Precast Inc. - September/October 2008 - (Page 48) the precast industry the most common are overhead cranes, rubber-tired gantry cranes and boom trucks used for deliveries. Overhead cranes can be operated from the floor or a cab, or by remote control. The operation of these cranes is regulated by OSHA Standards 1910.179, 1926.550, and ANSI B30.2 and B30.5, which are incorporated by reference into the OSHA Standards. Every plant should have copies of these documents and follow the regulations. In Canada, CSA Standard B167, “Safety Standard for Maintenance and Inspection of Overhead Cranes, Gantry Cranes, Monorails, Hoists, and Trolleys,” covers a minimum level of safety and does not have the force of law unless adopted officially by the various jurisdictions. Crane operator training OSHA 1910.179(b)(8) states that “only designated personnel shall be permitted to operate a crane covered by this section,” and 1910.179(a)(35) defines “designated” as “selected or assigned by the employer or the employer’s representative as being qualified to perform specific duties.” Because the term “qualified” is not itself defined, OSHA would interpret “qualified” in light of operator-qualifications provisions of industry standards such as ANSI B30.2. ANSI B30.2 defines qualified as “a person that by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.” This clearly means that in order to be able to operate a crane, an employee must possess enough knowledge and/or training to safely operate the crane, and that not any employee can be assigned or can take upon himself the task of operating a crane. This training can be accomplished by classroom presentations, or programs designed to explain the safety aspects of crane operation and practical on-the-job evaluation. No employee should attempt to operate a crane until such training has taken place. This training should at least cover the following: • Applicable regulations and operating manual • Operating safety rules • Operating procedures • Inspections, both cranes and rigging • Rigging • Workplace specific hazards It is the responsibility of supervisors to ascertain that no employee operates a crane until he or she has received such training. The cause for most crane accidents can be attributed mainly to lack of training, required inspection and maintenance. Other factors affecting the safe operation of a crane are overconfidence or misconceptions that the employees create BOOTH 1527 THE PRECAST SHOW 48 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 | PRECAST INC. http://www.emhcranes.com http://www.emhcranes.com http://www.emhcranes.com
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