Background

• From 1992-2006, 323 construction worker

deaths involving 307 crane incidents were
identified
• An average of 22 construction worker deaths
per year
• Electrocution by power-line contact was the
most common type of incident, with 102 deaths
(32%) reported.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF INJURY, CRANE-RELATED
DEATHS, US CONSTRUCTION, 1992-2006
Cause of death # deaths %
Overhead power line electrocutions 102 32%
Crane collapses 68 21%
Struck by crane booms/jibs* 59 18%
Struck by crane loads 24 7%
Caught in/between 21 7%
Struck by cranes** 18 6%
Other causes*** 31 10%
Total 323 ****

* 52 of 59 struck by crane booms/jibs were due to falling booms/jibs

** Includes 10 run over by mobile cranes
*** Other causes includes 14 struck by other crane parts and 9 highway incidents
****Does not add to 100 due to rounding.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries ResearchFile
 Crane-Related Deaths in
Construction by Year 1992-2006*

* Data from 2006 are preliminary; data from 1992-2005 are revised and final.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Research
 Cranes and Derricks.

• Comply with the manufacturer's specifications

 CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
Saudi Aramco Crane GI - 7.028
(SA GI 7.028)
Beginning of each shift
• Each contractor crane operator shall perform a daily
pre-operational safety inspection, prior to operating
his assigned crane, using Saudi Aramco form SA 9466
or the crane manufacturer’s daily inspection checklist
• Raise hook to upper end of travel slowly to test limit
switch
– If overhead type operate trolley & bridge travel
– Observe drift after power release to determine
brake adjustment
CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
Saudi Aramco Crane GI - 7.028
(SA GI 7.028)
• Rated load capacities
shall be conspicuously
posted.

• Warnings visible to
operator while he is at
his control station.

Ref: GI 7.028, Para. 7.33

 CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
(SA GI 7.028)
• A designated signalman shall be
used at all times during the
lifting, moving, and setting of a
load.

• Only one designated signalman

shall give signals to the crane
operator.

• The designated signalman and

crane operator shall verify that
they are familiar with the same
set of hand signals
CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES.
Saudi Aramco Crane GI - 7.028
(SA GI 7.028)
• Operators shall inspect all machinery
and equipment:
– prior to each use, and
– during use,
• Any deficiencies shall be repaired, or
defective parts replaced,
before continued use.

Ref: SA GI 7.028, Para 7.17

 INSPECTION AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS
FOR ELEVATING/LIFTING EQUIPMENT (SA GI 7.030)

• Inspection and Testing Requirements shall be

per SA GI 7.030
• Mobile cranes shall receive a periodic inspection
every ninety (90) days or as determined by the
Inspection Department
 Daily Inspections
– Operation of crane, controls, movement
– Visual inspection of all lines for leaks
– Check limit switch
– Check brakes for coasting
– Twisted, broken, kinked wire rope
– Deformed, stretched, or cracked hooks
– Observe correct spooling
– Check keepers

Documented on: Saudi Aramco form 9466 or crane manufacturer’s

daily inspection checklist & retained for 3 months
 CMAA Recommended
Inspection Schedule
Class Description Typical Schedule
A Standby or infrequent service Annually
B Light service - 2-5 lifts hr. Annually
C Moderate service - 50% capacity, 5-10 lifts hr. Annually
D Heavy service - 50% capacity, 10-20 lifts hr. Semiannually
E Severe service - Near capacity, 20+ lifts hr. Quarterly
F Continuous severe service - Near capacity Bi-monthly
and continuous service throughout day
BASICS OF CRANE SAFETY

ALWAYS CHECK LOAD RATING

 ASME B-30.5
• Wire rope shall be taken out of service when any
of the following conditions exist:
– In running ropes, six randomly distributed broken wires in
one lay or three broken wires in one strand in one lay;
RIGGING HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
(SA GI 7.029) IPT Crane and Rigging Handbook

• Wire rope shall be taken out of service when any

of the following conditions exist:
– Wear of one-third the diameter of outside individual
wires.
– Kinking,
– Crushing,
– Bird caging,

– or any other damage resulting in distortion of the

rope structure
 RIGGING HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
(GI 7.029) ASME B-30.5
• GI 7.028 Para 5.16: Defective or damaged rigging hardware, or
rigging hardware that does not comply with Saudi Aramco
requirements, shall be immediately removed from service and
shall be destroyed to prevent further use
• In standing ropes, more than two broken wires in one lay in
sections beyond end connections or more than one broken
wire at an end connection.
• Wire rope safety factors in accordance
with American National Standards
Institute B 30.5-1968 or SAE J959-1966.
 Crane Warning Signs
• All crane lifts (standard and critical) require properly licensed and
Saudi Aramco Certified operators (Refer to GI 7.025).

