Crane and Derrick Safety

Upon completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify crane types and their operational characteristics: mobile hydraulic cranes (truck-mounted, rough terrain, all-terrain), lattice boom crawlers, tower cranes (hammerhead, luffing, self-erecting), overhead/gantry cranes, and derricks, understanding the hazard profile and operational limits of each.
• Interpret crane load charts: reading rated capacity at radius and boom length, understanding quadrant limitations, derating for ground conditions, accounting for rigging weight, and verifying that the planned lift is within the crane’s capacity at every point in the lift path.
• Plan lifts systematically: calculating total load weight (object + rigging + block), determining lift radius at pick and set, selecting the crane configuration (boom length, counterweight, outrigger extension), verifying capacity at the maximum radius, identifying critical lift criteria (over 75% capacity, personnel-sensitive, blind, tandem), and documenting the lift plan.
• Apply power line safety requirements per Subpart CC: minimum approach distances (20 feet default for up to 350 kV, increased distances for higher voltages), pre-operation assessment of power line proximity, encroachment prevention measures (range-limiting devices, elevated warning lines, dedicated spotters, planning to maintain clearance), and the prohibition against operations within approach distances without protective measures.
• Understand operator certification and qualification: the Subpart CC requirement for crane operator certification by an accredited testing organisation, the employer’s evaluation of operator competency for the specific crane type, and the documentation requirements.
• Understand signal person qualification: the Subpart CC requirement that signal persons be qualified through a third-party evaluation or employer assessment, standard hand signals per ASME B30.5, and the communication protocols that ensure clear, unambiguous signals between signal person and operator.
• Understand rigger qualification: the Subpart CC requirement for qualified riggers, rigging hardware selection (sling types, rated capacity, angle factors), hitch types (vertical, choker, basket), hardware inspection, and the load securement that prevents rigging failure.
• Inspect rigging hardware: wire rope sling inspection (broken wires, kinks, corrosion, bird-caging, diameter reduction), synthetic sling inspection (cuts, burns, UV damage, label legibility), chain sling inspection (stretch, wear, link damage), shackle and hook inspection, and the removal-from-service criteria for each type.
• Conduct crane inspections per Subpart CC: pre-shift inspection (visual and functional), monthly inspection (documented), annual inspection (comprehensive by qualified person), and the deficiency classification that determines whether the crane may continue operating.
• Manage ground conditions and setup: evaluating ground bearing capacity, outrigger pad sizing, stabiliser deployment, crane levelness verification, and the ground preparation that prevents the tip-over events caused by ground failure under crane loads.

Core Curriculum Topics

• Crane Types: mobile hydraulic, lattice boom crawler, tower, overhead/gantry, derricks — characteristics and hazards
• Load Charts: capacity at radius, boom length, quadrant, derating, rigging weight deductions
• Lift Planning: load calculation, radius, capacity verification, critical lift criteria, documentation
• Power Line Safety: approach distances, assessment, encroachment prevention, spotters, protective measures
• Operator Certification: accredited testing, employer evaluation, type-specific qualification
• Signal Person Qualification: third-party/employer assessment, ASME B30.5 hand signals, communication
• Rigger Qualification: rigging hardware selection, sling types, hitches, angle factors, rated capacity
• Rigging Hardware Inspection: wire rope, synthetic slings, chain slings, shackles, hooks — removal criteria
• Crane Inspections: shift (visual/functional), monthly (documented), annual (comprehensive), deficiency management
• Assembly and Disassembly: the most dangerous phase of crane operations — qualified person requirements, procedures
• Ground Conditions: bearing capacity, outrigger pads, stabilisers, levelness, ground failure prevention
• Wind and Weather: wind speed limits, reduced visibility, lightning, and shutdown criteria
• Multi-Crane (Tandem) Lifts: planning, coordination, load sharing, communication, increased risk management
• Critical Lift Management: lifts over 75% capacity, personnel-sensitive lifts, blind lifts — additional controls

• No prior crane training required for safety awareness
• Construction experience recommended
• No academic degree required
• All instruction in English; working proficiency required

Upon completion, graduates receive an American Institute of Safety Professionals certificate, wallet card, and transcript. Employer-verifiable at amiosp.com/student-verifications.

• Crane operators seeking safety awareness beyond operational training
• Riggers who attach loads and select rigging hardware
• Signal persons who communicate between operators and ground crews
• Lift planners and lift directors who plan and authorise crane operations
• Site safety officers who manage crane safety compliance
• Supervisors and foremen who work near or authorise crane operations
• Project managers on crane-intensive construction projects

• Crane and Derrick Safety — YOU ARE HERE (Subpart CC awareness and safety management)
• Steel Erection Safety (Subpart R — crane operations specific to steel erection)
• OSHA Focus Four — Struck-By (crane load drop as a struck-by hazard source)
• OSHA Focus Four — Electrocution (power line contact as an electrocution source)
• Heavy Equipment and Tools Safety (broader equipment safety including crane awareness)
• International Diploma in Construction Safety Management (Unit 3: lifting operations at diploma depth)