Sunday 29 December 2013

Safety Manual For Overhead Crane Operator Certification

By Harriett Crosby


The responsibilities that come with operating a crane are so great that any one intent on acquiring an Overhead Crane Operator Certification has to willing to accept them fully. An overview of the requirements is given below for one to follow. However, since every manufacturer has their own operations manual, one must be careful and read them for safety.

To qualify to operate a crane minimum level has to be passed. The person must have corrected vision just like that required for getting a valid driver's license. The individual should be able to effectively use the four limbs and be of adequate height to see the happenings in the working area. He should be well coordinated in eyes, hands and feet and be free of any convulsive disorders or unconsciousness episodes. The ability to understand signs and labels is a must and all these factors should be examined every 3 years.

One must be adequately trained and fully tested before getting the permit to operate any hoisting machine. Their proficiency and skills must be tested thoroughly. Once this is proven, the individual will then get the certification and the permit is required to be carried all times.

The training includes capacities of cranes and what they can attach. One should know the purpose of each control and to what limit they operate. Daily checks training is a must for the machine's operation and one should understand the sequence of starting up like electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic. All start up and shut down including emergency procedures must be understood. A person should learn all basic signals like hands, radio and even telephone signals where necessary.

One must be aware of personal protective equipment to use when operating a crane. Since it lifts loads for above 5 feet, it requires head protection. An approved harness and lanyard must be worn or any fall arresting appliance should be worn as per the safety standards.

Before an operator starts work at every shift, a visual test must be conducted. Any defect has to be reported immediately. The hoisting limits must be checked every start of shift and if there is only 2 wraps of wire on the drum, this must be reported. When there is a power failure, all controllers must be in the off state.

Every this hoisting machine operator must ensure that any load attached to the crane is landed before they leave it unattended. And the controllers must be in the off position before leaving even for a short duration. Before switching off the main switch, always have the controllers in the off position and be safe all the time.

Always respond to all signals from the one directing from the ground. This can only be ignored in emergency stop signals from other employees around. Never carry any load over a person at any time. Overhead Crane Operator Certification requires the operator to be able to do inspections at his level on a regular basis to avoid accidents or faults. Preventive maintenance should be done regularly for the safety of the operator and those below and give the machine a longer life.




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