Page 18 - Crane and Rigging

LIFTING AND MOVING

Floor-operated Cranes and Hoists
Lifting and lowering the load can be done safely by paying attention to what you are doing and by
following simple safety precautions.

1. Make sure that all hands are clear of any potential pinch points.

2. For very large loads, make sure that no people are between the load and a stationary object.

3. Slowly raise the hoist block to ease slack out of the slings. Then check the load hook to make
sure the slings are fully seated in its saddle.

4. If everything is okay, lift the load in one smooth motion, high enough to clear all obstructions.
Then push the load to the desired location.

5. When the crane is in position, slowly lower the load, stopping the hoist block when it is low
enough to unhook the slings.

6. When you have finished with the crane, raise the block above head level and place the crane in
a designated location.

7. Jib cranes should be stored against the wall. Use the lower hook block to swing the boom into
place.

Important Safety Practices
• Don’t abuse the controls by jogging them unnecessarily. This only shortens the life of the hoist
or crane.

• Don’t use the pendant control stations to swing the job boom
in place.

• Don’t leave a suspended load unattended.

• Don’t pass a load over co-workers or allow anyone to walk
under the load.

• Don’t pull a load. You can’t watch the load and see where
you are going.

• Don’t allow yourself to be distracted.

• Don’t allow unused slings or rope to remain on the hook. They can
inadvertently snag other objects when the crane is moving.

• Don’t leave the hoist block low enough for someone to hit it.

• Never operate a radio control transmitter unless you can see the load and
the entire crane.

Overhead Crane and Rigging 18 Rev 3 November 2021