Overhead crane training helps keep everyone on the jobsite safe. Effective training blends technical training about specific crane types with safety training for all operators.
Technical training teaches operators about proper operation, rigging, and signaling. The training also covers pre-operation inspections, such as checking controls and ensuring wire rope is properly spooled. Scroll down to explore more about Osha Overhead Crane Training Requirements.
Pre-Operation Checks
Getting trained as a crane operator or a rigger doesn’t necessarily qualify you to operate that equipment at all times. That decision is up to the managers or people in safety or HR roles at your facility, but they should have a plan that requires that any employees who are not fully qualified to do so must take and pass written and practical examinations to prove their competence.
These are often called “pre-shift inspections,” and they should be done at the beginning of each shift by the crane operator before they start working. They include a visual and operational assessment that checks everything from making sure the crane area is clear of obstacles and that the controls match their labels, to making sure the wire ropes are not twisted or damaged; that they are seated correctly in drum grooves; that all limit switches function properly, and that the hoist hook and latch work properly.
It’s also important to make sure the crane or hoist isn’t overloaded, as this can cause a wide range of problems from structural damage to the crane to a loss of load, all of which can have devastating consequences for anyone who may be involved in the operation of that equipment. Overloading can also cause a side pull, which is one of the most common causes of dropped loads.
Other issues that can lead to crane accidents include securing the load properly, using unsafe lifting practices, mechanical problems, and not having the right amount of training. Almost all of these can be avoided with good planning, proper maintenance, and ongoing training.
As for exams, the ASME B30.2 standards for cranes, hoists, and rigging include written and practical examinations that must be taken in order to demonstrate a candidate’s ability to operate that equipment. The tests typically consist of questions about inspection, safety measures, operations, and maintenance; the time allowed for these exams is 60 minutes. Candidates have 12 months to pass the first written and practical examinations for each crane type before they need to retake them to keep their certification.
Post-Operation Checks
Performing routine inspections of your overhead crane equipment helps catch small issues before they become major accidents, resulting in less downtime and more productivity for your project. It also provides a record for your facility that demonstrates you are following best practices and are complying with governing regulations.
Inspecting a tower crane before and after use requires careful attention to detail. For example, if a wire rope has been damaged or worn during transportation, you need to determine the cause and address the issue before the next lift. This is an important safety check because a damaged wire rope can result in the load dropping.
Other common causes of crane accidents include improper rigging and operator error. It’s essential to make sure your rigging crews are trained and follow established procedures, and that each item being lifted is properly rated. Having the proper training and skills helps prevent accidents before they happen.
An overhead crane operator certification course teaches students to recognize these hazards and how to avoid them. The courses also provide a hands-on training environment where the student can gain experience operating various types of cranes.
Cranes are useful tools that simplify many jobs. However, they are dangerous if not used properly. These machines can weigh thousands of pounds and move at high speeds, so it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with their operation. Overhead crane training requirements include completing classroom instruction, practicing practical skills and preparing for the certification exam.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has established specific guidelines for training crane and hoist operators. Section 2-3 of ASME’s standards establishes that management or the owner of a crane must provide training and evaluate an employee’s ability to operate the equipment.
The training provider you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting organization that follows industry-recognized criteria for written testing materials, practical examinations, test administration, grading, and facilities/equipment. Choosing an accredited company gives you peace of mind that your training program is following the most up-to-date standards. It also helps ensure the training you receive will help you pass your certification exam and get to work.
Observation
Observation is an important part of overhead crane training. It involves ensuring that the equipment is in good operating condition before and after using it. Performing these checks on a daily basis helps to prevent potential safety hazards, including malfunctioning or defective equipment.
During the observation process, crane operators must look for any signs of wear and tear on the equipment, such as nicks, gouges, or excessive corrosion. They must also check that the hook chains are free of dents, cracks, or breaks. They should also verify that the crane disconnect switch is located away from the operator’s position, and that all rigging devices are properly secured before use.
In addition, operators should ensure that the lifting area is large enough to accommodate the load, and that all below-the-hook equipment is designed for the crane in use. Lastly, they should ensure that the crane is not positioned over any power lines and that proper barriers are in place or that the power company has de-energized the line.
Crane operators must also know how to read and understand the operation, maintenance, and inspections manuals for their specific equipment. They should be able to identify any defects or problems with the equipment and report them to supervisors. They should also be familiar with the safety procedures for each specific type of crane, including the start-up and shutdown processes.
If you have employees who operate overhead cranes at your plant or industrial facility, it’s vital that you take the time to develop a comprehensive training program for them. In addition to attending a certified crane operator course, it’s also essential that you provide them with frequent refresher courses and ongoing in-house training. This can help them to become more confident and comfortable with the equipment, which can reduce the risk of mistakes during operation that could result in a costly accident. For instance, if an employee exceeds the crane’s capability by using it under improper conditions, he or she may lose control of the load and cause significant damage to property or injury to workers nearby.
Communication
Overhead cranes are complex pieces of equipment that require specialized training to operate. While a qualified crane operator is needed to ensure safe lifting, there are also other workers who may have to interact with them, including spotters and signalers. These individuals need to understand the signals used to control the crane as well as how to communicate with each other about the load status.
Spotters are trained to observe the movement of a load and alert the crane operator when they see a change. This communication is vital, as it can prevent a load from falling off the hook and damaging an item below it. Spotters must also follow procedures when they handle wire slings and hoist cables to avoid hand injury. They must not pass under a suspended load unless the crane has been properly locked and tagged out (see our blog post on Lockout Tagout for more information).
An experienced crane operator can teach these new employees the proper safety procedures to follow while working around overhead cranes. This training will also include hands-on experience with the equipment, so they can become familiar with how it operates and how to troubleshoot any issues that might arise. It is essential that these training sessions are ongoing as the skills of a crane operator are constantly evolving.
Training is also required for workers who may need to interact with a crane, such as maintenance workers or managers. This is because according to ASME B30.2 Section 2-3, any employee who might be involved with the operation of a crane or its hoist must have received training.
A crane training program is the best way to ensure that all workers who may need to use a crane receive the necessary education and training. It is a great way to promote a culture of safety in the workplace and create a safer work environment for everyone on site. A crane certification can give you a competitive edge when searching for jobs and it is also a requirement to meet certain regulatory standards, such as those from the CSA.