Avoiding crane collapses

Crane collapses on construction sites are not uncommon enough. Earlier this day, in a more publicized incident, a large mobile crane collapsed in a South Indian coastal City.

 

Crane operators and the individuals and entities that supervise them and also the maintenance personnel should adhere  not only to the regulations set forth by the legal authorities, but also to the particular crane manufacturer’s safety guidelines and applicable industry standards, such as those developed by the ASME, OSHA etc.

 

Collapse of a crane is a reportable dangerous occurrence as per the factories act in India and shall be reported to concerned authorities.

 

So what can you do to prevent crane collapse and related deaths?

 

1.       Check if the crane operator is authorized to operate the particular type of crane. If there are some changes (mostly like technological advancements in new models) train all crane operators on the functionality of all new cranes. Ensure the personnel who can most affect the safety of crane operations are adequately trained and qualified to do what they’re doing. This includes, but isn’t limited to, operators, riggers, and signal persons.

2.       Ensure the crane is inspected, maintained, and set up in accordance with the OEM guidelines, and legal requirements at minimum.

3.       Follow relevant standards, particularly with regard to crane operations in proximity to power lines.

4.       Complete an appropriately detailed crane hoist plan in advance to ensure the hoisting operation is planned and the necessary details have been considered and provided for in the plan. As a best practice implement critical lift permit for load testing work. The permit shall be issued after ensuring safety of people involved and also the safety of people working in nearby locations.

5.       Ensure all limit switches and sensors are working.

6.       Ensure that the hoist does not move downwards freely.

7.       Check that the wire rope is properly seated. Ensure that it is not twisted, kinked or damaged.

8.       Determine the exact load and understand the balancing requirements for the load (Do not rely only on the load indicator in the crane).

9.       Before putting the crane to use, test run the crane the full length of the runway and bridge span to ensure no obstructions will interfere with the crane travel motions. Test that all motion’s travel speed match the designed specifications.

       Don’t assume because you’re renting a crane with an operator that the crane rental firm will run point to point and ensure safe crane operation. It is quite likely, that the rental agreement you signed says the other way.

Have a tested disaster management plan handy - in case something still goes wrong....