Safety in Using Cranes
OSH Guidelines
Towards Attractive Work Environment
Copyrights reserved for MLSD 2017
Inspection & Work Environment Development Deputyship- OSH Directorate
Preface
The Ministry of Labor and Social development is seeking to improve the Occupational Safety and Health
(OSH) systems and practices across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is in pursuit of protecting safety &
health of employees as well as the preservation of property and the environment. The Ministry of Labor
and Social Development therefore keens to educate employers as well as employees of the importance
of compliance with rules, regulations, and implement OSH best practices. The Ministry aims to develop
practical tools, such as this booklet, in the hope that the users find it resourceful in their daily activities.
Note: this booklet does not eliminate, replace or substitute the current regulations and national or
international standards.
The purpose of this booklet
The purpose of this booklet is to draw attention to Occupational Safety and Health considerations in the
workplace.
The booklet also aims to:
● Raise awareness of OSH concepts and procedures in the workplace
● Provide practical guidance and direction to employers, OSH responsible, employees and self-em-
ployed personnel on methods to improve OSH in the workplace
● Contribute in enhancing OSH culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The target audience for this booklet
This booklet aims to reach and educate most employers (including senior management), employees,
OSH responsible within organizations and self employed personnel in the field of OSH.
This is to outline the occupational safety and health requirements and considerations for the use of a
crane in a basic form and can be used as a checklist for site managers, supervisors and employees who
work with, around or in the vicinity of the crane and associated lifting operations.
Note 1: This guide is not intended as a technical document for the crane drivers or operators, it is to
remind the workers listed above about the key safety considerations for cranes on site.
Note 2: although this booklet contains examples solely of the construction industry, the technical ma-
terial can be applied to several industries, including but not restricted to manufacturing, mining, oil &
gas, agriculture, telecommunication etc.
6 Safety in using cranes
Table of contents
Part 1:Introduction
● Common types of cranes
● Tower Cranes
● Mobile and Crawler Cranes
● Self-erecting tower cranes
● Gantry cranes
● Risk associated with cranes
● Main causes of crane accidents
Part 2: Guidelines over life-cycle of crane
● Planning and selecting the crane
● Locating and erecting the crane
● Using operating the crane
● Management and supervision of the cranes’ operations
● Dismantling the cranes
Safety in using cranes 7
8 Safety in using cranes
Part I Introduction
Safety in using cranes 9
Common types of cranes
Tower cranes
Tower cranes are the most common crane found on a construction site.
They are usually operated from a cab below
the lifting jib so the operator has a good view
of the lifting operation as it is carried out.
10 Safety in using cranes
They are assembled and erected on site Tower cranes can be:
• self-supporting where they are anchored to a con-
crete foundation or
• supported where they are attached to the side of the
building that is being constructed. These are the two
most common types of tower crane.
Tower cranes are made up of the following parts
1. Foundations or foundation anchors (underground)
2. Central ballast – concrete blocks above ground to provide stability
3. The undercarriage cross frame and bogies – that form the base from which the tower rises
4. Tower sections up to the height required
5. Climbing units within the tower for access
6. Slewing unit – that allows the jib of the crane to rotate
7. Horizontal jib – The main arm of the crane that contains the hook block and the trolley that the
hook moves along on.
8. The counter jib – That houses the counterweight blocks and the hoist unit and hoist drum
Safety in using cranes 11
Common types of cranes
Constituents of tower cranes
Horizontal jib
Operator cabin
Counter jib
Trolley and hook
for lifting
Counterweight
Construction elevator
Tower sections – added up to
the height required
Central ballast - concrete blocks above ground to
provide stability
Foundations
12 Safety in using cranes
Common types of cranes
Mobile and Crawler Cranes
Mobile Cranes
On construction sites the wheel- Mobile cranes are normally used for short duration
mounted types are most common. lifting requirements and for medium to lighter weights.
However, heavy weight cranes could be used in large
construction areas
They can be maneuvered to the
required location on site.
Safety in using cranes 13
Common types of cranes
Mobile and Crawler Cranes
Crawler Cranes
Crawler cranes are normally used for heavy weights
lifting requirements. It is used in large construction
Crawler cranes are used for specific
sites
constructions sites
They can be maneuvered to the
required location on site.
