- Home
- Training
- Manual Handling Training
- Risk Assessment Workshop
- Use and Care of Personal Protective Equipment
- Abrasive Wheels
- Safety Responsibilities for Managers
- Office Safety
- Occupational First Aid
- Emergency First Aid Course
- Breathing Apparatus Training
- Chemical Safety
- Emergency Response Team Leader Training
- Emergency Response Team Training
- Fire Extinguisher Training
- Fire Marshal/Warden Training
- Fire Safety Awareness
- Patient Handling
- Respirator Fit Testing
- Safe Pass
- Consultancy
- Writing Safety Statements
- Fire Risk Assessment
- Reviewing Safety Statements
- General Risk Assessments
- Manual Handling Risk Assessments
- Ergonomics Assessments
- Pregnant Employees Risk Assessments
- Chemical Agents Risk Assessments
- VDU Assessments
- Method Statements
- Workplace Health and Safety Inspections
- Accidents/Incidents Investigation
- Construction Safety and Health Plans
- Contractors Control
- Developing Internal Safety Management System
- Event Safety Management
- Services of Contract Safety Officer/Advisor
- Placements
- Resources
- Our Clients
- Testimonials
- News
- Contact Us
Safety During Crane Lifts
Share: 
A four-metre-long girder fell from a crane and crashed through the roof of the estate agents` office in Preston, UK on 16-Jan-2010. Luckily enough, the accident happened on a Saturday when there were only a few occupants in the offices and no members of public were in the area.
The accident happened when the 80kg girder was being lifted by crane during construction of a new hotel in a neighbouring street.
The investigation discovered that nothing has been done to prevent girders from slipping during lift, i.e. shackles had not been attached to holes that were drilled in the beams.
Source: SHP
It is essential that construction companies put all required safety arrangements into place to prevent similar accidents.
These are examples of some of safety precautions for crane lifts:
- The crane must only be operated by persons whom hold a current FÁS / CSCS ticket
- The crane must be maintained in good condition, be inspected on a weekly basis and a copy of appropriate inspection forms to be supplied to the site foreman
- Safe working load (SWL) displayed prominently and clearly marked. Do not exceed the limits of the equipment. Know the weight being lifted. Put up warning signs
- Check method of slinging and slings used. Make sure slings are capable of taking the weight. Make sure all hooks have safety clips and that they are working correctly. Have a trained signaller / slinger in attendance during all lifting operations. Ensure lifting operations are carried out on firm and level ground. Check for obstacles – ramps, slopes, buildings, trees, ducts, overhead cables or pipes, poor ground conditions etc. Do not obstruct crane controls or store loose items in the cabin
- Do not leave engine running when crane is left unattended
- Do not leave crane unattended with a load on the hook
- Ensure that loads are balanced and evenly slung. Lift load slightly and check stability angle
- Use tall ropes or draglines to control the movement of the load especially in windy conditions. Use clear, precise hand signals – one person only
- Be extra careful when lifting near people. Have a suitable area prepared for landing the load.