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701.1 - Crane, Hoist, & Rigging Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS) utilizes cranes, hoists, and rigging devices for lifting and transporting materials. This policy ensures a safe environment and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

2. Responsibilities

2.1 Supervisors

  • Schedule a pre-lift meeting at least 48 hours prior
  • Ensure participation from required stakeholders
  • Develop lift plan including barricades, evacuation needs, and access routes
  • Notify affected individuals and provide hazard training
  • Ensure proper employee training
  • Conduct Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

2.2 Environmental & Occupational Safety & Health (EOSH)

  • Develop lift plan with contractor
  • Verify operator licensing
  • Notify campus community
  • Maintain training and safety documentation
  • Ensure regulatory compliance

2.3 Contracted Crane Company

  • Comply with OSHA, ANSI, ASME, CMAA, NFPA standards
  • Provide inspected and certified equipment
  • Obtain lift plan approval before operations

3. General Safety Rules

  1. No distractions during crane operation
  2. Follow designated signal person
  3. Never move loads over people
  4. Avoid working under suspended loads
  5. Do not exceed load limits
  6. Ensure controls are OFF before disconnect
  7. Avoid side pulls and shock loading

4. Critical Lifts

4.1 Definition

  • Load exceeds 75% capacity
  • High-value or irreplaceable load
  • Congested or restricted area
  • Personnel near load
  • Complex center of gravity
  • Multiple cranes required
  • Hazardous materials involved

4.2 Additional Requirements

A. Written Critical Lift Plan

  • Lift description and objectives
  • Load details and center of gravity
  • Rigging specifications
  • Personnel roles
  • Emergency plan

B. Review and Approval

  • Approval required from EOSH, contractor, and supervisor
  • Safety representative must be present

C. Pre-Lift Briefing

Conduct safety briefing covering roles, hazards, and procedures.

D. Safety Measures

  • Use tag lines and load indicators
  • Monitor weather conditions

E. Supervision

EOSH must observe and document the lift.

F. Post-Lift Review

Conduct debrief and document lessons learned.

Appendix A: Definitions

  • EOSH: Environmental & Occupational Safety & Health
  • JHA: Job Hazard Analysis
  • OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • UAFS: University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

Appendix B: Operator Pre-Operational Test

  1. Test upper-limit switch
  2. Inspect hook and lines
  3. Test controls and emergency stop
  4. Lock out failed equipment

Appendix C: Moving a Load

  1. Center hook over load
  2. Use tag lines
  3. Check path clearance
  4. Lift gradually
  5. Never leave load unattended

Appendix E: Inspection and Maintenance

All inspections must follow manufacturer guidelines and be documented by the contractor.

Appendix F: Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

Job Title: ____________________

Location: ____________________

Date: ____________________

Appendix G: Critical Lift Plan Template

Project: ____________________

Date: ____________________