• The crane operator shall have the final decision on any crane lift
that affects the safety of his crane..

• Never lift loads over people, warn personnel of approaching loads.

• Do not make side pulls, lift all loads vertically.

• Do not use limit switches as normal stopping devices

 Crane Warning Signs
• Do not operate equipment with damaged

• Position controls in off position, and open main line

switch when leaving crane.

• Do not remove obscure or deface this label,

 Cranes and Derricks.
• Moving parts or equipment Shall be guarded if
exposed to contact by employees, or otherwise
create a hazard.

Exposed chain
drive
 CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
(SA GI 7.028)
• GI 7.028, Para 7.10 - Accessible areas within the swing
radius of the rear of the rotating superstructure of the crane,
either permanently or temporarily mounted, shall be
barricaded in such a manner as to prevent an employee
from being struck or crushed by the crane.
 Cranes and Derricks.
• (a)(10) All exhaust pipes shall be guarded or insulated in
areas where contact by employees is possible in the
performance of normal duties.
 Cranes and Derricks.
• (a)(11) Whenever internal combustion engine
powered equipment exhausts in enclosed
spaces, tests shall be made and recorded
to see that employees are not exposed to
unsafe concentrations of toxic gases or
oxygen deficient atmospheres.
 Cranes and Derricks.
• (a)(12) All windows in cabs

shall be of safety glass, or

equivalent, that introduces
no visible distortion that will
interfere with the safe
operation of the machine.
 Cranes and Derricks.
• For rigging or service, ladder, or steps, provided to give
access to a cab roof.
• Guardrails, handholds, and steps provided for easy access
to the car and cab
• Platforms and walkways anti-skid surfaces.
CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
(SA GI 7.028)
• All cranes shall be fitted with the
following safety items:
– Fire extinguisher,
– Back-up alarm,
– Spark arrestor, 5BC
– If applicable, seat belts for
highway driving

SA GI 7.028 Para. 7.18

CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
(SA GI 7.028)
• When working less than 1.5 fully extended boom lengths from
energized power-lines, a designated signalman shall ensure
the minimum distances are maintained:
 CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
(SA GI 7.028)
Line Voltage Absolute Limit of Approach
• Up to 50,000 volts 3.0 meters/10 feet
• 50,000 to 250,000 volts 6.1 meters/20 feet
• Over 250,000 volts 7.6 meters/25 feet
(GI 7.028, Para 5.1.7)
 CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
(SA GI 7.028)
• Power Distribution Department concurrence shall be required on
all Critical Lift Plan forms for cranes whose booms, when calculated
at full extension and with attachments, could be operating within
10 meters (33 feet) or less of energized power-lines.
MOVING DRILLING RIGS, HIGH CLEARANCE EQUIPMENT /
LOADS, OR OPERATING CRANES UNDER OR NEAR
POWER-LINES (SA GI 2.702)
Equipment moving under energized power-lines shall maintain the
proper clearances shown below
LINE VOLTAGE (kV) ABSOLUTE LIMIT OF APPROACH
2.4, 4.16, 13.8 Kv 1.22 meters (4 feet)
34.5 Kv 1.53 meters (5 feet)
69 Kv 1.7 meters (5 feet 7 inches)
115 Kv 1.95 meters (6 feet 5 inches)
230 Kv 2.7 meters (8 feet 8 inches)
380 Kv 3.65 meters (12 feet)
 Energized Power Lines
• Any overhead power line shall be considered energized unless
the owner of the line or the electric utility company indicates
that it has been de-energized and it is visibly grounded
 CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
(SA GI 7.028)
• The Critical Lift Plan form also requires an additional signature
concurrence from the Power Distribution Department for any work
near energized power-lines.
• Maintaining safe clearance between the energized line and boomed
equipment as per SA GI Requirements
 Cranes and Derricks.
• (a)(19) All employees shall be kept clear
of loads about to be lifted and of
suspended loads.
 All jibs shall have positive stops to prevent their
movement of more than 5 deg above the straight line of the jib
and boom on conventional type crane booms. The use of cable
type belly slings does not constitute compliance with this rule.

