All crane, derrick, hoists and lift operators who are hoisting and/or moving materials shall be licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 520 CMR 6.0.
The above requirement applies when the machinery being used has a lift of either 10' in height, the load exceeds 500 lbs, and/or the bucket exceeds 1/4 cubic yard capacity.
All cranes derricks and lifts shall comply with the requirements of ANSI (American National Standards Institute) B30.5, which is incorporated by reference in OSHA regulations, 29 CFR 1910.179
The General Contractor, working with the crane operator shall insure that a “competent” person has been appointed to act as the person-in-charge for all lifts involving cranes, regardless of size and/or weight capacity.
A backhoe, or similar piece of equipment used for lifting is considered a crane, and is subject to this requirement.
The person-in-charge is required to have a pre-lift plan for regulatory and safety reasons. The plan must include, but is not limited to the following requirements;
The operators name and proof of certification, as well as the signaler name and verification of training
Area survey to insure that the work site is stable and appropriate for the weight and work activities of the crane
Description, type and rated capacity of the crane being used for the lift
The list of the equipment or material being lifted, including weight, dimensions and other applicable information
Appropriate sketches or blueprints of how the material will be lifted.
Boom and swing angles, crane orientations, lifting points, methods of attachment and rated capacity.
A pre-lift meeting with all personnel that will be involved with the lift, or in close proximity to same.
The General Contractor or their designee is required to barricade or provide warnings to alert persons in close proximity about the overhead work. This shall include, but is not limited to;
protection of doorways and exits, which might include redirection to an alternative entrance / exit
tape off hazardous areas, including swing zones and areas where overhead hazards are likely to fall
examples:
removal of dumpsters from the roof
lifting and/or moving equipment / materials directly overhead of site personnel
personnel are not permitted to work under the load being lifted or moved.
Inspections of cranes, derricks and associated attachments shall be made by a competent person prior to each use
Cranes, derricks, backhoes and other lifting equipment shall not be used within 15’ (minimum) of power lines > 5kV.
Crane Operators are responsible for operations under their direct control. They shall;
not engage in any practice that will divert their attention while operating the hoisting equipment
not operate the lift if their operation is / might be impaired (mentally or physically)
perform an equipment assessment (walk around inspection) to verify personnel, equipment and site safety
place appropriate barriers or warning lines around the superstructure to prevent unauthorized entry into the site / area of swing
improperly functioning / working controls must be adjusted / repaired before the equipment is used.
If not repairable, the unit must be removed from service and locked and / or tagged "out-of-service".
respond appropriately to any signals from a trained "signal person"
be responsible for anyone working under their direct control, and shall stop any unsafe or potential unsafe operation until corrections can be made
if a "warning signal" is provided, it shall be sounded just before any move is made
secure and make safe any unattended hoisting equipment
when practical, suspended loads shall be landed under brake control
not permit any person to work under / beneath the boom or suspended load
A competent, authorized and properly trained person shall inspect cranes, derricks and associated equipment, as specified by the manufacturer, prior to each use.
Crane operators are responsible for their cranes and derricks before, during and after any lift.
Hoisting employees on a personal platform of cranes and derricks, when steel erection is being conducted is permitted, provided that all provisions of 29 CFR 1926.550 [except 1926.550(g)(2)] are met.