Online Training Program for Operators of
Overhead Cranes and Hoists
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The Overhead crane and hoist operator training program covers the essential information required for crane and hoist operators, riggers and maintenance personnel with the aim of reducing risks in the operation of lifting equipment.

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Introduction

Safety Training of Crane Operators, is it Justifiable?
By Joe Harnest (Plant Maintenance and Engineering Magazine, 2001.)

I am frequently asked, “why should I train our crane operators?” This is usually followed defensively by, “or operators have acquired the necessary experience over the years.” This response is intended as a justification to delay or dismiss formal training.

The obvious reason for training of workers is to prevent death, injury and/or damage to the load, the building or equipment by reducing the hazards that can occur due to bad habits and/or lack of knowledge. Because we are dealing with loads that are lifted in to the air, the risks for serious damage or worse are very high. Every crane operator must be confident in their knowledge of accepted procedures and correct lifting practices.

He/she should have a thorough understanding of such items as timely equipment inspections, recognition of a load and it’s influence on everything between the ground to the top of the lifting apparatus. Their knowledge must include proper rigging of loads, awareness of all the component limitations and maintaining control of the load at all times.

Crane operators should be trained to recognize hazardous situations, in order to avoid them before they become a calamity. The training should have established a procedure that will enable the operator to stabilize the situation. The following are twelve (12) critical questions that every crane operator must answer without hesitation:

• How big is the primary danger zone?
• What does one cubic foot of steel weigh and how can one determine the correct loading for an overhead crane?
• What is the defined purpose of the hoist hook safety latch?
• What is the accepted grade of a sling chain?
• What is the minimum safe sling leg angle to use as a standard practice?
• How does the angle affect the capacity of a sling?
• What is resultant sling angle? And why is it a killer?
• How does an operator gain control of a swinging load?
• What is the difference between a cable and a wire rope?
• Are home made lifting devices legal? And what information is required on all below-the-hook devices?
• What factor is used to de-rate the capacity of an eyebolt, when the eyebolt is being used horizontally?
• What OHSA required safety precautions must be taken before working on a crane?

If the operator cannot answer all the above questions, the safe operation of the overhead crane and hoist is in jeopardy. The training program the operator has taken should provide the basic tools that he operator needs to do his/her job properly. The operator, workers and equipment in the immediate area of the crane are all at risk. Children may lose the guidance and companionship of a parent. Widows are forced to deal with the stress of life alone. If injury is the result of an accident, lives of countless people are irrevocably changed.

In addition to the above, proper training will increase the efficiency of workers operating hoists and cranes, this lowers the cost of production which in turn, makes the product more competitive. A quality safety course will reduce injuries, which in turn, reduces worker compensation claims, and therefore, lowers overall insurance costs.

In the vent of an accident the ensuing Ministry of Labour investigation will determine the cause, an operator may be fined for a safety violation in amounts that can vary up to $25,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of not more than twelve months or both. If a corporation is convicted of an offense, the maximum fine that may be imposed is $500,000.00 per offense, and jail time is possible for supervisory and executive personnel dependant on the circumstances.

Statistics show that proper training does make a difference. Aside from the pain and suffering that may be averted, there are other benefits to a well-prepared training program. Correct usage of equipment means less repairs, early identification of possible problems with the equipment translate to lower maintenance costs. Having to deal with a breakdown during peak production, can be very costly. If the operator is able to detect eminent failure early, repairs can be scheduled during planned downtime in most cases.

The expense associated with a comprehensive training program are truly negligible when compared to the costs that may be incurred if training is disregarded.

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