Working with Lifting Gear
There are many hazards to working with lifting gear – below are some of the basic precautions:
- Avoid dangerous positions - stepping on a taut fall, standing under a load, standing in a bight or standing on the line of pull of a taut rope or cable that might give way.
- Be extra careful in wet, slippery conditions.
- Stay out from under booms and cranes while lifting operations are in progress. Keep the deck clear of obstructions and lines. A clean, orderly deck provides the safest working conditions.
- Stop, look and listen. While a load is being moved keep every part of the rig under observation. Listen for changes in sound. A wire or rope normally hums under strain. If it starts to squeak or squeal, watch out. A faulty block may give warning by squeaking or groaning.
- Don't pass a loaded boom over a crewman.
- Keep unnecessary personnel out of working area.
- Avoid swinging a load. If you're lifting something off a dock, drag it until the load is directly under the head of the crane or boom.
- Attach steady lines to heavy or unwieldy loads and know where you can throw a quick hitch in case of trouble.
- Don't stand between the load and fixed objects. Always face the load and keep hands and feet in the clear.
- Check all equipment for wear, chafe and other signs of deterioration, including broken wires and wear in the eyes and thimbles.
- Apply sufficient grease on a lifting appliance exposed to the marine environment.
- Regularly lubricate controls which must return to a neutral position as soon as you release the hand pressure.