Belly slings
 INSPECTION AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS
FOR ELEVATING/LIFTING EQUIPMENT
• Saudi Aramco Inspection Sticker: All cranes shall bear a valid Saudi Aramco
inspection sticker prior to use as outlined in G.I. 7.030.

• PERIODIC INSPECTION - A documented inspection carried out by a certified

inspector (Usually quarterly, semi-annually, annually, or, in the case of crawler
lattice boom cranes, after relocation or boom re-configuration).

• INSPECTION DEPARTMENT – The Saudi Aramco organization responsible for

approving contractor agencies to inspect and certify all elevating/lifting equipment
used within Saudi Aramco facilities, on Saudi Aramco jobsites outside of operating
facilities, or off Saudi Aramco property under a Saudi Aramco contract, and in
applicable Saudi Aramco domestic joint venture companies. Certified inspectors
include Inspection Department designees and/or all persons certified by the
Inspection Department.
 INSPECTION AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS
FOR ELEVATING/LIFTING EQUIPMENT

• Records of periodic inspections performed by a

certified inspector shall be maintained by the
user for two (2) years.
• Records of rejected elevating/lifting equipment
shall be maintained electronically by the
Inspection Department for three (3) years.
Crawler
 Cranes and Derricks.
• (c) Hammerhead tower cranes.
– Adequate clearance shall be maintained between
moving and rotating structures of the crane and
fixed objects to allow the passage of employees
without harm.
 Cranes and Derricks.
• (c) Hammerhead tower cranes.
– Buffers provided at both ends of travel of
the trolley.
– Cranes on tracks require
buffers at track ends
 Cranes and Derricks.
(d) Overhead and gantry cranes
• The rated load of the crane shall be
plainly marked on each side of the crane,
and if the crane has more than one
hoisting unit, each hoist shall have its
rated load marked on it or its load
block, and this marking shall be
clearly legible from the ground or floor.
 Cranes and Derricks.
(d) Overhead and gantry cranes
• Bridge trucks shall be equipped with sweeps which
extend below the top of the rail and project in front of the
truck wheels.
 Cranes and Derricks.
(d) Overhead and gantry cranes.
• Except for floor-operated cranes, a gong or other effective
audible warning signal shall be provided for each crane equipped
with a power traveling mechanism.
 Cranes and Derricks.
• (f) Floating cranes and derricks
• When a mobile crane is mounted on a barge, the rated
load of the crane shall not exceed the original capacity
specified by the manufacturer.
 CRANE SUSPENDED PERSONNEL PLATFORM
(MANBASKET) OPERATIONS (SA GI 7.027)
Use of a Man basket to hoist employees on a personnel platform is
to be a last resort & used only when the erection, use of conventional
means of reaching the worksite, such as a:
– personnel hoist,
– ladder,
– stairway,
– aerial lift,
– elevating work platform or scaffold, would be more
hazardous or is not possible because of structural
design or worksite conditions.

Hoisting of the personnel platform shall be performed in a slow,

controlled, cautious manner with no sudden movements of the crane
or derrick, or the platform.
CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
(SA GI 7.028)
• All cranes shall be leveled in accordance with
manufacturer’s specifications and shall be located on
a properly compacted foundation prior to performing
any lift.
• Removable float-pads on cranes shall be removed and
stowed prior to traveling the crane.
• The USER (Saudi Aramco proponent department) shall
advise the crane operator and the rigger of all
underground utilities in the area of the crane prior to
any lift
CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
B30.5 - 5-1.2
Crane to be standing on firm supporting surface
(SAwithin
level GI 7.028)
1% grade

Level within
1% of level
 B30.5 - Boom Hoist and Load Hoist Mechanisms
No less than three full wraps remain
on drum with boom point at ground level
(SAUDI ARAMCO IPT Crane & Rigging Handbook)

Boom hoist drum shall have sufficient rope capacity to operate boom at all positions from
horizontal to highest angle recommended (mfg. specs)
 INSPECTION AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS
FOR ELEVATING/LIFTING EQUIPMENT
• Instruments and components.
RATED CAPACITY [LOAD] LIMITER (RCL) - A device that automatically
monitors radius, load weight, and load rating and prevents
movement of a crane, which would result in an overload condition.

