When you’re planning to provide crane service that utilizes hoisting or rigging equipment, it’s necessary to complete OSHA fall protection training and certification, crane training and certification, and rigging training and certification. Once you’ve completed your training and obtained the necessary certifications, you will have the opportunity to gain more valuable knowledge and experience while on the job.
An integral aspect of providing crane service includes following industry and job specific safety procedures. In addition to operating equipment properly, it’s necessary to have the skill set to determine when the equipment is in optimum condition and when it needs servicing.
There are different types of rigging and lifting equipment with which you will become familiar. Slings, for example, are commonly used for various types of material handling.
There are different types of slings, such as single, two, three or four leg. Depending on how often you use these slings, they should be inspected at different intervals. When slings undergo normal use, inspecting them on a yearly basis should be sufficient. However, when they sustain severe use, then they should be inspected on a monthly or quarterly basis.
If you’re utilizing metallic core wire rope slings, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for usage and maintenance needs. Regardless of the sling’s grade, this is particularly important when working at temperatures below minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit and/or above 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When working with temperatures of up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, uncoated metal mesh slings have been demonstrated to hold up to these temperatures.
Currently, OSHA requires that wire rope slings have permanent identification tags and labels. Additional information on this is provided in OSHA 1910.164.
Socket and clip fittings are used to attach the rope to a sling, and the type of fittings used will determine the load’s limit. This is because these essential pieces of equipment need to withstand 75% to 100% of the rope’s breaking point.
After you’ve been on the job for some time and have gained valuable experience, it’s still important to maintain and update your certifications. Due to OSHA’s three step process, to plan, provide, and train, accidents are being prevented. Even more important, lives are being saved as a result of these measures.