West Crane Operation, Maintenance and Training Manual
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West Crane Operation, Maintenance and Training Manual West Crane Operation, Maintenance and Training Manual 2012.11.23 v8 It is important for a Crane Operator to be instructed in the use of the crane and to understand the severe consequences of careless operation. A thorough study of the following information should provide a better understanding of safe operation and afford a greater margin of safety for people and property. The overall responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the crane lies with the Marine Facilities Director. Definitions and Requirements. "Working Load" means the external load applied to the crane, including the weight of load attaching equipment such as shackles, slings and spreader beams. "Load block" means the assembly of sheaves suspended by the hoisting rope. "Mast" means the upright member of the crane. “Hook” The crane shall be equipped with a safety latch type of hook. "Safety Hook" means a hook with a latch to prevent slings or load from accidentally slipping off the hook. "Side loading" (side pull) is a load applied at an angle to the vertical plane of the boom. "Swing" means rotation of the mast and boom for movements of loads in a horizontal direction about the axis of rotation. “Owner installed rigging” the failure of any owner installed attachment rigging, strops, lift points, bars, or angles etc. is the total responsibility of the owner. “Register” A fully completed and up-to-date register shall be kept in the office, giving the particulars and dates with respect to: • The inspections and maintenance completed. • A list of Designated Operators. • A list of approved boat classes. 1 West Crane Operation, Maintenance and Training Manual "Designated Operators." Only a person who is listed on the Register as a Designated Operator shall be permitted to operate the crane covered by this manual. These operators shall have received specific training in the operation of the crane, shall be in charge of the crane and be completely responsible for safety during the entire time that the crane is used for the lifting purpose. "Rated load marking." A substantial, durable and clearly legible rating shall be provided and securely affixed where it is visible to personnel responsible for the safe operation of the equipment. “Crew” In addition to the operator there shall always be at least two others present, one of which may be a signal person. A signal person is required when: • The point of operation is not in full view of the operator. • The operator’s view is obstructed in the direction the equipment is traveling. • Either the operator or the person handling the load determines that a signal person is needed because of site-specific safety concerns. • “Warning sign” must be available to be displayed at the main switch in the event of any perceived malfunction. Qualifications. Fatalities and serious injuries can occur if cranes are not inspected and used properly. Other incidents happen when workers are struck by the load or something falling from the load or are caught inside the swing radius. Crane operation, to be safe and efficient, requires skill, the exercise of extreme care and good judgment, alertness and concentration, and rigid adherence to proven safety rules and practices as outlined in applicable and current safety standards. In general practice, no person should be permitted to operate a crane: • Who cannot speak, read and understand the printed instructions • Who is not of legal age to operate this type of equipment • Whose hearing or eyesight is impaired (unless suitably corrected) • Who may be suffering from heart or other ailments which might interfere with the operator’s safe performance • Unless the operator has carefully read and studied this operation manual • Unless the operator has demonstrated his ability through practical operation of the equipment • Unless the operator is familiar with hitching equipment and safe hitching practices 2 West Crane Operation, Maintenance and Training Manual Boom Motion: Before moving the boom, the operator should be sure the hook is high enough to clear any obstruction. Before the crane handles a load, the boom should be brought into position so that it is directly over the load. Move the boom slowly. Know Your Crane: Crane operators should be familiar with the principal parts of a crane and have a thorough knowledge of crane control functions and movements. The crane operator should be required to know the location and proper operation of the main conductor disconnecting power to the crane. Responsibility: Each crane operator is to be held directly responsible for the safe operation of the crane. Whenever there is any doubt as to SAFETY, the crane operator should stop the crane and refuse to handle loads until safety has been assured. Do not permit ANYONE to ride on the hook or a load. Inspection: Test the crane movement and any attachments on the crane at the beginning of each session. Whenever the operator finds anything wrong or apparently wrong, the problem should be reported immediately to the Director of Marine Facilities, the warning notice displayed and appropriate corrective action taken before the crane is used. Operating Instructions The crane operator should know and follow these proven rules for safe, efficient crane handling 1. The crane should be moved smoothly and gradually to avoid abrupt, jerky movements of the load. Slack must be removed from the sling and hoisting chain before the load is lifted. 