Precast Inc. - September/October 2008 - (Page 54) when moving loads with travelling cranes in uneven terrain, as the load tends to move and bounce. The operator should have control of the load at all times. Boom trucks Some precast plants use boom trucks to deliver their merchandise and set it at the customer’s site. These are usually telescopic booms or masts placed on top of a truck bed and operated hydraulically by the truck engine. In contrast to overhead cranes, truck-mounted cranes present certain safety issues that require more specific training, such as instruction on boom angle or mast inclination, extension or reach, outrigger placement, and loading and unloading points. All of these have an effect on total crane capacity. OSHA 1910.180 and 1926.550, and ANSI B30.5 cover the requirements for the operation, inspection and maintenance of this equipment. As with other types of cranes, the operators of boom trucks must be trained to recognize the limitations of the equipment they are operating as well as its hazards. All operators must learn how to read and be familiar with the load charts for the specific equipment they are operating. These load charts explain the different load capacities at different boom angles and extensions, and capacities with or without outriggers and side or rear unloading. It is extremely important that operators of boom trucks become familiar with the manufacturer’s operating manuals and follow the recommendations and regulations. The most common accidents – and the main cause of fatalities – with boom trucks are tip-overs and contact with overhead power lines. This is partly due to inexperienced or poorly trained operators who are unfamiliar with the equipment, or they fail to observe the minimum 10-foot clearance from overhead power lines. As more crane accidents occur at job sites, the day may soon come when boom truck operators will be required to be certified in order to operate the equipment. As with any other piece of equipment, the recognition of hazards, proper operator training, regular inspections and maintenance should eliminate most of the conditions favorable for accidents to happen. Management must ensure that each employee who operates a crane in the plant or in the field has received the required training and that all federal and state regulations are followed when operating the equipment. Skirting these basic issues could jeopardize the safety of everyone involved in the operation. Gustavo Gonzalez has nearly 20 years of experience in the precast concrete industry and safety. He has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering Technology from Florida International University and is a former precast concrete plant manager. He is an instructor and Spanish translator for the National Precast Concrete Association and an OSHA Outreach Trainer. BOOTH 900 THE PRECAST SHOW 54 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 | PRECAST INC. http://www.env21.com
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