14 Safety in using cranes
Tower cranes are made up of the following parts
1. The structure – or central frame
2. The wheeled mobile base – for transportation and stability purposes
3. The main boom/jib that extends upwards – this can sometimes be a telescopic jib
4. Fixed and additional counterweights – to provide stability when lifting heavier loads
5. The boom head and hook block – for lifting objects
6. Outriggers – to ensure stability
7. A drivers cab
Mobile cranes are made up of the following parts
Hook
Jib (can also be a telescopic jib)
Luffing cylinder
Counterweight
Crane operating cabin
Diesel engine
Outrigger beam
Outrigger plate
Safety in using cranes 15
Common types of cranes
Constituents of crawler cranes
Jib (can also be a telescopic jib)
Hook
Counterweight
Crane operating cabin
Continuous track
16 Safety in using cranes
Common types of cranes
Self-erecting tower crane
A new type of jib crane and are between
telescopic handlers and large tower cranes in
terms of size and capacity.
Self-erecting tower cranes have a small
on site footprint.
Self-erecting tower cranes are all
pedestrian operated ensuring ease
of use by way of remote control from
ground level.
Cranes have the ability to unfold in less
than fifteen minutes and fold away in
less than eight minutes once installed.
Safety in using cranes 17
Common types of cranes
Self-erecting tower crane are made up of the following parts
1. Latticed Boom
2. Slewing platform (to allow the crane to rotate)
3. Outriggers for stability
4. The winding drum
5. Boom guy lines
6. The hoist rope
7. The Jib and jib guy lines
8. Hook.
Constituents of self erecting cranes
Jib guy line – provides stability from
horizontal loads
Jib
Hook
Boom point
Latticed boom
Slewing platform
Winding drum
Outrigger – provides
support and stability
18 Safety in using cranes
Common types of cranes
Gantry and overhead cranes (manufacturing industry)
Gantry cranes move along a fixed track and
are typically constructed with two A-frames
that run on parallel tracks connected cross
members from which the lifting mechanisms
are located
Overhead cranes differ in that the cross
member moves along a fixed overhead
track and are often located inside large
workshops or industrial units.
They can be operated from a cab
beneath the lifting beam or smaller
versions are operated firm other
ground using a pendant / hand control.
Safety in using cranes 19
Constituents of gantry cranes
Crane operating
cabin
Hoist
Trolley
Hook
Foundations
20 Safety in using cranes
Risks associated with cranes
What to watch out for
There are number of risks associated with the use of cranes throughout its life cycle from the arrival
on site, during the erection of the crane, during use and then finally when it is being dismantled or
removed from site. These include;
01 Falling objects from the crane 02 Collapse,overturning or catastrophic
failure of the crane and/or its lifting
accessories
03 Workers falling from heights 04 Overloading the crane
Safety in using cranes 21
Risks associated with cranes
What to watch out for
There are number of risks associated with the use of cranes throughout its life cycle from the arrival
on site, during the erection of the crane, during use and then finally when it is being dismantled or
removed from site. These include;
05 Collision with another crane and/or structures nearby
Causes of crane accidents
Why do accidents happen?
01 Using unsuitable or 02 Lifting material that is Untrained and/or
03
damaged lifting and not packed and/or secured incompetent crane operators
accessories properly
Lack of PPE is the most common cause of accidents in the workplace
22 Safety in using cranes
Causes of crane accidents
Why do accidents happen?
