Team, I have to add something related to this thread.
MOBILE CRANE OPERATIONS—WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
The question of who is responsible for the various aspects of a crane operation is too often unclear until a serious accident occurs and a court decides. Because most crane operations are complex and can differ greatly from one job to the next, no single set of guidelines can cover all the parameters involved. The following information, however, can be applied to most situations.
CRANE SUPERVISOR
The crane supervisor is responsible for the identification and assignment of specific responsibilities to the operating crew. The supervisor must be aware of the requirements of every job.
1. Ensuring that the crane has the rated capacity necessary for the job.
2. Ensuring that the operator is well trained, licensed where required, experienced, and competent to operate the particular crane assigned to the job.
3. Ensuring that the operator is fully aware of their responsibilities and expectations and capable of carrying them out.
4. Providing ongoing, high-quality training and upgrading programs for all personnel to ensure a consistently high level of competence in all phases of the operations.
5. Assigning clear individual responsibilities and the authority necessary to exercise them to the crew.
6. Providing qualified supervision for the operation where needed.
7. Ensuring the crane is used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions and all applicable regulations.
8. Ensuring that the log book is maintained and updated.
Many accidents attributed to operator error are often not the operator's responsibility. Inadequate planning on the part of site supervision often puts crane operators in the position of having to make judgments or decisions beyond what should be reasonably expected of them.
Generally, the operator is responsible for the safety of the crane operation as soon as the load is lifted clear of the ground. Whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that the lift might be dangerous or unsafe, the operator must refuse to lift until the concern has been reported to the supervisor, any hazards are rectified, and safety conditions are met.
The operator is specifically responsible for:
1. Knowing the machine well, understanding its functions, limitations, and operating characteristics.
2. Having a thorough knowledge of the crane's operating manual.
3. Being familiar with the crane's load chart, understanding notes, warnings, and calculating the crane's net capacity for every configuration.
4. Inspecting and maintaining the crane regularly as prescribed by the owner and manufacturer.
5. Informing the owner of any problems, needed maintenance, or repairs in writing.
6. Recording all inspections, maintenance, and work done on the crane in the log or report.
7. Supervising and training the apprentice if present.
8. Being aware of site conditions that could affect the crane operation.
9. Checking that the site is adequately prepared for the crane.
10. Reviewing the planned operation and requirements with site supervision.
11. Finding out the load and rigging weight and determining load placement.
12. Determining the number of hoist line parts required.
13. Checking the load chart for lifting capacity.
14. Selecting the best boom, jib, and crane configuration.
15. Assembling, setting up, and rigging the crane properly.
16. Following the manufacturer's operating instructions according to the load chart.
17. Considering factors that might reduce lift capacity and adjusting load weight.
18. Knowing rigging procedures and ensuring their application when the load is visible.
19. Maintaining communication with signalpersons.
20. Ensuring the apprentice's safety during operation.
21. Operating in a smooth, controlled, and safe manner.
22. Moving the crane.
23. Shutting down and securing the machine properly when unattended.
24. Exercising the right to refuse operation if safety concerns arise.
SITE SUPERVISION
Site supervision has overall responsibility for the lift, planning all phases of the operation in cooperation with the operator who has the final say regarding safety.
Site supervision is specifically responsible for:
1. Verifying crane certification and inspection records before allowing the crane on the project.
2. Organizing a pre-lift meeting and ensuring all necessary personnel are present.
3. Establishing and following a lift plan.
4. Providing a well-prepared working area before the crane arrives, including access roads, boom space, and operating locations.
5. Supervising all work involving the crane.
6. Determining load weight and radius and informing the operator.
7. Ensuring the rigging crew is experienced and competent.
8. Supervising the rigging crew.
9. Ensuring proper rigging of the load.
10. Ensuring competent signalpersons direct the crane and load safely.
11. Designating signalpersons and ensuring the operator knows them.
12. Ensuring safety of the rigging crew and personnel affected.
13. Keeping the public and non-essential personnel clear during operation.
14. Controlling personnel movements in the lift area.
15. Taking required safety precautions near powerlines.
16. Ensuring all personnel understand their roles and responsibilities.
17. Having an emergency response plan in place and communicating it to relevant personnel.