Basic Do’s and Don’ts for Crane Operation

Accidents happen. Even the best, most skilled operator is still human.

That’s why we wanted to review basic crane operation rules from the Crane Manufacturers Association of America. Next to safety inspections, brushing up on established guidelines is the best way to ensure that you are taking advantage of the absolute highest safety standards available.

The following are the basic operator rules from the CMAA’s Crane Operator’s Manual:

General Operator Shall and Shall Not’s:

• SHALL know hand signals used for hoist and crane operations, if a signal person is used in the operation, and accept signals from only persons authorized to give hand signals; except SHALL obey a stop signal regardless of who gives it.
• SHALL NOT adjust or repair a crane or hoist unless qualified and authorized to perform such maintenance.
• SHALL NOT use a hoist lead limiting device as a means to measure the load.
• SHALL exercise common sense procedures which are derived from experience, knowledge, and training.

General Operator Do Not’s:

• DO NOT operate a crane and hoist that is damaged or has any actual or suspected mechanical or electrical malfunction.
• DO NOT attempt to lengthen or repair damaged wire rope.
• DO NOT use the wire rope, any part of the crane, hoist, load block or hook as a ground for welding.
• DO NOT allow a welding electrode to be touched to the wire rope.
• DO NOT remove or obscure any warnings or warning labels on the crane or hoist.
• DO NOT walk under a suspended load or allow any other personnel to walk under a suspended load.
• DO NOT perform or allow any personnel to perform ANY work on a suspended load that requires that worker to be positioned under the suspended load.