Working Around/Under Loads

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Working Around/Under Loads
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INTRODUCTION
Whether its a load under a mobile crane, an
overhead hoist in the shop or a culvert or trench
box under a loader bucket, anytime there is a
load in the air, a very serious hazard is
presented. Everyone, including the equipment
operator, rigger and other workers in the area
must pay special attention in order to make it
home at the end of the shift.
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FEDERAL AND STATE SAFETY STANDARDS

• Federal and State Safety Standards Make It
  Illegal To
• Move an overhead load over people
• Allow people to pass under a suspended load
• Leave a load in the air without the operator at
  the equipment/hoist controls

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OSHA 1926.753(D)- WORKING UNDER LOADS

• 1926.753(d)(1)
• Routes for suspended loads shall be pre-planned
  to ensure that no employee is required to work
  directly below a suspended load, except for
• 1926.753(d)(1)(i)
• Employees engaged in the initial connection of
  the steel or
• 1926.753(d)(1)(ii)
• Employees necessary for hooking or unhooking of
  the load.

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OSHA 1926.753(D)- WORKING UNDER LOADS

• 1926.753(d)(2)
• When working under suspended loads, the following
  criteria shall be met
• 1926.753(d)(2)(i)
• Materials being hoisted shall be rigged to
  prevent unintentional displacement

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OSHA 1926.753(D)- WORKING UNDER LOADS

• 1926.753(d)(2)(ii)
• Hooks with self-closing safety latches or their
  equivalent shall be used to prevent components
  from slipping out of the hook and
• 1926.753(d)(2)(iii)
• All loads shall be rigged by a qualified rigger.

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SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS

• For everyones safety, when lifting an object
  with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe,
  remember the following
• Never guide a suspended load by placing your
  hands on it
• Always secure the area where the load will be
  moved. Keep people out
• Ensure no one is under the load
• Ensure the load will not pass over anyone

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SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS

• For everyones safety, when lifting an object
  with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe,
  remember the following
• Ensure the signal person or riggers are always in
  clear view of the operator
• Use proper slings, lifting chains and/or hardware
  to support the load
• Always limit the load to the lowest rated part of
  the lifting system

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SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS

• For everyones safety, when lifting an object
  with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe,
  remember the following
• If necessary, use tag lines to guide the load.
  Never use your body
• If you must perform fine alignment on a suspended
  load, use a 2x4 or similar object to push. Do not
  use your hand
• When not in use, always place strongbacks,
  slings, chains and forklift forks down to the
  ground, even when they do not carry a load

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SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS

• For everyones safety, when lifting an object
  with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe,
  remember the following
• Ensure everyone around a suspended load is
  wearing a hard hat
• OSHA states that one in five employees killed in
  falling load accidents are struck by flying parts
  and pieces of rigging
• Make sure all employees are trained and, as
  needed, certified in the equipment they use

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SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS

• For everyones safety, when lifting an object
  with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe,
  remember the following
• A suspended load can be moved using a crane,
  forklift, hoist or tractor bucket
• However, dont forget that forklift masts and
  forks, hoists or empty buckets are also
  considered a suspended load
• It is best to use a 10 foot rule. This
  requires that no one is allowed within 10 feet of
  the area in which the load would fall if a
  failure were to occur

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SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS

• For everyones safety, when lifting an object
  with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe,
  remember the following
• For overhead cranes and hoists, consider
  installing remote controls to allow operation and
  movement of the machinery from a safe distance.
• Ensure that the load rating for the slings,
  chains or straps is adequate for the rating of
  the crane, forklift or bucket

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SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS

• For everyones safety, when lifting an object
  with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe,
  remember the following
• Ensure all slings, hoists, cranes and machinery
  components are inspected before use and in
  adherence with your preventative maintenance and
  manufacturers requirements
• Guard against shock loading by slowly taking up
  the slack in the load
• Never allow more than one person to control a
  lift or give signals to a crane or hoist
  operator, except to warn of a hazardous situation

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SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS

• For everyones safety, when lifting an object
  with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe,
  remember the following
• Never raise the load more than necessary or leave
  the load suspended in the air
• If applicable, verify hydraulic systems and air
  lines are not leaking
• Verify lifting device chains and gears are
  lubricated

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SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING AROUND SUSPENDED LOADS

• For everyones safety, when lifting an object
  with a hoist, crane, boom, loader or backhoe,
  remember the following
• Avoid sudden movements or stops that would cause
  strain on the support system
• If using mobile equipment to suspend the load,
  ensure the parking brake is set to avoid movement
  of the machine
• Ensure horns and back-up alarms are working
  properly