1. Cranes, Hoists and Truck Hoists
Safe Operations of
Cranes, Hoists and Truck Hoists

2. Lifting equipment come in all shapes and sizes to make your lifting job easier.  However, using the equipment improperly can cause breakdowns and damage to company
property.  You or your
co-workers can also
be seriously injured
Your Safety is the #1 Priority on any job.
This program is to be used to ensure a safe working environment during lifting operations utilizing proper equipment.

3. Purpose:
Overhead cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment are used by Universal Compression employees for lifting and moving materials. In order to maintain a safe workplace for it’s employees, only qualified individuals shall operate these devices. This program outlines the procedures for safe operations and the training requirements regarding overhead cranes, hoists and rigging equipment.

4. Requirements: General Requirements Inspection Requirements
Operational Procedure Requirements
Training requirements
There are 4 sections to Universal Compression’s Crane and Hoist Safety Program.
- General Requirements
- Inspection Requirements
- Operational Procedure Requirements
- Training requirements

5. General Requirements:
This program applies to overhead cranes including wall cranes, (jib cranes) and others having the same fundamental characteristics.
Only designated employees trained in crane and hoist safety shall operate cranes covered by this program.
All cranes in service and utilized by Universal Compression shall meet, as a minimum, the design specifications of the American National Standard Safety Code for Overhead and Gantry Cranes, ANSI B

6. General Requirements (cont.)
Each crane shall have the load rating plainly marked on each side of the crane.
If the crane has more than one hoisting unit, each hoist shall have its load rating marked on it or its load block and this marking shall be clearly legible from the ground floor.
All cranes shall be locked and tagged out while repairs are in progress to them or any other equipment or building structure that may have personnel or equipment in their path.

7. Inspections: General Inspections Initial Inspections Daily Inspections
Monthly Inspections
Annual Inspections
Inspections on idle and standby cranes
To comply with regulations, Universal Compression’s Crane Safety Program has several different inspections. Some inspections are to be performed at different time intervals and some inspections are required because of significant events have occurred to the crane. The inspections are as follows –
- General Inspections
- Initial Inspections
- Daily Inspections
- Monthly Inspections
- Annual Inspections
Inspections on idle and standby cranes
Inspection forms are available in Universal Compression’s Crane Safety Program which is located in the Health and Safety Manual

8. General Inspections:
Cranes and hoists that have been overloaded shall have a General Inspection performed prior to being returned to service.

9. Initial Inspection:
Initial inspection and test shall be performed by a qualified third party.
Prior to initial use, any and all new and altered cranes shall be inspected and tested to ensure compliance with the provisions of 29 CFR and ABSI B30.2.
Only after determining, by this inspection, testing and proper documentation, that the crane is in safe operating condition shall it be put into service.

10. Daily Inspections:
Daily inspections shall be performed by the crane operator prior to beginning shift and through observation during normal operation.
All deficiencies shall be documented and examined by qualified personnel to determine if they constitute a safety hazard.
Daily inspections shall include:
- All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment interfering with proper operation.
- Deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps, and other parts of air or hydraulic systems.
- Hooks, if deformations or cracks are found the hook shall be tagged out of service until repaired and tested by qualified personnel.
- Hoist chains, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations.

11. Monthly Inspections:
Monthly inspections shall include all items from the daily inspections and shall be documented with a certification record which includes the signature of the qualified person who performed the inspection, the date, and identifier (serial number, unit number, etc.) for each piece of equipment.
If safety hazards are found during inspections, the equipment in question shall be tagged out and not used until repairs are made.

12. Annual Inspections:
At least annually, a periodic inspection of all equipment covered by this program shall be inspected by a qualified third party.
- Any deficiencies constituting a safety hazard shall cause the equipment to be tagged out of service until repairs are made.
- The inspection shall include the items from the daily and monthly inspections as well as the additional items below:
- Deformed, cracked, or corroded members.
-Loose bolts or rivets.
-Cracked or worn sheaves and drums.
-Worn, cracked or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and clamping devices.
-Excessive wear on brake system parts, linings, pawls, and ratchets.
-Excessive wear of chain drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch.
-Electrical apparatus, for signs of pitting or any deterioration of controller contactors, limit switches and pushbutton stations.

