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Demolition >>

Cranes

Hazards associated with crane operations are electrocution from overhead power lines and equipment failures because of operator error; faulty or damaged equipment; overloading; support failure such as ground or outrigger collapse; and miscommunication.

A. General requirements

1. Operators of mobile and tower cranes (effective June 1, 2005) must have a valid certificate to operate the type of crane used. 5006.1(a)

   Exception:
   Mobile cranes with a boom length less than 25 feet or a maximum rated load capacity of less than 15,000 pounds. 5006.1(f)(1)

   April 2007 Update (added) Mobile Crane and Tower Crane-Operator Qualifications and Certifications Exception: 5006.1(f)(2): Operators of electric line trucks (digger derrick trucks) http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5006_1.html

   
   

2. Each crane and accessory gear that exceeds 3-ton capacity must be certified annually by a DOSH certifier. 5021(a)(1)
   
3. All required certificates must be kept with the certified equipment or at the project site. 5025
   
4. All cranes must be equipped with audible warning devices controllable by the operator. 4889(a), 4936
   
5. A crane shall not be operated when its wheels or tracks are off the ground unless it is properly bearing on outriggers. 4994(a)
   
6. A signal person shall be provided when the point of operation is not in full and direct view of the crane operator. 5001(a)

April 2007 Update (added) Communication 5001(b), Signals: Only qualified persons shall be permitted to give signals. Exception: A stop signal may be given by any person. 5001(f)(1) - (2), Signals: When there is a potential for accidental contact by cranes, the employer shall ensure there is effective communication to notify crane operators and signal persons of the presence of other cranes. Provide a dedicated frequency for operators who communicate using 2-way radios. http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5001.html

Note: See the recommended hand signals in Illustration 4.

B. Crane inspections. 5031

1. Cranes must be inspected before each shift and daily. 5031(b)
   
2. Periodic inspections must occur at least four times a year. 5031(c)

   Note: The annual certification per 5021(a) can serve as one of the periodic inspections. 5031(c)

3. Proof load testing must occur every four years. 5031(d)
   

April 2007 Update Cranes and Other Hoisting Equipment 5022.1, Test Weights: Test weights must be marked to indicate their weight. Lifting attachments must be inspected prior to each use and defective or damaged weights will not be used. Embedded wire rope or rebar will not be used as lifting attachments. http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5022_1.html

C. Specific crane requirements

1. Mobile hydraulic cranes. Article 94 in the GISOs
1. A load-rating chart must be posted at a location that is readily visible to the operator. 4954(e)
   
2. Outriggers must be used according to certifying agent requirements. 4954(a)
   
3. Boom angle indicators must be clearly visible from the operator’s station. 4924(c)
   
4. Boom length indicators (telescopic booms) must be clearly visible. 4954(b)
   
5. A boom hoist disconnect must be installed. 4954(c)
   
6. A boom stop is required. 4954(d)

 



 

2. Boom-type mobile cranes
1. These cranes are locomotive, crawler, and motor truck cranes and boom type excavators. 4920
   
2. The following requirements apply to boom-type mobile cranes:
   1. A load-rating chart must be posted at a location that is readily visible to the operator. 4923(a)
      
   2. All mobile cranes with booms more than 200 ft. long or with capacity exceeding 50 tons must be equipped with an approved load indicating device (or its equivalent). 4924(b)
      
   3. Either a readily visible boom angle or a boom radius indicator is required for cranes with a boom longer than 60 ft. or a maximum rated capacity above 15 tons. 4924(d)
      
3. A fie extinguisher of 10:BC rating shall be accessible to the operator’s station. 4997
   
4. An operable boomstop is required on any crane whose boom could fall over backwards. 4922(a)
   
5. The operating station must be protected by a canopy type guard or cab roof. 4925(a)
   
6. Safe access (by steps and handholds) must be provided. 4926(a)
3. Tower cranes (climbing cranes)
    

   April 2007 Update Tower Cranes 4968, Safety Devices: A warning light must activate at a percentage of the rated load not to exceed 95% of the rated load if direct reading electronic instrumentation is not provided. An audible signal must activate at a level not to exceed 100 percent of the rated load. These devices must be set to avoid simultaneous activation and operate with a difference of at least 5% of the rated load to ensure independent warning. An automatic stop must operate at a percentage of the rated load not to exceed 105%. If the crane manufacturer specifies lower activation points, follow the manufacturer’s specifications. http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/4968.html

   1. Tower cranes are composed of a vertical mast supporting a boom that rotates on the mast in the horizontal plane only. 4965(a)
      
   2. The following standards apply to tower cranes:
      1. The manufacturer’s specifications regarding design, erection, operation, and safety must be available at the job site. 4965(b)
         
      2. A DOSH permit is required before a tower crane is erected, climbed, or dismantled. 344.70
         
      3. A new certification by a DOSH-licensed certifier is required for a fixed crane relocated to a new position on the same project or erected at a new site. 344.81
         
      4. A DOSH permit to operate is required before operating a fixed or mobile tower crane. 344.70(b)
         
      5. DOSH may require a capacity test at any time.
         
      6. A test load of 110%-capacity rating must be available at the job site. 4966(f)(2)
         
      7. Booms are normally allowed to freely weathervane; however, if the boom is lashed, the lashing must be in accordance with the certifying agent’s recommendations. 4967
         
      8. Damaged boom sections or components must be repaired to not less than the capacity of the original section or components. 5035
         
      9. Repairs to critically stressed members of a boom or boom extension must be in accordance with manufacturers’ or certified agents recommendation and new or replacement boom or boom extensions must be tested in accordance with 5022, before use. 5035

D. Slings and attachments

1. Slings and attachments must be inspected daily for damage or defects. 5043
   
2. A manufacturer’s label with capacity listed must be attached to the sling. 5042, 5048(a)
   
3. Damaged or defective slings must be removed from service immediately. 5042(a)(1)
   
4. Chain or wire rope slings must not be shortened by knots, bolts, or other means. 5042(a)(1)
   
5. Sling legs must not be kinked. 5042(a)(3)
   
6. Slings must not be overloaded. 5042(a)(4)
   
7. Slings must be padded to protect against damage from sharp loads. 5042(a)(7)
   
8. Suspended loads must be kept clear of all obstructions. 5042(a)(8)
   
9. Alloy chains must not be annealed. 5042(a)(14)
   
10. Employers must avoid operations that expose employees to overhead loads. 5002
    
11. Safety-type hooks (or their equivalent) must be used when loads must pass over workers or occupied passageways. 5002
    
12. Deformed or defective sling hooks and rings must not be used. 5049(a)
    
13. Chains with deformed links must not be used. 5044(h)

    Note: For safety rules regarding alloy steel chain 5044, wire rope 5045, metal mesh 5046, and fiber 5047 and synthetic web slings 5048.

14. The use of a man basket is prohibited unless no other choice is available and the conditions of 5004(d) and 5004(e) are met. 5004(c)

    Note: Heavy equipment that is used as a crane or a hoist must meet the applicable crane standards.