Crane operations

1. CRANECRANE
OPERATIONSOPERATIONS
Cummins Southern Plains, Ltd.

2. Crane Operations
 Inspection
 Rigging
 Wire Rope Construction
 Chain Rigging
 Synthetic Slings
 Types of Hitches
 Overhead Crane Operation
 Field Service Trucks

3. HOISTS / CRANES
Inspection Checklist
• Hoist operators must inspect equipment daily
before use.
• Check for any loose or missing parts.
• Check end stops. End stops prevent the trolley
from running off the beam.
• Know the location of disconnect
switch that will cut the power off
only to the hoist or crane. Be sure
it is readily accessible and not blocked.

4. HOISTS / CRANES
Inspection Checklist
• Make sure all control buttons are labeled to
indicate their function. Operate each button to
make sure it functions properly, releases
immediately, and does not stick.
• Make sure wire rope is properly seated in its drum
and sheave grooves without any slack or
overlapping.
• Operate the crane or hoist several feet in each
direction that it travels. Listen for any unusual
noises. Look for any jerky movements.
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5. HOISTS / CRANES
Inspection Checklist
• Check upper hoist limit switch by slowly raising the
block to trip the switch.
• Lower the hoist block to activate the lower limit
switch if the hoist is so equipped, leaving at least one
turn of rope on the take-up drum.

6. HOISTS / CRANES
Inspection Checklist
• Check all hooks. Hooks should not be cracked,
stretched, bent, or twisted.
• Each hook must have a safety latch that
automatically closes the throat of the hook. If the
latch is bent, spring is broken, or is otherwise
damaged the latch must be repaired before use.
• Hooks should rotate freely in block assembly
without any “grinding” felt or heard.

7. HOISTS / CRANES
Inspection Checklist
• Check the block assembly for structural damage or
cracks in any components. Sheaves should rotate
freely without any grinding felt or heard coming
from the bearings. The sheave guard must be
unbroken and intact. No part of the sheave guard
should be in contact with the wire rope or sheave.

8. Rigging
Inspection Checklist
• Wire rope shall be taken out of service when any of
the following conditions exist:
1. In running ropes, six randomly distributed broken wires in one lay or
three broken wires in one strand in one lay;
2. In standing ropes, more than two broken wires in one lay in
sections beyond end connections or more than one broken wire at an
end connection.
3. Wear of one-third the original diameter of outside individual wires.
Kinking, crushing, bird caging, or any other damage resulting in
distortion of the rope structure;
4. Evidence of any heat damage from any cause;

9. Immediately remove damaged or defective slings from service
Rigging
Inspection Checklist

10. Broken Strands
Damaged wire rope must be taken out of service
Crushed Rope
Rigging
Inspection Checklist

11. Wire Rope Construction

12. • A cutting edge
cuts the life of the
sling.
• Use blocking,
padding, or a
corner saddle
when the cable
must go around
sharp corners
Rigging
Inspection Checklist

14. 1. Take up slack, then start to load slowly. A chain has no
elasticity and does not react well to shock loading.
2. Never shorten a chain by tying a knot in it. A chain has it’s
maximum strength with the load running in a straight line.
3. Always use softeners on the corners of rectangular loads.
4. Lift from the center of hooks. Avoid lifting from the point
of the hook.
5. Distribute the load evenly on all legs.
6. Inspect chains regularly. Look for elongated links.
7. Never exceed the estimated rating capacity of the chain.
8. Don’t drop loads onto the chain.
Rigging
Use of Chain Rigging

16. • Synthetic web slings, because of their flexibility and elasticity,
are a very popular rigging tool. The material with which these
synthetic slings are made allows them to be very flexible, but
it also makes them susceptible to heat and sharp edges.
Synthetic web slings must be well taken care of, and the user
must always be aware of sharp corners, welding sparks, and
metal chips.
• Slings used in environments where they are subject to
continuous exposure to ultra-violet light should be proof
tested to two times the rated capacity annually, or more
frequently depending on the severity of exposure.
Rigging
Use of Synthetic Slings

17. Types of Hitches
Most common types of hitches

18. Never overload a
sling!
Remember, the wider the sling legs are spread apart, the less
the sling can lift!
1000 lbs Lift Capacity1000 lbs Lift Capacity 707 lbs Lift Capacity707 lbs Lift Capacity 500 lbs Lift Capacity500 lbs Lift Capacity

19. Wire Rope Capacities

20. Wire Rope Sling Choker
Adjustments

21. • Associates in the direction of travel should be warned
to move and remain clear of a lifted load at all times.
• Loads should not be suspended over personnel
below.
Overhead Crane Operation

22. • Under no circumstances may anyone
ride the hook or load.
• Directional movement should be made
smoothly and deliberately. Avoid rapid
movements in any direction.
Overhead Crane Operation

23. • Do not exceed the rated load
capacity of the crane, hoist,
chain, cable, slings, or other
component.
• Slings, load chains and other lifting devices must
be fully and securely seated in the hook before
moving a load. Remove slack from the sling,
chain, or cable before lifting a load.
Overhead Crane Operation

24. • Use the following practices to avoid swinging
loads:
> Locate the hoist directly above the
lifting point of the load before lifting.
> Lower loads directly below the hoist.
> Keep hoisting ropes vertical. Do not
pull or push the load.
> Maintain two full wraps of cable on the
hoisting drum.
Overhead Crane Operation

25. • When lifting loads at or near capacity, test the
hoist brakes by returning the master switch or
push button to the “OFF” position after raising
the load a few inches off the floor. If the brakes
do not hold, lower the load to the floor slowly and
do not operate the crane. Report the situation
immediately and DO NOT USE until repaired.
Overhead Crane Operation

26. • Ensure that all loads are lifted high enough to
clear obstructions before moving the bridge or
trolley. Whenever possible, maintain a minimum
clearance of one foot above loads and to the sides.
Raise the load only to the height necessary to
clear lower objects.
• Never pull a hoist by the pendant
cable.
Overhead Crane Operation

27. • Never leave the controls unattended while a load
is suspended. If it becomes necessary to leave the
controls, lower the load to the floor.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of the
disconnect switch.
• If loss of electrical power occurs, place controls
in the “OFF” position to prevent unexpected
startup upon restoration of power.
Overhead Crane Operation

28. • Disconnect power to a hoist that is unsafe or in
need of repair. Arrange to have the
disconnect switch locked and the control
panel tagged with and “Out of Order”
or “Do Not Operate” tag. Never operate
a hoist that has been tagged with an
“Out of Order” or “Do Not Operate”
tag, or is your opinion, UNSAFE TO
OPERATE…
Overhead Crane Operation

29. Field Service Boom Trucks
 The basic rules of crane safety and proper
rigging also apply to boom trucks. However,
there are some differences:
 Before picking up any lift, the outrigger must be
extended. If the ground is soft, either relocate the lift
point or use outrigger pads to spread out the weight
of the load over a greater surface area.
 During the lift use the boom angle indicator to ensure
the capacity is never exceeded. The capacity is also
affected by the distance the boom is extended, the
farther the reach, the lower the capacity.

30. Field Service Vehicles

31. WARNING
Photo on the next slide
are graphic in nature.

32. Removing Jewelry and Wearing
Gloves!
Cause?
Not wearing gloves
and not taking off
the ring.