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FREE JHA TEMPLATE

Crane lift and rigging job hazard analysis (JHA) template

Crane lifts expose crews to struck-by loads, crane tip-over, power line contact and failed rigging. OSHA requires that equipment not be operated beyond its rated capacity (29 CFR 1926.1417(o)(1)) and limits who may be in the fall zone under a suspended load. Know the weight, inspect the gear and plan the route before the hook moves.

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JHA template

Crane lift and rigging

StepHazardControls
1. Plan the lift and verify the load weightOverload or a lift outside the crane chartChoose a lighter pick, a split load or a closer…
2. Inspect the crane and riggingWorn rope, damaged hook or defective slingHave a competent person begin a visual inspection…
3. Set up the crane and check power linesCrane contacts a power lineHave the utility owner de-energize and visibly…

The task

Planning and making a crane lift of a steel member, precast piece or equipment, including rigging, signals, power line checks and landing the load.

Steps, hazards and controls

Controls run from most effective to least. A citation beside a control means an OSHA paragraph requires it; with no citation it is good practice.

StepHazardControls
1. Plan the lift and verify the load weightOverload or a lift outside the crane chart
  1. Eliminate: Choose a lighter pick, a split load or a closer set-up that avoids a critical lift.
  2. Engineering control: Verify that the load is within the rated capacity of the equipment, by one of the methods the standard lists. (29 CFR 1926.1417(o)(3))
  3. Administrative control: Never operate the equipment in excess of its rated capacity, and never require the operator to. (29 CFR 1926.1417(o)(1))
  4. Administrative control: Write a lift plan with load weight, radius, boom angle, route and who does what.
2. Inspect the crane and riggingWorn rope, damaged hook or defective sling
  1. Administrative control: Have a competent person begin a visual inspection before each shift the equipment is used. (29 CFR 1926.1412(d)(1))
  2. Administrative control: Inspect rigging equipment before use on each shift, and remove defective rigging from service. (29 CFR 1926.251(a)(1))
  3. Administrative control: Do not load rigging beyond the recommended safe working load on its identification marking. (29 CFR 1926.251(a)(2)(ii))
  4. Administrative control: Store rigging away from the work area when it is not in use. (29 CFR 1926.251(a)(3))
3. Set up the crane and check power linesCrane contacts a power line
  1. Eliminate: Have the utility owner de-energize and visibly ground the line, or do not pass below it. (29 CFR 1926.1408(d)(1))
  2. Engineering control: Erect an elevated warning line, barricade or line of signs with flags, in view of the operator, at 20 feet from the line or at the Table A distance, depending on the option used. (29 CFR 1926.1408(b)(3))
  3. Administrative control: Identify the work zone and decide whether any part of the equipment, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line. (29 CFR 1926.1408(a)(2))
  4. Administrative control: Hold a planning meeting with the operator and the other workers in the area to review the line and the steps to prevent encroachment. (29 CFR 1926.1408(b)(1))
Crane tips over from poor ground or wind
  1. Engineering control: Level the crane on firm ground with outriggers fully extended and on cribbing as the manufacturer specifies.
  2. Administrative control: Have the competent person adjust the operation for wind, ice or snow. (29 CFR 1926.1417(n))
4. Rig the loadLoad slips from the sling or spins during the lift
  1. Engineering control: Use rigging rated for the angle and weight, and hitch the load so it stays balanced.
  2. Engineering control: Use a tag line or restraint line if needed to prevent hazardous rotation of the load. (29 CFR 1926.1417(w))
  3. Administrative control: Mark rigging with its rated capacity and keep unmarked gear out of service. (29 CFR 1926.251(a)(2)(iii))
5. Control the work area and the signalsStruck by the swinging superstructure or the suspended load
  1. Eliminate: Plan hoisting routes that minimize exposure of employees to the load. (29 CFR 1926.1425(a))
  2. Engineering control: Mark the swing radius with control lines, warning lines, railings or similar barriers. (29 CFR 1926.1424(a)(2)(ii))
  3. Administrative control: Keep employees out of the fall zone while the operator is not moving a suspended load, except where the standard allows. (29 CFR 1926.1425(b))
  4. Administrative control: Provide a signal person in each situation the standard lists, with hand, voice or audible signals. (29 CFR 1926.1419(a))
6. Make the liftOperator loses control of the load
  1. Administrative control: Verify the controls are in their starting position and personnel are clear before the engine is started. (29 CFR 1926.1417(g))
  2. Administrative control: Keep the operator free from distractions such as a cell phone while operating. (29 CFR 1926.1417(d))
  3. Administrative control: Keep rotation speed so the load does not swing beyond the radius at which it can be controlled. (29 CFR 1926.1417(v))
  4. Administrative control: Do not use the crane to drag or pull loads sideways. (29 CFR 1926.1417(q))
  5. Administrative control: Obey a stop signal from anyone. (29 CFR 1926.1417(y))
7. Land, unhook and secureCrew caught between the load and the support
  1. Engineering control: Land the load on cribbing set to take it, with room for rigging to come out.
  2. Administrative control: Employees hooking, unhooking or guiding the load must follow the fall zone rules for those tasks. (29 CFR 1926.1425(c))
  3. Administrative control: Do not release the hook until the load is stable or secured.
8. Stow and tagCrane or rigging left in an unsafe state
  1. Administrative control: Tag equipment out of service in the cab if it was removed from service. (29 CFR 1926.1417(f)(1))
  2. Administrative control: Remove rigging from the immediate work area when it is not in use. Note any damage in the daily log as good practice. (29 CFR 1926.251(a)(3))

