Safe Operation of Mobile Cranes
11 October 2024
Safe operation of mobile cranes is not just a good practice, it is a legal requirement. Specifically, two important documents to consider here are:
- I.S. 360 – Code of Practice: Safe Use of Cranes in the Construction Industry.
- I.S. 361 – Code of Practice: Safe Use of Tower Cranes & Self-erecting Cranes.
Hazards
Mobile cranes related significant hazards are numerous but mainly:
- Unplanned release or dropping of load, damage to people, equipment or property.
- Overturning of a crane.
- Persons crushed between load and fixture or vehicle.
- Persons crushed between fixtures and moving parts of the crane.
- Striking by falling objects.
- Striking or arcing from overhead power cable.
To ensure safe operation of mobile cranes these hazards must be addressed.
Actions to take Before the Crane Use
All lifting operations must be under the control of an appointed person. Planning should consider the weight of the load, radius of lift, overhead clearance, ground conditions, positioning of the crane and lifting equipment required. In addition, relevant test certificates or copies must be kept available for inspection. These must be available before the work starts. Sufficient trained banksmen and slingers must be available. In general, all banksman must be readily identifiable on site by, for example, the distinctive colour of fluorescent jackets or safety helmets.
Basic Control Measures to Ensure Safe Operation of Mobile Cranes
Cranes must be positioned on firm ground with stabilisers extended and wooden blocks beneath stabiliser pads. This is regardless of the apparent ground conditions. No person should enter the crane operating area without permission. Furthermore, loads must not be swung over personnel, site huts, buildings or public areas. Lifting equipment must be selected considering the weight and stability of the load. Finally, guide ropes should be used on large loads to guide and steady the lift.
All personnel involved with lifting operations must wear safety helmets, gloves and safety footwear. The PPE must be worn at all times. Telephone/radio communication or the system of hand signals should be used to communicate between the driver and the slingers and banksmen. Another key point to note is that the table of safe working loads for various radii must be clearly visible to the driver. Fitted audible alarm signals must be functioning correctly at all times when the crane is in use. In addition, safety helmets must be worn by all those within the swinging radius of the crane.
Role of the Managements
Manufacturer’s information on weight, centre of gravity and slinging arrangements for the load should be obtained in advance where practicable. Lifting operations must be under the control of an appointed person. Banksmen should be used when the driver’s vision of the load is obstructed. Wind conditions should be monitored and work stopped if the stability of the load is affected. The area within the arc of operations should be cleared of personnel. In addition, workers should not be allowed to stand beneath a suspended load. On the whole, all the equipment used must be in date for servicing and statutory inspection.
Training Requirements
Supervisors, crane drivers and slingers must be appropriately trained. The appointed persons should be trained and competent in the theory and practice of crane lifting operations and equipment used. To help with raising general workplace safety awareness, the eLearn Safety has developed a fully online Workplace Safety – Level 1 course. This course is ideal for every employee in any workplace that’s subject to Health & Safety Legislation. Safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. It provides all employees who participate on this course with information on how to identify hazards and carry out simple risk assessments. In addition, employees might benefit from taking the Working at Heights course.
In addition, the HSA has published a range of useful information about lifting equipment. This information can be accessed via their web page title Machinery, and specifically Use of Work Equipment guide.
In addition, the Health and Safety Executive (UK) has published a number of useful information about Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). This information can be accessed via their webpage Equipment and machinery.
Online Health and Safety Training
Proactive Health and Safety training is critical to ensure a safe workplace. An effective training program can reduce the number of worker injuries and deaths. It can also reduce instances of property damage, legal liability, illnesses, and missed time from work.
Health and Safety training helps establish a culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embrace the importance of workplace safety. The role of training in developing and maintaining effective hazard control activities is a proven and successful method of intervention.
This is why we have established eLearn Safety school. We pride ourselves in how we guide, support and mentor our students. They receive support throughout their learning experience and into their working lives. Our staff have extensive training experience and also have many years industry experience. We understand the challenges that exist within Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. Our priority is to ensure that all learners are fully prepared to differentiate themselves in the workplace after completing our Health and Safety courses.
eLearn Safety offers fully online Health and Safety courses.
To find out more, please check our Courses page.
Alternatively, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let us know via email info@elearn.ie