
              Pedestal Crane Safety on Commercial Fishing Vessels
                                       

                

Injuries and fatalities have resulted on fishing vessels from the failure of shipboard pedestal cranes (e.g., masts, booms, lift cables, etc.).  Cranes must be tested and certified in accordance with OSHA standards -- 29 CFR Part 1919 -- by persons accredited for this purpose (29 CFR 1915.115).  Cranes must be used and maintained as per manufacturer's specifications.  The crane, as well as its components and attachments must never be modified in any form to increase their lifting capacity.  Any modification deemed necessary must be authorized by the manufacturer then carried out based on engineering calculations by or acceptable to the accredited certification agency (29 CFR 1919.14 (e)).

It is recommended that cranes be inspected regularly before use, to ensure they are maintained in a safe and functional condition.  Employers should train operators on how to safely operate the equipment, including an understanding of the safe working loads (SWLs).  Further, specific equipment capacities, operating instructions and hand signals should be posted in an easily accessible area (such as the cab of the crane or pedestal).



Pre-Operation checklist:

oo 
oo Safety meeting held
oo Affected workers understand the task and their role
oo Lift Routine or Critical?
   oo Hazards and restrictions understood: 
      # Load 75% crane capacity
      # Extreme weather
      # Low visibility
      # Near power lines
      # Near high traffic areas
oo Other potential hazards identified
oo Weight of load known
oo Calculations preformed and understood (SWL)
oo Room for lift and swing
oo Sufficient time to complete task
oo Pre-shift inspection performed
    #        Supporting structure:  Appropriate legible warning labels, hand signal charts.
       
    #        Rotation system: Proper lubrication.
       
    #        Boom section: Damaged slide pads, proper lubrication, bent boom tip or grooves in the side plates or the flanges of the sheaves/sheave and sheave pin wear and lubrication.
       
    #        Winch system/wire rope: Make sure it is spooling correctly; inspect rope for damage (kinking, birdcaging, crushed rope, etc.), broken wires that exceed the number allowed;  mounting bolts and welds that hold it in place, condition of hydraulic hoses; excessive rust or lack of lubrication.
       
    #        Hydraulic system/hoses: Cracks or leaks, tightened connectors.
       
    #        Load block: Damaged, bent sheaves, side plates and bolts, sheave pin and keeper, swivel and hook, and wedge socket; host line termination properly secured, and for damaged/broken wires; proper lubrication; bent hooks, bent or missing safety latches on hooks.
       
    # Rigging gear: Broken, bent or missing pins; bent hooks, bent or missing safety latches on hooks; damaged slings; missing capacity tags. Damaged, bent or elongated chain rings.
       
    # Attachments/baskets: Load ratings/capacity clearly stated, bent or damaged components that could make it not function properly or increase potential for failure (e.g., doors that don't close on manbaskets).


Operation:

oo 
oo Trained and authorized on equipment/task
   
oo Controls labeled
   
oo Familiar with control functions
oo Controls appropriately positioned before starting
   
oo Seat belt fastened
   
oo Designated signal person in place
oo Any reason you should not operate? (e.g., taking medication that may negatively affect reaction time and decision making abilities, fatigue, poor eyesight, impaired hearing, etc.)
    
oo Hand signals understood by all
   
oo Work area (swing radius) cordoned off or secured

oo Verify no obstructions or workers in area
   
oo No personnel under the load
   
oo Workers wearing hard hats, high visibility vests, and other required PPE
   
oo Distractions (cell phones, cameras) eliminated

Post-Operation:

oo 
oo Engine off
   
oo Key removed

oo Controls locked out
   
oo Lower lift to deck (do not leave load suspended in the air)

oo Ensure safe egress is provided prior to leaving the cab
                                          
                                          

                                
      
