and
intermittently while traveling, especially when
approaching personnel.
b. Carry the boom in-line with the lowerworks and
facing the direction of travel.
c. Do not position the boom so high that it could
bounce over backwards whether traveling with or
without load.
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