Cranes, Rigging, and Material Hoisting

Cranes are among the most powerful and hazardous equipment in construction. OSHA 1926 Subpart CC regulates cranes and derricks in construction. Crane operators must be certified by an accredited testing organization (e.g., NCCCO) or qualified through an employer program — certification is type-specific. Pre-use inspection by competent or qualified person before each shift covers: hooks (deformation, wear, cracks), wire rope (broken wires, corrosion, kinking, wear), sheaves, brakes, controls, boom, and load charts. Formal inspections: monthly by a qualified person, annual by an accredited inspector.

Load management: the manufacturer's load chart shows rated capacity for specific boom lengths, angles, radii, and configurations (outriggers extended or not). Never exceed 100% of rated capacity. Actual load weight must be known before lifting — estimate visually is never acceptable. A pre-lift meeting is required before critical lifts (>75% rated capacity, two-crane lifts, personnel hoisting) covering load weight, lift plan, rigging, exclusion zones, signal communications, and emergency procedures.

Rigging: slings (wire rope, alloy chain, synthetic web) have Working Load Limits (WLL) based on size, type, and configuration. Sling angles dramatically affect capacity — as the horizontal angle decreases below 60°, sling stress increases substantially; below 30° is unacceptable. Shackles, hooks, and other rigging hardware must be rated and marked with their WLL. Exclusion zones must be established around all crane operations — no workers under suspended loads. Tag lines guide loads from safe distances. Power line clearances: up to 50kV = 10 feet, up to 350kV = 20 feet, above 350kV = 50 feet. Signal persons are required when the operator cannot see the load or its path — the stop signal from any person must be honored immediately.