Required PPE

  • Hard hat
  • High-visibility vest
  • Cut-resistant gloves for rigging
  • Safety glasses
  • Safety-toe boots

What the standard says

  • Do not operate the equipment beyond its rated capacity. (29 CFR 1926.1417(o)(1))

    “Compliance with rated capacity. (1) The equipment must not be operated in excess of its rated capacity.”

  • A competent person begins a visual inspection before each shift. (29 CFR 1926.1412(d)(1))

    “A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used”

  • Inspect rigging equipment before each shift. (29 CFR 1926.251(a)(1))

    “General. (1) Rigging equipment for material handling shall be inspected prior to use on each shift and as necessary during its use to ensure that it is safe. Defective rigging equipment shall be removed from service.”

  • Employees must stay out of the fall zone while the operator is not moving a suspended load, except as the paragraph allows. (29 CFR 1926.1425(b))

    “While the operator is not moving a suspended load, no employee must be within the fall zone”

  • Hold a power line planning meeting. (29 CFR 1926.1408(b)(1))

    “Conduct a planning meeting with the operator and the other workers who will be in the area of the equipment or load to review the location of the power line(s), and the steps that will be implemented to prevent encroachment/electrocution.”

  • The operator must obey a stop signal from anyone. (29 CFR 1926.1417(y))

    “The operator must obey a stop (or emergency stop) signal, irrespective of who gives it.”

  • A signal person must be provided in the situations the standard lists. (29 CFR 1926.1419(a))

    “A signal person must be provided in each of the following situations:”

Training

The employer must ensure each operator is trained, certified or licensed, and evaluated before operating covered equipment (29 CFR 1926.1427(a)). Signal persons must meet the qualification requirements (29 CFR 1926.1428(a)). Employees assigned to work near the equipment must be trained to recognize swing radius hazard areas (29 CFR 1926.1424(a)(2)(i)).

Frequently asked questions

Does OSHA require a JHA for a crane lift?
OSHA does not require a written JHA for a crane lift. The crane standard does require power line planning, inspections, operator qualification and work area control (29 CFR 1926.1408, 29 CFR 1926.1412, 29 CFR 1926.1427, 29 CFR 1926.1424). A JHA works well alongside a written lift plan.
What goes in a crane lift JHA?
Include lift planning, equipment and rigging inspection, set-up and power line checks, rigging, work area control, the lift and landing. List the load weight, radius and signal person by name.
When is a signal person required?
A signal person must be provided in each of the situations that 29 CFR 1926.1419(a) lists. The signal person must meet the qualification requirements of 29 CFR 1926.1428.

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