How to Use Overhead Cranes for Fall Protection

The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration requires that employees use personal fall protection when working near unprotected falls of more than six feet, or 15 feet for construction or demolition. An overhead crane may provide a connection point for fall protection if certain requirements are met.

Things You'll Need

• Overhead crane
• Fall protection harness
• Lanyard

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Instructions

• 1

  Connect personal fall protection devices to overhead cranes when other attachment points are not available. Disconnect all power sources to the crane before attaching fall protection. Lock out and tag all crane controls to warn others that the crane is being used as a fall protection device. Position the crane hook or boom at a height that prevents employees from falling to the next lower level.

• 2

  Inspect all fall protection equipment before each use. Train all employees on safe use of personal fall protection. Fall protection devices must be used in most areas where a fall of six feet or greater can occur.

• 3

  Remove any other equipment or loads from the crane hook or boom while using the crane as a protection device. Do not hook protection devices to a crane hook if using the hook to move any load; use another attachment point.