2. Centre the crane over the load before starting the hoist to avoid swinging the load as the lift is started. Loads must not be swung by the crane to reach areas not directly under the crane. 3. Crane-hoisting chain must be kept vertical. The crane shall not be used for side pulls. 4. Be sure everyone in the immediate area is clear of the load and aware that a load is being moved. 5. Do not make lifts beyond the rated load capacity of the crane, spreaders, slings, lifting tackle etc. 6. When slings are used they must have safety lines attached on both sides 7. Loads must have tag lines at opposite ends. 8. Make certain, before moving the load that slings, chains, or other lifting devices are fully seated in the saddle of the hook with hook latch closed. 9. Do not lift loads if there is any loose dunnage or equipment on or around the load. 10. Raise load a few inches, hold and verify balance before delivering load. 3 West Crane Operation, Maintenance and Training Manual 11. Check to be sure that the load and/or bottom block is lifted high enough to clear all obstructions when moving boom. 12. At no time should a load be left suspended from the crane unless the operator has the push button with the power on, and under this condition keep the load as close as possible to the ground to minimize the possibility of an injury if the load should drop. When the crane is holding a load, the crane operator must remain at the push button. 13. The operator must ensure that loads are brought to rest and stable before the hook is removed. 14. All slings or cables should be removed from the crane hook when not in use. 15. Operators shall not carry loads and/or the empty bottom load block over personnel. 16. Whenever the operator leaves the crane the following procedure should be followed: • Raise the empty hook to an intermediate position close to the boom • Anchor the boom at the designated location with a tag line • Place controls in “off’ position and remove the key • Open main switch to ‘off’ position • Make visual check before leaving the crane 17. In case of emergency or during inspection, repairing, cleaning or lubrication, a warning sign or signal should be displayed and the main switch should be locked in the “off” position. This should be done whether the work is being done by the crane operator or by others. 18. ANY SAFETY FEATURES AND MECHANISMS BUILT-IN OR OTHERWISE PROVIDED WITH THE CRANE BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE REQUIRED FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE CRANE. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, REMOVE OR OTHERWISE IMPAIR OR DISABLE THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF ANY CRANE SAFETY MECHANISMS OR FEATURES BUILT-IN OR OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR SAFE OPERATION OF THE CRANE. ANY REMOVAL, IMPAIRMENT OR DISABLING OF ANY SUCH SAFETY MECHANISMS OR FEATURES OR OTHER USE OR OPERATION OF THE CRANE WITHOUT THE COMPLETE AND PROPER FUNCTIONING OF ANY SUCH SAFETY MECHANISMS OR FEATURES AUTOMATICALLY AND IMMEDIATELY PROVIDES GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION FROM MEMBERSHIP OF THE CLUB. SAFETY CHECKLIST • Check for wind and lightening storm conditions. • Check for no twist in chain due to flip over of lower block. 4 West Crane Operation, Maintenance and Training Manual • For double basket slings (see photo) ensure cinch line are tightly attached fore and aft. • Double basket slings. • Trailer wheels blocked or hitched to a vehicle with parking brake on. • If trailer is not attached then block rear to prevent tipping. • Lower empty hook to trailer to ensure correct position. • Back pads off and have tools ready to adjust pads when boat is delivered. 5 West Crane Operation, Maintenance and Training Manual • Make sure there is clear space around the trailer to permit crew to move easily without tripping or going under the boat. • Make sure boat tag lines a long enough to allow crew to keep well back. • Use boom tag line NOT boat tag lines to swing boom. • Lay slings out to dry after use then return them to the tackle shed. ANNUAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE for FREESTANDING JIB CRANE ITEM COMPONENT MAINTENANCE ✓ 1 Anchor Bolts Check that nuts and lock-nuts are tightened to specifications.