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SAFETY MOMENT, JUNE 7

Only designated operators run the crane

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Safety moment, June 7

Only designated operators run the crane

An overhead crane moves heavy loads right over our heads. A dropped load, a swinging load, a failed brake or a bad rope can hurt or kill someone below. Much of your protection comes from checks and habits that take a few minutes: knowing the rated load, rigging well, testing before you lift and keeping people out from under the load.

SAFETY MOMENT

June 7

The hazard

An overhead crane moves heavy loads right over our heads. A dropped load, a swinging load, a failed brake or a bad rope can hurt or kill someone below. Much of your protection comes from checks and habits that take a few minutes: knowing the rated load, rigging well, testing before you lift and keeping people out from under the load.

The action

Only designated personnel may operate an overhead or gantry crane (29 CFR 1910.179(b)(8)). Learn the controls, the warning signals and the rated load for the exact crane you use. If you are not designated, you do not run it. Ask your supervisor if you are not sure. (29 CFR 1910.179(b)(8))

ASK THE CREW

Who on this site is designated to operate the crane?

From the talk: Overhead crane safety. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

  1. Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
  2. Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
  3. Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
  4. Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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