Crane & Hoist Safety

• Employees must receive user level training to use cranes & hoisting equipment at UW-Madison. The training must be renewed at least every 3 years. 

• The training consists of two parts:
  1. Online or in-person instruction on Crane & Hoist Safety
  2. Hands-on training conducted by EH&S or a competent person.

These are inspections that need to be made at the start of the day or shift before using the crane, hoist, or rigging. These aren’t needed on days equipment where equipment is not used. 

1. Functional tests.
2. And visual inspections of:
1. Hooks, chains, slings, below-hook lifting devices.
2. Air & hydraulic systems.
3. Items set by a certified employee or contractor.

These inspections can be done by people with user level training and must be documented by filling out the daily inspection checklist.

What are service classifications?

Crane/Hoist service classifications are used to help determine the intervals for conducting frequent inspections. 

For example, a normal service hoist frequent inspection would be conducted monthly. Each number is an “either-or” situation – if conditions match any either “1” or “2” for the highest classification, it meets the definition.

• Normal service:
1. Under 85% of rated load, at up to 10 lift cycles/hr (except for isolated instances).
• Heavy service:
1. At 85 to 100% of rated load
2. More than 10 lift cycles/hr as regular specified procedure.
• Severe service:
1. Handling loads near to or at the rated capacity
2. Over 20 lift cycles/hr and/or abnormal operating conditions 

Critical lifts need a critical lift plan. Contact EH&S before all critical lifts to make sure there are safer alternatives that can be explored first.

1. Critical lifts involve any of the following:
2. Sling angles under 30 degrees
3. Loads over 75% of rated capacity
4. Loads lifted by multiple cranes or hoists
5. Loads lifted, swung, or placed out of the operator’s view

Non-routine & technically difficult rigging arrangements

What are elements of a critical lift plan?

• Do not move loads over people.
• Nobody should ever work or be under a suspended load.
• Use tag lines when moving loads long distances or to avoid putting yourself underneath a suspended load. Most ropes or slings can be used for this purpose. Manilla rope also works as an acceptable material for taglines.
• 
• Never leave suspended loads unattended.

• In emergencies where a load is left suspended & crane/hoist is inoperative:

• Barricade and post signs

1. 1. in surrounding area
   2. under load
   3.  and on all sides.

Side pulls can cause hoist cables to slip out of drum grooves and overlap, as well as cause damage and increase stress to lifting equipment. Side pulls also can cause loads to swing around and hit someone.

When using a crane or hoist, make sure that the hook is over the load’s center of balance. You also want to install all hoists so they hang freely with their hooks centered.

 Don’t go over the capacity of any part of the lifting setup. The setup will only be as strong as its weakest link. When planning a lift, make sure you know the load of what you’ll be lifting. Never do a lift based on a blind guess.

• Ways to know or estimate the weight of a load:

• • Use a scale to weigh the load.
  • Check shipping papers. 
  • Check the manufacturer’s plate on the equipment. 
  • Use industry standard tables or charts. 
  • Consult with the manufacturer.
  • Estimate using weights of similar loads. 

Note: a good practice to follow is to stay within 50% of the lifting equipment’s rated capacity when estimating loads.