Crane Operation Policy

Introduction

To establish uniform administrative procedures and minimum safety requirements for activities related to the operation of overhead traveling cranes and lifting equipment.

Policy

Only authorized, properly trained employees of the University shall be permitted to operate overhead traveling cranes. These persons shall be authorized by the department Chairperson, Center/Institute Director whose department, Center/Institute has jurisdiction over the use and operation of the crane. Each department, Center/Institute (department) shall maintain a list of personnel authorized to operate the crane(s) under their jurisdiction. Jurisdiction for the five cranes at Lehigh University is assigned as follows:

Department	Location	Type	Size
Civil Engineering	Fritz Lab, north bay	Overhead cab crane	10 ton
Civil Engineering	Fritz Lab, north bay	Overhead cab crane	20 ton
ATLSS	Bldg. H, ATLSS, south bay	Overhead crane radion control	20 ton
ATLSS	Bldg. H, ATLSS, north bay	Overhead crane radion control	10 ton
Property Management	Bldg. J, Central Stores	Overhead crane Pendant	10 ton
Mailing & Copying	Bldg. J, Mail Room Loading Dock, lower level	Mono-rail crane decomissioned 1992	2 ton

A security system shall be implemented by each department to assure that only authorized personnel can operate the crane. This should be accomplished by physical means such as locking up the remote controls and/or locking out the power source, etc.

Before a person may be authorized to operate a crane they must complete an apprenticeship with a knowledgeable, authorized operator who will train that person how to operate the crane. The length of the apprenticeship shall be determined by the authorized operator.

Each day or prior to use, a visual inspection shall be made by the crane operator prior to operating the crane. The "Visual Inspection Checklist" shall be completed at the time of each inspection and filed with the department having jurisdiction over that crane. Deficiencies and safety hazards shall be brought to the attention of the department management. Cranes which are unsafe shall not be operated.

At least annually, each crane shall be inspected by the manufacturer or by a competent, outside contractor. The cost of the crane inspection shall be borne by the department having jurisdiction for the crane. The inspection shall include as a minimum, the OSHA requirements found in 29 CFR 1910.179 (j) (2) and (3). A written report containing deficiencies, safety hazards and recommendations shall be submitted to the department with jurisdiction over the crane. Deficiencies that would render the crane unsafe to operate should be reported to the department immediately and the crane taken out of service until repairs are made.

As required by OSHA regulations, each department shall establish a preventative maintenance program based on the crane manufacturer's recommendations.

All inspection and maintenance records shall be maintained by the department having jurisdiction for the crane.

During service and maintenance activities, where the unexpected energizing, start-up or release of stored energy is possible, Lehigh University's Lockout/Tagout Program and procedures shall be implemented.

Lifting Equipment

Each day or prior to use, lifting slings, alloy steel chains, and all lifting attachments shall be visually inspected for damage and/or defects by the authorized operator or by another competent person as designated by department supervision. Damaged or defective equipment shall be immediately removed from service and tagged as being "out of service".

Additional inspections will be performed on new equipment, and during sling use or where operating conditions warrant according to the following outline:

Alloy Steel Chain:	At intervals no greater than 12 months, a thorough inspection for wear, defects, deformation and increased length will be conducted by a competent person and a written record maintained by the department. A permanently affixed durable identification tag stating size, grade, reach and capacity will be affixed to all tested and certified chain slings. All new and repaired chain slings, including components, shall be proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity at twice their rated capacity prior to initial use. A certificate of this proof test must be retained by the department having jurisdiction.
Wire Rope Slings:	All slings with welded end attachments must be proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity at twice their rated capacity prior to initial use. A certificate of this proof test must be retained by the department having jurisdiction for that equipment.
Metal Mesh Slings:	Each sling shall have a tag permanently affixed stating rating capacity for both vertical basket and choker hitches. All new and repaired slings shall not be used unless proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity at a minimum 1.5 times the rated capacity. A certificate of this test will be retained by the department having jurisdiction.
Synthetic Web Slings:	Each sling shall be marked or coded to show rated capacities. Repairs shall not be attempted by anyone other than the manufacturer or equivalent entity. Each new and repaired sling shall be proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity to twice the rated capacity. A certificate of this test must be maintained by the department having jurisdiction.

For more information regarding this policy, contact Environmental Health and Safety 610-758-4251.

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