| Table of Contents |
| 15.1 Introduction |
| 15.2 Bridge and Gantry Cranes |
| 15.3 Responsibilities |
| 15.4 Procedures |
| 15.5 Training Package and Related Educational Materials |
| Related Documents |
| Daily Inspection Checklist |
15.1 Introduction #
The Crane, Hoist, and Sling Safety program will ensure this equipment is used properly and maintained in a safe manner. It requires all departments with cranes, hoists, and slings to implement maintenance, training, and inspection procedures.
The Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Department will conduct inspections of powered cranes and hoists on campus and maintain these inspection records, unless a department elects to develop and manage their own inspection program. In either case, departments will be responsible for conducting any necessary repairs. This program requires the department to maintain written documentation of all aspects of the program under their control, including training, inspections, repairs and maintenance.
All crane and hoist operators and sling users will be trained through their own department on the specific equipment they will be using.
Reference Regulations: Overhead Gantry Cranes (MIOSHA General Industry Part 18)
Underhung Cranes and Monorail Systems (MIOSHA General Industry Part 20)
Hand and Portable Power Tools (MIOSHA General Industry Part 38)
Slings (MIOSHA General Industry Part 49)
15.2 Bridge and Gantry Cranes #
Operators of bridge or gantry (MIOSHA Part 18) cranes are required to complete both a written and performance test and to validate that they meet the necessary physical requirements. After these requirements have been completed for operators of bridge or gantry cranes, EHS will issue a Crane Permit. This program includes the procedures to be followed to receive the operator permit for these types of cranes.
Note: No permit is required for employees who only operate cranes other than bridge or gantry cranes, but similar training methods should be followed for these non-overhead and non-gantry cranes.
15.3 Responsibilities #
Deans, Directors, and Department Heads #
- Ensure compliance with this program.
- Designate an adequate number of trainers to train departmental employees in the safe use of cranes, hoists and slings. Trainers for bridge or gantry cranes must also successfully complete both a written and performance evaluation and obtain the required permit(s).
- Ensure purchasing of cranes, hoists and associated equipment meets the specifications listed in MIOSHA safety standards, Part 18 or Part 20, as applicable.
- Ensure that the locations and specifications of all powered cranes and hoists are given to EHS for proper inclusion on the list for regular inspection.
Supervisors #
- Ensure that all crane and hoist operators, and sling users, including contractors, are trained and able to safely operate and use each piece of equipment. Training records shall be maintained in their departmental records
- Ensure users of bridge or gantry cranes have received medical clearance, completed both a written and performance based test, and have been issued a permit before operating such equipment. This permit must be renewed every three years.
- Ensure all equipment is in proper working condition and all operators perform inspections before operating equipment. Manufacturer’s guidelines concerning crane capacity, rating, scope and maintenance must be followed. Deficiencies indicated by an EHS compliance inspection must be fixed immediately.
- Maintain written documentation. For departments with bridge or gantry cranes, documentation must be kept of quarterly inspections and maintenance along with training records. Departments with underhung cranes, monorail systems and all other cranes, hoists, slings or chain falls not listed above, must maintain records of inspections and maintenance and should maintain training records. All of these records shall be maintained in their departmental records.
- Report accidents on the Work Connections Illness or Injury Report Form.
Designated Trainers #
- Be knowledgeable in the operation of cranes, hoists and slings in their unit; be familiar with all safety principles applicable to their operation; and provide training to employees as required.
Crane and Hoist Operators and Sling Users #
- Follow this program and use the above equipment in a safe and appropriate manner. Operators shall consult with their supervisor or other appropriate knowledgeable management personnel whenever they have questions regarding their protection.
- Users of all cranes, hoists, and slings must receive training before using such equipment. Users of bridge or gantry cranes must complete the requirements in above and receive their permit before using such equipment. Users will carry the issued permit at all times during operation of equipment. Requirements for users of underhung cranes, monorail systems and all other cranes, hoists, slings or chain falls not listed above are included below.
- Bridge or gantry permits must be renewed every three years, by filling out the Renewal Evaluation of Operator Performance for Overhead/Gantry Crane Operators.
- Inspect each piece of equipment using the daily safety inspection checklist before use.
- Report any job-related injuries or illnesses, questions on health and safety, or any unsafe or unhealthy working conditions to your supervisor.
- Report any impairment of any physical qualification needed to operate equipment to your supervisor.
Contractors #
- Comply with this program in the same manner as a University employee if required to use a crane, hoist, or sling during the course of job duties. Complete training on specific equipment before using.
- If using a bridge or gantry crane, contractors must have a valid permit from the University of Michigan. If not, they must apply for a University permit before using the bridge or gantry crane.
