Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) published a new Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety Program Manual and related safety tools and resources for University units and departments that operate and maintain cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment.
EH&S provides comprehensive safety information to ensure the safety and well-being of all personnel involved in crane and rigging operations. Whether you're operating overhead cranes, inspecting rigging equipment, or planning critical lifts, the UW Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety Program is tailored to meet your safety and compliance needs.
Units and departments with overhead cranes and hoists are required to do the following:
1. Refer to the UW Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety Program Manual.
- The Rigging section and Crane and Hoist Safe Operating Procedures provide instructions for safe operation of equipment.
2. Use checklists to conduct routine inspections.
- Use the Overhead Cranes and Hoists Inspection Checklist prior to each use and document monthly frequent and annual periodic inspections.
- Use the Rigging Equipment Inspection Checklist prior to each use and annually.
3. Train operators on the safe operation of cranes and hoists, and safe rigging of loads.
- Operators are required to complete the Overhead and Gantry Crane Safety-Online and Rigging Safety-Online training courses offered by EH&S.
- Operators review the equipment manuals and checklists, and receive training on the specific equipment.
4. When a critical lift is identified, the crane operator is required to complete a Crane/Hoist and Rigging Critical Lift Plan.
The most common causes of failures with the operations of overhead cranes and hoists are related to overloading and improper rigging. Serious injuries including fatalities and property damage are a potential consequence if loads or lifting equipment falls to the ground. The information, guidance, and resources on the Crane, Hoist and Rigging Safety webpage helps units and departments reduce the risk of a safety incident and maintain compliance with Washington state workplace safety regulations.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact EH&S Occupational Safety and Health at (206) 543-7388.