Safe Lifting and Operating Practices

When preparing for the following types of lifts, follow the applicable criteria below. See
the Forklift Safety Subject Area for operating forklifts.

 Lifts Using Cranes/Hoists with Rigging

 Operating Aerial Lifts

Lifts Using Cranes/Hoists with Rigging (Do’s and Don’ts)

Do:

 Define the Load Path (the path and orientation the item will move in while
it is being lifted, and the location and orientation where it will be set
down).
 Choose lift equipment that is rated for the prescribed load.
 Identify the characteristics (center of gravity, physical dimensions, weight,
lifting points, etc.) of the object(s) being lifted.
 Know the rigging requirements before the lift is performed. (If unsure of
the rigging requirements, contact the Hoisting and Rigging Inspector or
Plant Engineering Rigging Supervisors).
 Identify and avoid potential pinch points (where an individual or a
component of the lifting equipment or load may be caught between two
surfaces).
 Consider load balance, load configuration, dimensions and attachment
points.
 Consult with a qualified person before wire rope clips are used to ensure that they
are applied correctly (for example that the U-bolt of the clamp is on the dead end
of the rope.)

 Use properly fitted pins. Never replace or modify a manufactured lifting

component (for example, a shackle pin with a bolt in an eyebolt assembly.
 Keep shackles straight for maximum capacity. (In effect, prevent the load,
as applied to the shackle, from creating an eccentric force or bending

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 moment on the shackle body.) Under certain conditions, this type of
loading may cause the legs of the shackle to open up. Centralize the load
being hoisted on the pin by using suitable washers or spacers.

 Know how the manufacturer intended the eyebolts to be used when they
are permanently installed on equipment. It is possible that the
manufacturer may only have intended to lift part of the equipment.
 Use shoulder eyebolts only, and derate them accordingly, depending on the angle
(angle of the load path) of the corresponding connecting sling or wire rope.

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  Seat shoulders uniformly and snuggly against the surface on which they
bear.
 Pad slings used around sharp corners to minimize damage.
 Understand, use, and obey all hand signals.
 Seat the load, sling, or lifting device in the bowl of the hook.
 Secure and balance the load in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted
more than a few inches.
 Minimize swinging by bringing the hook over the load appropriately.
 Seat the rope in the drum rope grooves and in the sheaves.
 Inch powered hoists slowly into engagements with loads.
 Use dynamometers for weight indication only.
 Stand clear of the suspended load at all times.
 Contact ends-stops and other carriers with caution.
 Stay clear of an energized crane and remain a safe distance away.
 Keep the load balanced while in a basket hitch to prevent slippage.
 Store wire rope slings in an area that does not subject them to mechanical
damage, corrosive action, moisture, extreme heat, or kinking.

Don’t: (Using Cranes/Hoists with Rigging)

 Use hoists for side pulls, except when specially authorized to do so by a

cognizant facilities engineer.
 Cause the hoist to lift, lower, or travel while anyone is on the load or the
hook.
 Carry loads over people.
 Leave an attached load unattended. Land the load before leaving it.
 Reverse direction quickly.
 Suddenly accelerate or decelerate the moving load.
 Contact any obstruction.
 Use a dynamometer as a rigging device unless it has been certified for that
application.
 Operate hoisting and rigging equipment when physically or otherwise
unfit.
 Attempt to use, repair, or adjust hoisting and rigging equipment that needs
maintenance or repair.
 Use screw pin shackles if the pin can roll under the load and unscrew.

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  Use wire rope clamps (clips) to fabricate wire rope slings except when the
application of the sling prevents the use of a prefabricated sling or when
the specific application is designed by a qualified person and according to
the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Note: Slings fabricated using wire rope clamps must be derated to 80% of the rated
capacity when used. The nuts on the clamp must be checked periodically and re-torqued
to the recommended value to maintain the efficiency rating.

 Use slings made with wire rope clips as a chocker hitch.

 Use hoist rope that is kinked.
 Use multiple part lines that are twisted around each other.
 Use damaged slings.
 Shock load.
 Put any part of the body between the sling and the load.
 Drag slings on the floor or over an abrasive surface.
 Use end fittings of a sling to make chocker hitch.
 Use nylon or polyester slings at temperatures above 180 degrees F.
 Use nylon or polyester fiber slings in Radiation Areas.

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  Use synthetic web slings that incorporate aluminum fittings where fumes,
vapors, sprays, mists of acids, or caustics are present.
 Use synthetic web slings where there is extensive exposure to sunlight or
ultraviolet light.

Operating Shop Cranes (Do’s & Don’ts)

Do: (Operating Shop Cranes)

 Before moving the load, lower the boom and the load to the lowest possible point.
 Use the shop cranes only on hard, level surfaces capable of sustaining the load.
o Caution: Use on other than hard, level surfaces can result in shop crane
instability and possible loss of load.
 Make sure the load does not drop suddenly or swing during transportation.
 If safety is in doubt, consult with the responsible management before operating
the shop crane.
 Post or barricade to restrict entry of unauthorized personnel in the immediate area
(about 30 inches) around the shop crane if it is necessary to leave a suspended
load unattended.
 If there is a tag, sign, or lock on the shop crane, the operator must:
o obey facility-specific lock and tag procedures
o promptly report any known defects, needed adjustments or repairs to the
equipment custodian
o check that operating controls are readily visible and accessible, not
creating any pinch points, sharp edges, or snagging hazards to the
operator.

Don't: (Operating Shop Cranes)

 Engage in any practice that will divert attention while actually operating the shop
crane.
 Operate equipment when physically or mentally unfit.
 Load the shop crane beyond its rated capacity (except for proof tests) for each
specified boom.
 Attempt to operate the shop crane if it is locked/tagged out.
 Operate a shop hoist without a throat-latch.

Operating Aerial Lifts (Do's and Don'ts)

Do: (Operating Aerial Lifts)

 Operate on a surface that is within the manufacturer's specified limits.
 Use any outriggers, stabilizers, extendable axles, or other stability enhancing
means required by the manufacturer.
 Install guardrails and close/secure access gate openings during the lift.
 Load the platform (and any extensions) within the manufacturer's rated capacity.
 Maintain adequate clearance from overhead power lines and other obstructions.
Know the required approach distances.

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  Wear hardhats on all aerial lifts and in the area around the lift. Designate the area
around the aerial lift with barricades that say "hard hat area."
 Guard against unauthorized use of an aerial lift.
 Maintain a clear view of the travel path.
 Match the speed of travel to the conditions of the ground surface, congestion,
visibility, slope, and location of staff.
 Report suspected malfunctions or potentially unsafe conditions.
 Check that the area surrounding the aerial lift is clear of staff and equipment
before lowering the platform.
 Always inspect and wear the proper fall protection equipment while using the
aerial lift.
 Always be aware of special operating requirements within hazardous locations.
 Maintain good housekeeping in the platform as well as on the ground adjacent to
the aerial lift.

Don't: (Operating Aerial Lifts)

 Transport staff from one location to another while they are on the work platform.
 Position against another object to steady the platform.
 Use the aerial lift as a crane.
 Operate the lift in a reckless manner.
 Exceed the manufacturer's rating when driving on grades, side slopes, or ramps.
 Modify the aerial lift without the manufacturer's specific written approval.
 Operate in windy or poor weather conditions.
 Attempt to refuel or recharge the aerial lift without proper training.

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