1. Crane Operations Objective
To ensure that the hazards and risks of Crane Operations are identified and that operations are conducted in such a way as to eliminate or reduce these risks.

2. Crane Operations Background Information
Hazards associated with Crane Operations include:
Structural or mechanical failure of the crane
Failure of crane wires, lifting equipment or lifting attachments (pad-eyes etc.)
Operator error
Dropped objects and side impacts causing:

3. Crane Operations Background Information
damage to the vessel (loss of stability)
damage to critical systems (well control, station keeping)
injury to personnel
damage to environment (from pressurized or hydrocarbon containing tanks)

4. Crane Operations Responsibility
The Area Manager is responsible for identifying and implementing in the Management System the requirements stipulated by the Company, the manufacturer of the crane and the relevant Authorities.
The OIM has overall responsibility on board for monitoring Crane Operations and controlling the associated risks in accordance with the procedure and the best industry practice.

5. Crane Operations Responsibility
The Barge Engineer is responsible for maintaining the Crane in safe operating condition according to the requirements of the Preventive Maintenance System.
The Crane Operator is responsible for ensuring that the Cranes and the lifting equipment are in good order prior to use and that the Deck crew are instructed and supervised in safe working practices.

6. Crane Operations Definitions & Abbreviations
SWL – Safe Working Load
Procedure
Cranes shall be inspected and certified according to the American Bureau of Shipping.
Limit switches must be installed to prevent contact between the hook and the jib and to prevent the boom from tipping.
If one movement of the crane can override a limit switch for another (e.g. boom/hook movement), the first switch shall be connected to both movements

7. Crane Operations Procedure
Only the limit switch for the lowest position of the boom may have a manual override, used only to lay the boom on the rest. An audible warning signal must indicate that the override system is activated.
Limit switches are to be tested with empty hook.
A crane shall not be used if any limit switch or other safety device is out of order.

8. Crane Operations Procedure
A load indicator with audible limit alarm shall be fitted inside the crane operator’s cabin. The alarm shall be triggered at 90% of the safe working load. The load indicator must be regularly calibrated and frequently checked using a load whose exact load is known.
A clearly marked emergency stop switch shall be fitted within easy reach of the Crane Operator. The switch must activate all the brakes on the crane.

9. Crane Operations Procedure
Cranes shall be equipped with an audible signal device, to attract the attention of personnel and warn of danger.
Sufficient lighting must be provided to ensure that the operating area including the Crane boom is clearly visible.
Powder type fire exting. inside the cabin and outside the engine room door.

10. Crane Operations Procedure
A check list must be completed by the Crane Operator at the beginning of each shift, including:
visual inspection of wires, sheaves and blocks
visual check of structures and mechanical equipment.
function test of limit switches, alarms and brakes.
Any defects or damage to a Crane must be reported to the OIM and BE immediately.

11. Crane Operations Procedure
Operating Restrictions
Crane loads must not be moved over the following area:
Manned and operating Wireline units and lines
Manned and operating Coil Tubing Units and lines
Live manifolds and lines connected to the well, e.g. well testing manifolds
Pressurized vessels on deck, e.g. nitrogen tanks
Deck mounted tanks containing hydrocarbons, e.g. well testing tanks
Deck-mounted tanks containing acid
Any area in which there is an unacceptable risk, from a dropped object, of damage to critical structures, machinery or systems, uncontrolled discharge to the environment, or injury to personnel.

12. Crane Operations Procedure
Operating Restrictions
Crane operations are not permitted under the following circumstance:
While a helicopter is landing, taking off, or stationary on the helideck with engines running
During adverse weather, except in an emergency
During rig moves, except in an emergency
When making heavy lifts (80% or more of the Crane’s capacity), and transferring loads over safety critical areas, a Permit to Work must be obtained.

13. Crane Operations Procedure
Cranes must never be operated beyond the limits stipulated by the manufacturer.
The Crane Operator must hold certification, a copy of which shall be filed on board.
No lifting operations may be conducted by the Crane Operator without the assistance of a designated and qualified Signalman, who must be in the Crane Operator’s direct view.

14. Crane Operations Procedure
When the load is outside the direct view of the crane operator, visual or radio contact must be established between personnel handling the load and the Signalman.
The crane operator shall respond to signals only from the designated signalman, except an instruction to stop in an emergency.
The Crane operator must know the weight of a load before lifting it. Weights may be given on the load itself, in the cargo manifest or from approved charts and tables. The given weight must be verified against the load indicator.

15. Crane Operations Procedure
The crane operators must avoid shock loads to the crane and lifting equipment, as this may cause the SWL to be exceeded.
The signalman has the following duties and responsibilities:
- use only the signals shown in the attached chart;
- ensure that the SWL of the lifting equipment is appropriate to the weight of the load;

16. Crane Operations Procedure
- ensure that lifting equipment is correctly attached; lifting points must be used if provided (e.g. pad-eyes)
- ensure that personnel in the vicinity will not be struck or trapped by the load when it is lifted
- ensure that tag lines are used to control the load

17. Crane Operations Procedure
Personnel must be aware at all times of the position of the crane boom, and avoid placing themselves under a load
Documentation and records
Crane manufacture’s manual
ABS Regulations

18. Crane Operations Procedure
Preventive maintenance system
Carne safety checklist
Permit to work
Filling
The file retention for Crane maintenance reports is stipulated in the maintenance System

19. Crane Operations Procedure
The file retention time for Crane Safety Checklists is 1 year
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