Crane, Hoist & Sling Inspectors #
- Shall be knowledgeable and familiar with each piece of equipment they inspect as well as all regulatory requirements of the inspection procedure.
EHS #
- Conduct inspections of cranes using the following schedules:
- Bridge or gantry cranes: semi-annually (every six months)
- Underhung cranes and monorails (with power-driven bridges or trolleys): semi-annually (every six months).
- Underhung cranes and monorails (with manually powered bridges or trolleys): annually (every twelve months).
- EHS will perform the inspection unless a department elects to have their own formal inspection program.
- Inform departments of any deficiencies noted and track follow-up on repair or replacement of equipment.
- Maintain all records of inspections conducted by EHS and all notes pertaining to deficiencies corrected.
- Provide technical assistance and oversight to programs implemented by the deans, directors and department heads.
- Maintain records of training and physical qualifications of operators and Designated Trainers of bridge or gantry cranes.
- Issue permits to trained operators of overhead or gantry cranes.
- Review and revise this program as necessary.
15.4 Procedures #
Crane and Hoist Operators and Sling Users #
Conduct a daily visual inspection at the beginning of each shift. All functional operating mechanisms, air and hydraulic systems, chains, ropes, slings, hooks and other lifting equipment shall be inspected. The rated load of each crane shall be plainly marked on both sides of the crane and visible from the ground floor. Each hoist and sling shall also be marked with the load limit. Unsafe conditions found during the inspection shall be reported to the supervisor and corrected before operation is resumed.
Employees shall consult with their supervisor or other appropriate knowledgeable management personnel whenever there are any questions regarding their protection.
Supervisors #
Supervisor shall ensure that all employees and contractors complete the requirements of this program before operating any crane, hoist, or sling.
All crane, hoist, and sling operators must receive training specific to the equipment that they will be using. Training must be provided before the first time an employee uses the equipment. Training must be documented within the department’s records.
Supervisors shall ensure that bridge or gantry crane operators obtain a permit prior to using bridge or gantry cranes. The following steps will be followed to obtain an Overhead or Gantry Crane Permit:
- Contact the EHS Permitted Equipment Administrator ([email protected]).
- Complete the applicable training package for overhead or gantry cranes and send it back to the EHS Permitted Equipment Administrator.
- The forms in the training package should be printed and used by the Designated Trainer and includes:
- Training Procedures,
- Permitted Equipment Operator’s Request Form,
- Written Permit Test, and
- Performance Test.
- The permit must be renewed every three years.
Supervisors shall ensure that operators for all other underhung cranes, monorail systems, cranes, hoists, slings or chain falls not listed above complete the necessary training package.
Each supervisor shall effectively enforce compliance of this program, including the use of disciplinary action, when necessary.
Retraining shall occur if there is a change in equipment or workplace, or if the employee’s use of the equipment is judged to need refresher training.
Crane, Hoist & Sling Inspectors #
Inspectors will be chosen based upon experience and knowledge of the equipment. All bridge or gantry cranes will be inspected semi-annually (every six months). All power-driven underhung or monorail cranes will be inspected on a semi-annual basis (every six months). Cranes with manually moved trolleys or bridges will be inspected on an annual basis (every twelve months). Manual chain-falls or hoists will not be inspected by EHS, but should be inspected prior to every use by the operator.
Inspections will comply with all regulatory requirements of MIOSHA and ANSI/ASME. The inspection shall include identifying deformed, cracked, corroded, worn, or loose members or parts and examining the brake system, limit indicators, power plant and electrical apparatus, as applicable.
The inspector will document all inspections and maintain records of each crane in the departmental unit. The inspection record shall list all potential safety problems or equipment defects determined during the inspection. Records must be maintained in their departmental records for at least two years.
The Departmental Units #
The departmental unit shall comply with this program. The unit must correct any unsafe conditions found during the daily, quarterly, or annual inspection before operation is attempted. Any units with bridge or gantry cranes shall also develop a training program that includes the elements specified above. Records of the training for this permitted equipment will be maintained by EHS.
Departments that have underhung cranes, monorail cranes or other cranes, hoists, slings or chain falls not listed above shall develop a training program for all users, as described above and document this training. All of these records shall be kept for inspection in their departmental records.
15.5 Training Package and Related Educational Materials #
EHS Training Package:
• University of Michigan Training Package for Overhead or Gantry Cranes
• University of Michigan Training Package for Other Cranes, Hoists, Slings
• Renewal Evaluation of Operator Performance for Overhead/Gantry Crane Operators
Related Educational Materials:
- U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA 3072) Publication Sling Safety
- OSHA Outreach Training Sling Safety
- MIOSHA Safety Manual for Overhead Crane Operators
- Training videos on crane safety are available from a number of suppliers as well as from EHS. Please call EHS at (734) 647-1143 for more information.