13. Inspections Inspections are to be completed and documented.
Documentation is to be filed at the local or regional office.
If the inspection has not been documented then it never happened.

14. Idle and Standby Cranes:
A crane that has been idle for one to six months shall have a daily inspection performed before placing it into service.
Additionally the periodic annual inspection is required, if the last annual inspection is more than 12 months old.
A crane idle for more than six months shall have the monthly inspection completed before placing it into service.
All maintenance, tests and inspections shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.

15. Retention of Inspections:
All inspection records shall be retained at the facility where each crane, hoist or other equipment covered by this program is located.
All maintenance and repair records shall be retained for the life of the equipment.

16. Operational Procedures:
Only qualified designated personnel shall operate cranes and equipment covered by this program.
Operators shall comply with the following safety rules while operating cranes and hoists: (see notes)
-Do not engage in any practice that will divert your attention while operating the crane.
-Respond to signals only from the person who is directing the lift or any appointed signal person.
Obey a stop signal at all times, no matter who gives it.
-Do not move a load over people.
-People shall not be placed in jeopardy by being under a suspended load.
-Do not work under a suspended load unless the load is supported by blocks, jacks, or a solid footing that will safely support the entire weight.
-Have a crane or hoist operator remain at the controls or lock open and tag the main electrical disconnect switch.
-Ensure that the rated load capacity of a crane's bridge, individual hoist, or any sling or fitting is not exceeded.
-Know the weight of the object being lifted.
-Check that all controls are in the OFF position before closing the main line disconnect switch.
-If spring-loaded reels are provided to lift pendants clear off the work area, ease the pendant up into the stop to prevent damaging the wire.
-Avoid side pulls.
-These can cause the hoist rope to slip out of the drum groove, damaging the rope or destabilizing the crane or hoist.
-To prevent shock loading, avoid sudden stops or starts.
-Shock loading can occur when a suspended load is accelerated or decelerated, and can overload the crane or hoist.
-When completing an upward or downward motion, ease the load slowly to a stop.

17. Operational Procedures (cont)
At the start of each work shift, operators shall do the following steps before making lifts with any crane or hoist: (see notes)
Moving a load (see notes)
Parking a crane or hoist (see notes)
At the start of each shift:
-Test the upper-limit switch - slowly raise the unloaded hook block until the limit switch trips.
-Visually inspect the hook, load lines, trolley, and bridge as much as possible from the operator's station; in most instances, this will be the floor of the building.
-If provided, test the lower-limit switch.
-Test all direction and speed controls for both bridge and trolley travel.
-Test all bridge and trolley limit switches, where provided, if operation will bring the equipment in close proximity to the limit switches.
-Test the pendant emergency stop.
-Test the hoist brake to verify there is no drift without a load.
-If provided, test the bridge movement alarm.
-Lock out and tag for repair any crane or hoist that fails any of the above tests.
Moving a Load:
-Center the hook over the load to keep the cables from slipping out of the drum grooves and overlapping, and to prevent the load from swinging when it is lifted.
Inspect the drum to verify that the cable is in the grooves.
-Use a tag line when loads must traverse long distances or must otherwise be controlled.
Manila rope may be used for tag lines.
-Plan and check the travel path to avoid personnel and obstructions.
-Lift the load only high enough to clear the tallest obstruction in the travel path.
-Start and stop slowly.
-Land the load when the move is finished.
Choose a safe landing area.
-Never leave suspended loads unattended.
In an emergency where the crane or hoist has become inoperative, if a load must be left suspended, barricade and post signs in the surrounding area, under the load, and on all four sides.
Lock open and tag the crane or hoist's main electrical disconnect switch.
Parking a Crane:
-Remove all slings and accessories from the hook.
Return the rigging device to the designated storage racks.
-Raise the hook at least 7 ft (2.1 m) above the floor.
-Store the pendant away from aisles and work areas, or raise it at least 7 ft (2.1 m) above the floor.
-Place the emergency stop switch (or push button) in the OFF position.

