Page 71 - Safety Memo

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Note: Operational aids are classified into Category I and 4. Operations shall be conducted and the job controlled in
Category II. 1615.2 a manner that will avoid exposure of employees to the
hazard of overhead loads. Wherever loads must be passed
G. Requirements for the operation of cranes and derricks directly over workers, occupied work spaces, or occupied
include:
passageways, safety type hooks or equivalent means of
1. The employer shall: preventing the loads from becoming disengaged shall be
used. All requirements under 1616.4 shall also be met.
a. Follow manufacturer procedures for operation of the
equipment including the use of attachments. Where 5. Boom free fall is prohibited in each of the circumstances
procedures for operation are unavailable, the employer mentioned in 1616.5. Controlled load lowering is required
shall comply with 1616.1. and free fall of the load line hoist is prohibited in each of the
circumstances mentioned in 1616.5(d).
Note: While operating equipment, devices such as
cell phones shall not be used for any other activities 6. The use of equipment to hoist employees is prohibited
(texting, talking, etc.) other than signaling. except where the employer demonstrates that the erection,
use, and dismantling of conventional means of reaching
b. Ensure loads are rigged by a qualified person or by the work area would be more hazardous, or is not possible
a trainee under the qualified person’s direct visual because of the project’s structural design or worksite
supervision. 1616.1(x) conditions. 1616.6(a)
c. Where traveling with a load, the employer shall ensure 7. Hoisting of personnel using cranes is possible only when all
that a competent person supervises the operation. of the requirements of 1616.6 are met.
d. Ensure operators do not suddenly accelerate or Note: The requirements of 1616.6 are supplemental and
decelerate a moving load. 4999(f) apply when one or more employees are hoisted.
e. Not allow the load, boom, or other parts of the 8. Supplemental requirements for Multiple-Crane/Derrick
equipment to contact any obstruction during lifting Lifts are provided in 1616.7. Before beginning a
operations. 1616.1(o) crane/derrick operation in which multiple crane/derrick
2. Whenever there is a concern as to safety, the operator will be supporting the load, the operation shall be planned
shall have the authority to stop and refuse to handle loads as per 1616.7(a) and directed by a qualified person.
until a qualified person has determined that safety has H. The general requirements for using signals during the operation
been assured. 1616.2
of cranes and derricks are given in sections 1617.1 to 1617.3
3. Employers must control work areas and protect and include:
employees in the hazardous areas. Requirements include:
1. A signal person shall be provided in each of the situations
a. Communication among operators and signal persons given under 1617.1. Only qualified persons shall be
shall be followed as per 1616.3 and 4993.1. permitted to give signals except for a stop signal. Signals
to operators shall be by hand, voice, or audible and as per
b. Where any part of a crane or derrick is within the 1617.1. Some of the recommended hand signals are shown
load radius of another crane or derrick, employers in Illustration 4 on the next page.
must establish a system to coordinate the operations.
1616.3 2. The devices for transmitting signals shall be tested on site
before start of operations and the devices/signaling shall
c. Prevent employees from entering the hazardous areas meet requirements in 1617.2
by providing employee training, setting up barriers,
etc. as per 4993.1. 3. Follow the additional requirements in 1617.3 for voice
signals.
Before an employee goes to a location in the hazard area
that is out of view of the operator, the operator must be Note: Employees shall not text or talk unless it is for
informed by the employee. 4993.1(a)(3)(A). signaling purposes.

30 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 Cal/OSHA Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry | June 2015 31