All cranes working for Saudi Aramco

with the exception of articulating boom
cranes (boom trucks), shall be
equipped with properly working Rated
Capacity [load] Limiters (RCLs) and
anti-two-block devices or two-block
damage prevention features for all
points of two-blocking (i.e., jibs,
extensions, etc.).
RIGGING HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
1926.550 - Cranes and derricks.
(SA GI 7.029)
– Approved, self-closing safety latches shall be used on all hooks
designed for safety latches..
– Alternatively, an alloy anchor type shackle with a bolt, nut and
retaining pin may be used.
– All hardware capable of 5 times maximum intended load
RIGGING HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
(SA GI 7.029)
• All wire rope slings shall be the Flemish eye type with swaged endings.
Fold back eyes for wire rope slings is prohibited.
• Aluminum is prohibited as a material for use as wire rope sling ferrules

• All rigging hardware shall meet the minimum design safety factor of 5:1
• Sling proof-load test certificates shall be properly filed by the USER.
• Slings shall be shortened, or otherwise adjusted, only by methods
approved by the sling manufacturer.
• Slings shall not be shortened or lengthened by knotting, by re-splicing,
or by wire rope clips.
 CRANE LIFTS: TYPES & PROCEDURES
(SA GI 7.028)

• Suitable knot-free and defect-free tag lines shall be used to control

suspended loads, except when their use may create a greater hazard.
• The crane operator shall not leave the controls at any time while a
load is attached.
• All outdoor cranes, crane suspended personnel platforms
(manbaskets), and elevating equipment (telescopic/hydraulic/scissor)
shall suspend operations during electrical storms and personnel shall
seek shelter until the danger has passed..
 CRANE SUSPENDED PERSONNEL PLATFORM
1926.550 - Cranes and derricks.
(MANBASKET) OPERATIONS (SA GI 7.027)
• A designated signalman shall be used at all times during manbasket operations.
• Only one designated signalman shall give signals to the crane operator.
• The type of communication to be used shall be determined prior to the lift by
the USER supervisor. He shall also provide a full explanation of hand signals to
be used, whether as primary or back-up communication.
• The designated signalman and crane operator shall
verify that they are familiar with the same set of hand
signals.
• The signalman shall wear a bright fluorescent vest for
easy identification. Radio communication is preferred,
especially in cases where signal relays are required.
 CRANE SUSPENDED PERSONNEL PLATFORM
(MANBASKET) OPERATIONS (SA GI 7.027)
• Each worker inside the suspended manbasket shall wear an
approved full-body harness and approved safety lanyard
attached to designated locations on the manbasket.
 CRANE SUSPENDED PERSONNEL PLATFORM
(MANBASKET) OPERATIONS (SA GI 7.027)
• Prior to the actual lift, the Rigger-I or Rigger-II in charge of the lift
shall make a trial lift to ensure the crane is positioned properly to
avoid excessive up and down boom movement (and telescoping of
intermediate boom sections with hydraulic cranes) and to verify
proper rigging.
• The trial lift shall start at ground level, or at the location where
employees will enter the manbasket, and proceed to each location
where the manbasket is to be hoisted and positioned.
• The trial lift shall be performed immediately prior to placing
personnel in the manbasket.
• Any repositioning of the crane shall require a new trial lift.
SA GI 7.027 CRANE SUSPENDED PERSONNEL PLATFORM
1926.550
(MANBASKET) - Cranes and derricks.
OPERATIONS

• The Rigger-I or Rigger-II shall be physically present

and in charge of the operation.
• He shall be responsible for explaining the duties
of all involved personnel during the mandatory
pre-lift safety meeting.