18. Truck Hoist Requirements
Each truck hoist shall have the load rating plainly marked on the unit.
A load rating chart shall be clearly legible, attached to the truck hoist, and shall be located in view of the operator while at the controls.
Make certain the crane is installed per factory specifications
The vehicle shall comply with the hoist manufacturer’s recommendation for size and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Requirement)

19. Truck Hoist Requirements (cont)
The vehicle shall be equipped with appropriately sized outriggers/jacklegs as per the hoist manufacturer’s recommendations.
The maximum lifting capacity rating must be determined for each length of boom used on the hoist. Manufacturer’s load charts shall be utilized.
The maximum lifting capacity rating will not exceed hoist or pulley maximum loads, and will be posted on all hoist equipped trucks where readily visible to operator from hoist controls.

20. Truck Hoist Requirements (cont)
Boom tie-downs must be used when the vehicle is in motion.
A routine inspection of the crane is mandatory before each operation.
Monthly inspections shall be documented using the truck hoist inspection checklist (found in Safety Manual).
Annual inspections and certifications may be required to comply with customer requirements.
The operator must be familiar with and trained on lifting equipment before being allowed to operate the unit.

21. Truck Hoist Safety Tips & Precautions
Employees assigned to duties requiring the operations of truck hoists are responsible to:
Become familiar with and store in vehicle, the owners manual from the manufacturer of the truck hoist.
Make the required inspections,
Ensure that the truck hoist is maintained,
Ensure that all personnel working in the area around the crane are kept clear of all hazards related to hoist operations.
Determine the weights, and correct rigging required for loads to be lifted

22. Truck Hoist Safety Tips & Precautions
Make certain the vehicle meets minimum chassis requirements. (These requirements do not guarantee unit stability.)
All load ratings are based on crane capacity. THESE CRANES CAN LIFT ENOUGH TO TURN THE TRUCK OVER!
NEVER wrap cable around load.
REMEMBER in lifting a heavy load, the weight can create enough tipping moment to overturn the vehicle.
NEVER attempt to lift or drag a load from the side. The boom can fail far below its capacity.

23. Truck Hoist Safety Tips & Precautions
NEVER hold any pendant Select switch on that will negate safe operation conditions.
At the job site, the vehicle shall be positioned so that the crane can adequately reach the load within the rated capacity of the truck hoist (centerline of rotation to hoist hook).
Keep the vehicle as level as possible during operation.

24. Truck Hoist Safety Tips & Precautions
Engage emergency brake and turn off ignition with transmission left in gear (or park for automatic transmissions).
For extended use, leave engine running with brake set and transmission in neutral or park - this will keep battery charged.
ALWAYS use outriggers from the truck to the ground.
Be sure these are firm and adequately positioned.
ALWAYS store outriggers before road travel.
Plug in pendant control or unwrap pendant cable from storage - crane is ready for operation.
Always boom up before rotating so boom will clear boom support.

25. Truck Hoist Safety Tips & Precautions
Do not move truck with a load suspended on a hoist.
Before attempting to rotate the load, position suspended load as low as practical to the ground; maintain proper body position where the load can be maneuvered without placing the body in the path of travel or under the load.
After lifting operation is complete, retract boom. return to stowed position on the boom support.
Avoid unneeded pressure on the boom support.
Store pendant control in proper location.

26. TAG LINES ARE REQUIRED ON ALL LIFTS.
If your service truck has a hoist, do you have available tag lines?
Can you find them?
Do you use them?