Crane operations are quite complex and demand comprehensive planning, swift safety execution, and risk mitigation strategies. Whether you’re a mobile crane operator or a telescopic boom crane operator, you must understand the most critical risks during crane operations.

According to OSHA, electrocution is the deadliest form of a crane accident that leads to crane worker fatalities in the US. These risks are posed by overhead electricity poles, wires, and unaddressed electricity obstacles in a crane’s path.

Crane Warning Systems Atlanta is a leading crane safety device distributor in the US. They offer cutting-edge wireless wind speed indicators and crane camera systems, among other safety devices for material management equipment. In this post, one of their senior managers has discussed all the various techniques to help you prevent injurious electrocution accidents during crane operations.

So let’s get started.

1.    Current OSHA Standards for Crane Electrocution Safety

Crane operators, managers, and riggers must learn about and understand the implications of current OSHA crane electrocution safety standards. OSHA states that all employees, directly or indirectly working with crane equipment, must wear proper PPE and take precautions during crane operations.

Here’s what should be done to prevent electrocution hazards:

De-Energize Electricity Lines

According to the current standards, an overhead power line must be de-energized before commencing crane operations in the vicinity. However, an overhead power line will not be considered de-energized until the authorities indicate the same. All visible and on-ground transmission lines must also be de-energized by professional individuals.

Use Insulated Barriers

The next most important risk-mitigating action that crane operators must take is insulated barrier installation. These barriers are made of electrically-insulated materials such as PVC, Teflon, porcelain, or rubber. They help in creating a physical barrier between employees and electric sources during crane operations.

They also help prevent electric transmission lines from contacting crane bodies due to potential electrocution risk. You must also maintain a minimum clearance distance between equipment and power lines as stipulated by OSHA.

Employ Safety Personnel

Sometimes it’s difficult to maintain a physical barrier to prevent crane electrocution risks. This is when you should consider employing safety professionals to ensure a safe distance between equipment and transmission lines and use visual or hand gesture signs to alert on-ground employees.

However, it’s equally critical to ensure the safety of these signaling workers. You can maximize their well-being by installing cage booms, insulating links, and warning devices like crane camera systems. A clear and effective floor marking plan is also quite beneficial in enhancing on-ground crane operation safety.

2.    ANSI Standards for Crane Electrocution Prevention

In addition to OSHA, the American National Standards Institute has also issued a critical set of guidelines to help crane operators minimize crane electrocution risks. The organization also states that an overhead or on-ground power line will not be considered de-energized unless the supplier or power line owner mentions it. 

Proximity warning devices such as a crane-rated capacity indicator or a load moment indicator are very beneficial for improving electrocution safety. These devices not only help in alerting crane operators but also improve crane equipment safety and functionality in the long run.

Some other electrocution-preventing tactics that can help crane owners and operators enhance onsite safety include:

·       Operating cranes at a lower speed around electric power lines

·       Exercising caution in case of strong winds or sudden weather changes. It’s best to install a crane windspeed indicator to keep tabs on wind direction, speed, and force

·       Marking grounds, walls, and buildings around a crane operation area to keep pedestrians, workers, and safety personnel alert at all times

·       Providing proper, insulated PPE to crane operation personnel and instructing them to wear noise-canceling ear devices and insulated gloves during crane operations

·       Ensuring no person touches crane equipment until the crane operator signaler indicates safety

Check out this blog to learn more about electrocution risks during crane operations: Major Causes of Crane Accidents.

Your One-Stop Crane Safety Solutions Provider in the US

Are you looking for advanced crane safety devices such as a Rated Capacity Indicator or Load Moment Indicator for your crane equipment? Head over to Crane Warning Systems Atlanta’s website today. The company is the most reliable and reputable crane safety device seller in the US. They have been providing original and branded RaycoWylie crane warning indicators to crane users countrywide.

The company’s website also offers free-to-access crane safety manuals, product manuals, and troubleshooting guides for RaycoWylie crane operators and riggers. They also offer 24/7 technical support services via phone, email, and chat.

Contact them for more details.

Author’s Bio

This post’s author is a senior manager at Crane Warning Systems Atlanta. He is highly experienced in crane safety methods and strategy operations. He regularly shares his insights and wisdom with the company’s blog readers to keep them aware of crane risks and their solutions.