National Institute of Standards and Technology

Date: June 18, 1997

Memorandum for Scientific and Technical Staff

From: John Barker, Pat Gallagher, George Baltic, ??

Subject: Proper Use of the Crane

The cranes in C100 and the Guide hall currently are used with minimal training required. This ease of use policy makes setup of cryostats and other equipment quite convenient. But recently, several cases of misuse of the crane and its equipment have been noticed. Below are listed common cases of abuse:

Problem: Swinging of a load

Remedy:
Change the speed of the crane gradually, or use slower speed settings. For lighter loads, move a chest height, whereby the load can be easily restabilized by hand.

Problem: Leaving hook at Ground Level

Remedy:
The hook should always be raised completely after each job. Otherwise someone else could carelessly move the crane and hook some valuable equipment. Such an event damaged equipment related to the cold source operation.

Problem: Leaving the Control Box in the Radiation Area

Remedy:
The control box (Guide Hall) should always be returned to its resting place near the northeast exit. If taking a short break from a lifting job, the box can be left near the (raised) hook position, so others may easily locate. The box should never be left in a radiation area.

Problem: Improper use of Lifting Equipment

Remedy:
Proper size and number of straps and clevises should be used for the size of load and to achieve correct lifting angle of straps. Protective sleeves should be used to protect lifting straps from being cut on any sharp edges. Equipment should be securely fastened such that a shift of load does not cause an item to fall.

Problem: Standing under a Load

Remedy:
Straps are known to occasionally snap without warning, or a load my shift, causing a misplaced wrench to fall, etc. The crane operator should never lift any object over the top of any other individual (including themself).

If we are able to keep this liberal use policy of the crane in effect, we need better diligence on the part of all the staff to maintain safe crane working practices. If you see a fellow employee doing something questionable, talk to them. For particular questionable occurrences, we will start revoking crane operation privileges until such person(s) are retrained on proper use of the crane.

Last modified 28-March-2002

Problem:	Swinging of a load
Remedy:	Change the speed of the crane gradually, or use slower speed settings. For lighter loads, move a chest height, whereby the load can be easily restabilized by hand.

Problem:	Leaving hook at Ground Level
Remedy:	The hook should always be raised completely after each job. Otherwise someone else could carelessly move the crane and hook some valuable equipment. Such an event damaged equipment related to the cold source operation.

Problem:	Leaving the Control Box in the Radiation Area
Remedy:	The control box (Guide Hall) should always be returned to its resting place near the northeast exit. If taking a short break from a lifting job, the box can be left near the (raised) hook position, so others may easily locate. The box should never be left in a radiation area.

Problem:	Improper use of Lifting Equipment
Remedy:	Proper size and number of straps and clevises should be used for the size of load and to achieve correct lifting angle of straps. Protective sleeves should be used to protect lifting straps from being cut on any sharp edges. Equipment should be securely fastened such that a shift of load does not cause an item to fall.

Problem:	Standing under a Load
Remedy:	Straps are known to occasionally snap without warning, or a load my shift, causing a misplaced wrench to fall, etc. The crane operator should never lift any object over the top of any other individual (including themself).