GUEST COLUMN | HOW TO WORK WITH AND AROUND OVERHEAD CRANES SAFELY
A Quick Guide to Standards and Regulations for Overhead Cranes
ITI is pleased to partner with Overhead Crane & Hoist Magazine to bring you a quarterly column on the ins and outs of working with and around overhead cranes safely, by Jasen Doyle, director, Training, Cranes & Rigging, ITI.
D
id you know that OSHA doesn't have specific rules for training on overhead cranes? Luckily, the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) steps in with its B30 Committee and the ASME B30.2 Overhead and Gantry Cranes standard. The ASME B30 Committee is responsible
for creating and updating safety standards for various lifting equipment, including cranes, hoists, and more. It regularly reviews these standards to keep up
with technological advancements, new data, and changing industry needs.
When handling heavy loads, the ASME B30.2
standard breaks down the process into three main phases: before, during, and after the lift.
Before the Lift: Operators must be well-versed in the relevant safety standards and equipment manuals. They should familiarize themselves with all controls, instructions, and warnings. It's crucial not to activate the crane if there's a warning sign, lock, or tag on the device until it’s removed by the appropriate person. Additionally, they must ensure that all controllers are in the off position before powering up the crane and verify that no one is in a dangerous position nearby. Keeping warning labels and safety tags visible and intact is also essential. Before starting, operators need to check that the crane's movements align with the controls, ensure the hoist rope is straight and not tangled, and verify that the load is properly seated in the hook. It's also important to confirm that the hook latch is secure and that the rope is correctly seated in the grooves.
About the author
Jasen Doyle was recently promoted to the role of director of Training, Cranes & Rigging at ITI. He has over 25 years of industry experience with dedicated expertise in in the following areas: Light & Heavy Equipment Operation, Mobile & Overhead Cranes, Aerial Work Platforms, and LHE Operations & Maintenance. With professional licenses and membership with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators and the Association of Crane & Rigging Professionals respectively, Jasen is a revered contributor to the crane and rigging industry.
38 Fall 2024 |
ochmagazine.com Company profile
ITI is a North America based training company which specializes in the design and delivery of learning solutions for organizations conducting crane, rigging, and load handling activities. Founded in 1986, the company originally specialized in instructor-led training, field services, and consulting. ITI has since grown to also produce live online, and on-demand courses delivered via the ITI Learning Hub and has been recognized with numerous industry association awards for its groundbreaking virtual reality crane simulator solution.
For more information about ITI, visit
iti.com.
the load block and attachments above any obstacles. For outdoor cranes, securing them properly when not in use is crucial. Before leaving, they must disconnect the main line and any magnet switches and ensure that all controls are turned off. For pendant-operated cranes, shutting off the power is a key safety step. Proper training is essential, as the
Safety is paramount at ITI
During the Lift: Operators are expected to follow signals from a designated person, accurately assess the load's weight, and ensure it is within the crane's capacity. They should operate smoothly to minimize load swinging and avoid sudden movements. It’s also vital to make sure the load and rigging can move freely without any obstructions.
After the Lift: Once the lift is complete, operators should raise
responsibilities and precautions outlined above are just the basics. The ASME B30.2 standard emphasizes that training should be specific to the equipment and the tasks at hand, which is where accredited programs, like those offered by ITI, are invaluable. We’re excited to keep sharing insights into the safe and effective use of overhead cranes.
If you're curious to learn more about ITI or have topics you'd like us to explore, feel free to reach out at
iti.com.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63
