Cranes and Slings
29 CFR 1910.179 and 184
Cranes Are Everywhere
Cranes, derricks, and jib hoists are
used in almost every industrial setting
Cranes can be found on most
construction sites
Crane and Sling Goals
Crane hazards, inspection, and operations
Sling inspection and use
Quiz
Crane Hazards
Crane, sling, or hook
could fail if overloaded
Load could flip, turn, or
release suddenly if not
attached correctly
People or objects could be
struck by the load
Crane Capacity
Rated capacity clearly marked on each side
of the crane
If more than one hoisting unit, each hoist
must be marked with rated capacity
Markings clearly legible from the ground
Crane Inspections
Daily inspections include:
Operating mechanisms to ensure proper working order
Air or hydraulic systems for leaks
Hoist chains/ropes for wear, twisting, distortion
Periodic inspections:
Deformed, cracked, or corroded components
Loose bolts or rivets
Wear on brakes, chain drive sprocket
General Operating Rules
Only trained, designated operators
are permitted to operate cranes
A crane must not be loaded beyond
its rated capacity
Follow all safe operating procedures
Attaching the Load
Hoist chain/rope free of kinks or twists
Do not wrap hoist chain/rope around the load
Attach the load to the load block hook with
slings or other approved devices
Hooks
Safety latch or clip
Load in center
of hook’s curve
Picking up load with
the hook’s tip causes
it to open up and weaken
Replace hooks that are
bent open or twisted
Moving the Load
Be sure the hook and hoist are directly
over the load
Ensure that chains/ropes/slings are not twisted
Ensure that the load is well secured and
balanced
When traveling, keep the load close to the floor
Hoisting Safety
Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration
Watch for obstructions
Never leave controls with load suspended
Do not use cranes for side pulls
Never lower the load below the point where
less than two full wraps of rope remain on the
hoisting drum
Hoisting and People
Never carry loads over people
Do not hoist, lower, or travel a load when
an employee is on the load or hook
When two or more cranes are lifting a load,
put one qualified person in charge
Hand Signals
Hoist up
Hoist down
Stop
Travel
Crane and Sling Goals
Crane hazards, inspection, and operations
Sling inspection and use
Quiz
Sling Types
Eye to eye versus endless
Steel chains
Wire rope or steel cable
Metal mesh
Fiber rope (natural or synthetic)
Synthetic mesh
Operator Sling Inspections
Each day before use by a trained operator
Check slings and attachments for damage
Immediately remove damaged and defective
slings from service
Thorough Sling Inspections
At least annually,
recorded in a log
Chains
Wire rope
Metal mesh
Fiber rope
Synthetic web
Sling Rules
Never load beyond rated capacity
Label properly
Never shorten with
knots, bolts, or any other device
Protect from sharp edges
Attach securely to the load
Sling Rules (cont.)
Protect hands and fingers
Use care when pulling a sling
Never drag a sling
Do not use a damaged or defective sling
Sling Storage
Hang slings on a wall
Never leave on the ground
Never expose to water, welding sparks,
chemicals, etc.
Sling Hitches
Vertical
Choker
Basket
Sling Angles
Ratings based on a vertical hang
Slings hung >= 5° angle from vertical
Slings used at angles should be checked
for capacity
Angle Examples
Assume 1,000 lb. load lifted with 2 slings
1,000 lb.
Slings vertical: 500 lb. each
Slings 45° from vertical: 707 lb. each
Slings 60° from vertical: 1,000 lb. each
1,000 lb.
Slings 75° from vertical: 1,930 lb. each
Crane and Sling Goals
Crane hazards, inspection, and operations
Sling inspection and use
Quiz
Summary
Only trained and authorized operators
allowed to use a crane
Inspect both crane and slings before use
Properly secure the load and try to keep
slings vertical
Keep all people away from a load while
it is being hoisted or moved
Quiz
1. When do slings need to be inspected? __________
2. Wrapping the hoist’s chain/rope around
the load is a safe way to hitch a load. True or False
3. Name two things on a crane that need to be inspected
each day: ___________and ___________.
4. What prevents a hook from becoming disconnected
from the load? _____________________________
5. Each crane must be clearly marked
with its rated capacity. True or False
Quiz (cont.)
6. Lift load high when traveling
in order to avoid people or objects. True or False
7. The best way to shorten a chain sling
is with a strong bolt through two links. True or False
8. When using a basket hitch, the load
must be properly balanced. True or False
9. What causes slings to be subjected to loads
in addition to the weight of the object? __________
10. What should be attached to every sling? __________
Quiz Answers
1. Inspect slings each day before they are used.
2. False. Never wrap the hoist’s chain/rope
around the load.
3. Daily crane inspections include operating
mechanisms, air/hydraulics, hoist chains/ropes.
4. A safety latch or clip prevents the hook from
disconnecting from the load.
5. True. Cranes must be clearly marked with
their rated capacity.
Quiz Answers (cont.)
6. False. Travel with the load as near to the
ground as possible.
7. False. Never shorten a sling with a bolt
or a knot.
8. True. A basket hitch requires a balanced load.
9. Hanging slings at angles causes them to be
subjected to horizontal forces.
10. A label with the sling’s rated capacity.
