Chapter 11 – Course Review

General Rules

Don’t operate the crane if you are not physically fit or sick – talk to your superior
Only trained, certified and authorized employees should be allowed to operate cranes
Crane operators should know how to use a portable fire extinguisher
Make sure that your crane is safe to operate
Don’t compromise safety to save time, don’t take chances

Never work or stand under an elevated load
Never ride on a load or hook
Make sure the load is balanced
Always insure a safe lift
Before lifting the hook should be centered over the load
Loose objects must be removed from the load before attempting a lift
Never raise an employee with the hook of a crane
Make sure that chains or slings are not linked or caught up on anything
When the crane is parked the empty hook should be raised high enough so that it can not make contact with personnel or moving vehicles
Hooks or slings will be high enough to clear obstructions and not strike employees
Never run the crane into the end-stops or into the limit switch
Never operate the crane when the limit switch is not functioning properly
Before lifting make sure that all employees are at a safe distance
The crane must come to a full stop before reversing
Don’t raise the load higher than necessary to clear obstructions
Always ensure your safety and the safety of the load before you lift
Plan your move, ensure cribbing is in place before you lift
Add below the hook device weight to the load when calculating the load

Ohsa requires that crane operators inspect their cranes before every shift

Check for:

The equipment must be regularly maintained
Advise the appointed person immediately if an operating abnormality occurs
The crane must be locked out and tagged out
Do not render any safety device such as limit switches and circuit breakers inoperative – it’s dangerous and illegal
Inspect the crane and hoist at least once a day before you start to work with the equipment

Back to