Cranes and Derricks

Safe Work Practices

  • Cranes must be operated only by qualified and trained personnel.
  • A designated competent person must inspect the crane and all crane controls before use.
  • Be sure the crane is on a firm/stable surface and level.
  • During assembly/disassembly do not unlock or remove pins unless sections are blocked and stable.
  • Fully extend outriggers and barricade accessible areas inside the crane’s swing radius.
  • Watch for overhead electric power lines and maintain at least a 10-foot safe working clearance from the lines.
  • Inspect all rigging before use; do not wrap hoist lines around the load.
  • Be sure to use the correct load chart for the crane’s current configuration and setup, the load weight, and lift path.
  • Do not exceed the load chart capacity while making lifts.
  • Raise load a few inches, hold, verify capacity/balance, and test brake system before delivering load.
  • Do not move loads over workers.
  • Be sure to follow signals and manufacturer’s instructions while operating cranes.