Crane and Hoist Safety Practices

                       A SAFETY TALK FOR

                      DISCUSSION LEADERS



This safety talk is designed for discussion leaders to use in preparing safety

meetings.



Set a specific time and date for your safety meeting.  Publicize your meeting

so everyone involved will be sure to attend.



Review this safety talk before the meeting and become familiar with its

content. Make notes about the points made in this talk that pertain to your

workplace.  You should be able to present the material in your own words and

lead the discussion without reading it.



Seating space is not absolutely necessary, but arrangements should be made so

that those attending can easily see and hear the presentation.



Collect whatever materials and props you will need ahead of time.  Try to use

equipment in your workplace to demonstrate your points.





                      DURING THE MEETING



Give the safety talk in your own words.  Use the printed talk merely as a

guide.



The purpose of a safety meeting is to initiate discussion of safety problems

and provide solutions to those problems.  Encourage employees to discuss

hazards or potential hazards the encounter on the job. Ask them to suggest ways

to improve safety in their area.



Don't let the meeting turn into a gripe session about unrelated topics.  As

discussion leader, its your job to make sure the topic is safety.  Discussing

other topics wastes time and can ruin the effectiveness of your safety meeting.



At the end of the meeting, ask employees to sign a sheet on the back of this

talk as a record that they attended the safety meeting.  Keep this talk on file

for your records.





Crane and Hoist Safety Practices



In an average year, injuries caused by working with or near cranes, hoists and

similar equipment account for approximately 1,000 lost-time claims filed with

The Industrial Commission of Ohio.



There are certain safety rule that must be followed by everyone who works with

or near this type of equipment.



First let's talk about the safety precautions for workers in the operating

areas of cranes or hoist, but who are not directly involved with their

operation or use.  Stay alert and pay attention to the warning signal from

overhead hoisting equipment.



þ Never stand or walk under a load, whether it's moving or stationary.



þ Always warn others of moving and approaching overhead loads.



þ Never attempt to distract signal persons or operators of the overhead

equipment while they are performing their jobs.



þ Always obey warning signs, especially those that are posted in critical areas



Now let's discuss the safety rules for operators, signal persons and hookup

crews.



þ Check to see that the equipment you are about to operate has been recently

inspected. (This may not be necessary if the operator has been assigned to the

same piece of equipment for a period of time.)



þ Test the warning signal or device to make sure it is working properly.



þ Never operate a crane that is unsafe.



þ Before starting work, check the brakes and all controls.



þ Never permit an unauthorized person to operate the crane or give the signals.



þ Always be sure that the operator and signal persons are in direct and clear

view, or in communication by phone.



þ Never carry a load over other workers.



þ Always use warning signals before and during moves.



þ Never allow anyone to ride on the load or hooks.



þ If a load appears to be slung improperly, lower it and have it adjusted



þ When oiling, adjusting or repairing the equipment, always lock the main

control in the off position or have someone guard it.



The work of riggers and hookup crews is extremely important, because much of

the safe operation of overhead cranes and hoists depends upon their knowledge

and skill.



All members of the crew must know their job responsibilities and the proper

procedures. Correct placement of the sling or choker, or of the chain,

contribute to safe lift travel and positioning of the load. The placement

controls the balance and how the system will handle on the hook throughout the

operation.



Sometimes the crew must determine whether a tag line is needed to control the

motion and position of the load while it's in the air. Knowing how to place and

manipulate the tag line safely requires skill and alertness.



Safe operation of crane and hoisting equipment requires efficient teamwork and

a thorough knowledge of the skills involved.



If all of us do our jobs well and safely, there is no reason why the injuries

and deaths caused by working with or near cranes, hoists and similar equipment

cannot be virtually eliminated.




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