Safe Working Procedures

1. Responsible Person(s)

2. Their Responsibilities

3. Crane Inspection or Maintenance Pre-Work Requirements

4. Working Requirements

5. Completion of Work

Responsible Person(s)

• Each section or area operating Overhead Cranes will have a nominated production or engineering person and deputy who is responsible for the operation and control of cranes and crane operators.
• Work must not take place on or near Overhead Cranes without authorisation or a relevant work permit.
• A working group who will carry out work, inspection or maintenance on an Overhead Crane will have a nominated supervisor.

Their Responsibilities

• Details of safety procedures to be taken should be on work permit.
• Notify the relevant personnel, crane operators of the location and nature of the work to be carried out.
• Ensure that the working group is made fully aware of the safety precautions to be taken and the procedures to be followed.
• Only when these necessary procedures have taken place should work be allowed to proceed.
• At shift changeover the person taking charge should be informed of the work plan, status of work and the safety precautions being taken.

Crane Inspection or Maintenance Pre-Work Requirements

• Prior to any work being carried out, authorisation/work permit should be raised.
• Only when the engineer in charge is satisfied with the safety precautions taken will work be allowed to start.
• Where live tests are to be carried out no other unconnected activity will be undertaken. All existing work will be cancelled prior to the start of live testing and there should be one designated person responsible for co-ordinating the testing. This person will issue all instructions to the crane operator.
• The person carrying out the test will be conversant with the safe working procedures necessary for the test.
• Only persons directly involved in the test should be allowed to remain on board the crane.
• Persons leaving the crane for the purpose of live testing must leave the workplace in a safe condition, removing all tools and materials or leaving them in a safe and secure position.
• Only authorised operators will drive the crane during testing.
• Prior to the crane isolation switch being switched on the crane must be in a safe condition to operate.

Working Requirements

• The crane to be worked on must be fully isolated. The working group should padlock the supply switch in the off position and keep the padlock key with them. The working group should display a warning board at the supply switch clearly indicating that work is being carried out and that power should be switched on.
• A 6-metre safety margin should be established around the crane, this should be clearly marked so that clear warning is given to other persons who might approach an area where work is in progress.
• Marking warning equipment in the 6 metre safety margin might include one or more of the following; flashing lights, warning banners displayed on the crane or crane gantry, warning signs at ground level, a barrier system – red/white warning tapes or similar materials/system.
• The working group must only recognised access to board the crane, ensure the crane is parked in a safe position to carry out the work.
• Before starting the work the crane controls should be checked to ensure that power to the crane is isolated and that no functions are available.
• Where possible the pendant unit should be in the possession of the working group and should be marked with a warning notice.
• If the work is not completed then appropriate warning boards should be placed at the isolation point and control pendant stating that work is in progress or unfinished and power is not to be switched on/or the crane used.

Completion of Work

On completion of the work the working group supervisor will ensure:

• All guards have been replaced and safety devices are working.
• All tools and materials have been removed from the crane, gantry and walkways.
• All temporary access banners, lights etc. and danger boards have been removed.
• All members of the working group have returned to floor by the recognised route.
• Cancel / Sign Work Permit.