Crane compliance: safer handling through survey, review and training

Crane compliance is a complex task. However, through independent, expert external survey, review and training, the process can be made simpler.

In crane compliance there are lots of individual checks, maintenance requirements and operational requirements to ensure a crane is adhering to all standards and relevant safety regulations. For an attentive safety manager, it can be a time-consuming process to manage each task individually, and there can be strong consequences if any aspect of compliance is overlooked.

Crane gap analysis survey

A crane gap analysis (CGA) survey — which applies to cranes of all makes and models — provides a top-down overview of a crane or fleet of cranes’ compliance. It takes a holistic look at crane operations and can identify potential gaps in compliance or areas that can be streamlined to comply more efficiently and productively.

Operations managers and crane safety managers are all acutely aware of the need for compliance with regulations. Crane safety not only enhances performance and profitability, but most importantly, ensures the safety of staff and visitors.

However, there are a number of reasons why an independent, expert external check can be highly valuable to safety-conscious companies. Perhaps the manager just commenced a new role and wants a report of the current status of all cranes, or perhaps a sensible company leader has encouraged a second layer of checks, to reinforce their safety commitment to customers.

A CGA survey looks at information such as inspection records, maintenance manual availability and preventive maintenance (OEM) requirements. Such surveys study key processes that typically include inspection practices, pre-shift checklists, spare parts availability and corrective maintenance procedures.

Findings review

Once an expert technician has performed a CGA, the next step is a review of any safety incidents and training modules with the crane operators to get a complete view of the current situation. The findings are reviewed in person (or via a video meeting during COVID-19 restrictions) with plant management.

The report and recommendations are considered highly confidential and, except as required by law, are not otherwise stored, shared or distributed, so companies can have peace of mind that the findings are for their internal use, to further optimise safety practices.

Crane operator training

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve safety and productivity, while reducing maintenance costs, is crane operator training (COT).

Crane accidents cause injuries to operators, workers on the job site and even people nearby. The majority of crane accidents are caused by human error, which may result in safety risks and uncontrollable downtime. Accidents can be minimised or prevented through proper training and crane usage.

COT is designed for both the crane operators and the supervisory personnel responsible for the daily operation and safe performance of cranes. Such training gives participants the working knowledge to assist in reducing operator errors that may lead to unnecessary downtime. COT can provide additional knowledge to help avoid possible serious injury to personnel caused by improper crane operation and participants learn local requirements for crane operation.

Training topics can include:

• The function of all major crane components and assemblies
• Minimum qualifications and requirements for a crane operator
• Daily crane inspection procedure required by local governing bodies
• Four rules of safe and proficient crane operation
• Precise spotting of loads and making precision lifts
• Proper techniques to minimise load swing
• Recommended hand signals
• Basic rigging procedures to attach the load to the hook
   

COT is ideal for newly hired personnel, seasonal workers or for refresher training, and can often be completed onsite.

Image credit: ©Konecranes Australia