04 Failure to maintain the crane 05 Failure to erect the
and consistently check it for crane properly
defects and damage
06 Failure to allow sufficient space between cranes and
adjacent cranes and structures
Safety in using cranes 23
24 Safety in using cranes
Guidelines associated with
Part 2
the lifecycle of the crane
Safety in using cranes 25
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane
operations
Dismantling Erecting the
the crane crane
Management of Operating the
operations crane
26 Safety in using cranes
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
200 Kg
1m
2m
3m
Weights and dimensions Number and frequency Range of movement
of the load of lifting operations of the crane
Duration of operation Site access and Available space for
restrictions erection and dismantling
Safety in using cranes 27
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
(Dos and Don'ts)
ensure all operators allow uncertified
and signalers are personnel to operate
properly trained and are the crane and/or work
competent in its vicinity
ensure all correct slings use damaged or
and chain combinations uninspected slings
are used and chains
have a detailed plan commence crane
and precautionary operations without a
measures are in place predefined plan and risk
assessment in place
28 Safety in using cranes
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
Allow a safe distance between the crane and Allow enough space around the crane for it
the overhead power lines and/or structures to move unobstructed and function in its full
range of movement
Ensure the crane is located on secure Ensure the crane is erected as per the
foundations and on suitable ground that can engineering diagrams and instructions by a
take the weight of the crane and the load competent and experienced engineer
Safety in using cranes 29
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
(Dos and Don'ts)
perform frequent operate the crane
inspections and checks until erection is
on the crane before complete and has
operation commence been inspected and
is deemed fit to use
by engineers
ensure adequate space locate cranes close
is provided between enough to each
cranes and other other allowing
structures them to collide
ensure stability and install crane on
levelness of the ground sloping or unstable
before installation ground
30 Safety in using cranes
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
Brief and inform all people
Ensure good
involved in the lift about Ensure loads are not fixed to the
communication between
the schedule and plan of ground (cranes are not designed
all working members
action of the crane (to detach loads from fixings
and management
Ensure loads are properly Ensure taking accurate and Ensure fall prevention
secured by slings and/or frequent wind readings and equipment are used to
chains using tag line to ceasing activities when wind climb and descend the crane
steady the load if necessary reaches dangerous levels
Safety in using cranes 31
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
Deploy outriggers and Chock all wheels on inclines If used for a long period
support them properly surfaces and ensure of time, ensure to lock
deploying the brakes control switches
Check the location for Only locate mobile crane on
overhead power-lines and even,firm and dry ground
obstacles
32 Safety in using cranes
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
(Dos and Don'ts)
schedule and plan all carry out any un-
lifting operations planned lifts
ensure skilled and qual- allow untrained
ified operators and work- workers onto the
ers around the crane crane
ensure uninterrupted lose contact between
communication be- operator and signaler
tween operator and
signaler/ workers
Safety in using cranes 33
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
(Dos and Don'ts)
frequently check the operate crane in
weather and operate adverse weather
in safe conditions conditions
ensure load is not carry loads over areas
directly above people where workers are
and/or structures below the load
ensure stability, carry split or unstable
solidity and steadiness loads
of the load
34 Safety in using cranes
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
Part A: Management of the crane Part B: Management of the site
around the crane
Ensure lifting plans are Ensure a rescue/
communicated to all emergency plan is in
relevant management place for workers in the
personnel vicinity of the crane
Ensure cranes are Provide barriers around
inspected on a regular the base of the crane
basis to keep vehicles from
colliding with it
Ensure all safety Ensure PPE is worn
precautions are in place by all workers on and
and/or followed around the crane
Safety in using cranes 35
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
(Dos and Don'ts)
regularly check and maintain all allow damaged or unmaintained
crane parts cranes to be used
ensure sufficient available space on solid set down the load unless there is
ground before setting down the load enough space to so
ensure that the crane base is safe from
vehicle collision and other hazards allow vehicles in the area close to the
crane premises
36 Safety in using cranes
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
Plan the dismantling process
meticulously with a full risk
assessment
Ensure crane is locked when not in
use to prevent unauthorized access
Lower load to ground level and un-
attach when crane is not in use
Safety in using cranes 37
Guidelines associated with the lifecycle of the crane
Planning crane Erecting Operating Management Dismantling
operations the crane the crane of operations the crane
(Dos and Don'ts)
ensure stability of leave the crane on
the ground and its uneven,soft or wet
ability to take loads ground
for prolonged periods
of time
ensure that the crane is leave keys in the
sully switched off and ignition when the
locked when not in use crane is not in use
ensure hook is properly leave hook swinging
stowed away at freely when not in use
crane idle time and is for longer times
completely dismantled
before dismantling
38 Safety in using cranes
Towards Attractive Work Environment
Copyrights reserved for MLSD 2017
Inspection & Work Environment Development Deputyship- OSH Directorate
