Installation of Airfield Safety Flags on a Crane Boom

Cranes can be safety hazards at an airport. The Federal Aviation Agency requires cranes that extend 200 feet and higher to have safety warning flags on the boom. Airfield safety flags required on crane booms are orange and white checkered, and must measure at least 3 feet by 3 feet. Barricade flags used to mark areas unsafe to enter, such as construction areas and air traffic areas, are solid orange. Solid orange flags are also required to mark construction vehicles and any obstructions that can cause a potential hazard at airports.

Things You'll Need

• Orange and white checkered safety flags
• Orange warning flags
• Heavy wire, if necessary
• Barricades

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine the height to which the crane boom will be raised. FAA regulation requires safety flags on crane booms raised over 200 feet from ground level.

• 2

  Provide one orange and white checkered safety flag that measures at least 3 feet by 3 feet, for every 50 feet the crane boom is raised. Use heavy flags that will remain extended so they are not obscured from view.

• 3

  Slip each grommet of the safety flag over a built-in hook on the crane boom. Push the grommet firmly onto the hook to prevent it from slipping off.

• 4

  Attach the safety flags until there is one placed every 50 feet along the length of the crane boom. Attach orange and white safety flags every 30 feet along the length of the cranes in the case of more than one crane in the work area. Check to be sure that all flags are clear of the moving parts of the boom.

• 5

  Place solid orange safety flags on the crane below the raised boom. Use at least one flag printed with the words "Boom Raised" in large, dark lettering.

• 6

  Attach a hook or piece of heavy wire onto each grommet of every orange flag. Hook or wire at least one flag on every side of the crane onto the built-in hooks on the crane. Make sure the signs are visible from all views on the ground. Place a "Boom Raised" flag at the front of the crane.

• 7

  Place warning barricades around the crane and the entire work area to prevent vehicles or pedestrian traffic from entering the danger area when cranes are being used.