Job Safety Analysis: Shop Crane and Hoist Operation

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work area Cluttered floors, poor lighting, trip hazards, people walking underneath load path Clear work area; ensure adequate lighting; mark exclusion zone; remove unnecessary personnel
Inspect crane, hoist, and lifting gear Frayed slings, damaged hooks, worn chains, malfunctioning controls Perform pre use inspection; check slings, hooks, safety latches, trolleys, and controls; tag out defective equipment
Don required PPE Falling objects, pinch points, dropped tools Wear safety glasses, gloves, and steel toe boots before starting lifting operations
Check load weight and center of gravity Overloading crane, unstable load, tipping Verify crane capacity; identify center of gravity; choose appropriate sling configuration; never exceed rated load
Attach slings or lifting devices Pinched fingers, improper rigging, sling slip Use proper sling angles; keep hands clear of pinch points; ensure hooks are fully latched; avoid twists or knots
Test lift before raising load fully Sudden load shift, sling failure Lift load slightly off ground to test balance and rigging integrity; lower immediately if any movement appears unstable
Lift and move load Load swinging, overhead hazards, contact with workers Raise load slowly; avoid sudden movements; keep load as low as practical while traveling; maintain exclusion zone
Operate trolley or overhead rails Load drifting, collisions with objects or tools Move load slowly along track; ensure path is clear; communicate intentions with hand signals or verbal cues
Guide load into position Hand injuries, crush hazards, sudden load shift Use tag lines to guide heavy loads; keep hands away from pinch points; maintain communication with operator
Lower load Crushing hazards, uncontrolled movement Lower load slowly and steadily; ensure landing spot is stable and clear; verify personnel are clear of drop zone
Remove rigging and secure load Pinch points, sling snap back, tripping hazards Remove slings carefully; store slings properly; coil chains or straps; inspect for damage after use
Inspect equipment after use Missed damage, unsafe gear left in service Check slings, hooks, and hoist components for wear; report damage; tag out unsafe items
Clean work area Trip hazards, leftover hardware, oil or grease Put tools away; sweep floors; remove debris; ensure walkways are clear

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hard hat (if overhead loads are present)

  • Safety glasses

  • Steel toe boots

  • Cut resistant gloves

  • High visibility vest if working in a shared shop space

  • Long pants and long sleeves

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: General Maintenance and Shop Operations

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

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Job Safety Analysis
Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess work area Cluttered floors, poor lighting, trip hazards, people walking underneath load path Clear work area; ensure adequate lighting; mark exclusion zone; remove unnecessary personnel
Inspect crane, hoist, and lifting gear Frayed slings, damaged hooks, worn chains, malfunctioning controls Perform pre use inspection; check slings, hooks, safety latches, trolleys, and controls; tag out defective equipment
Don required PPE Falling objects, pinch points, dropped tools Wear safety glasses, gloves, and steel toe boots before starting lifting operations
Check load weight and center of gravity Overloading crane, unstable load, tipping Verify crane capacity; identify center of gravity; choose appropriate sling configuration; never exceed rated load
Attach slings or lifting devices Pinched fingers, improper rigging, sling slip Use proper sling angles; keep hands clear of pinch points; ensure hooks are fully latched; avoid twists or knots
Test lift before raising load fully Sudden load shift, sling failure Lift load slightly off ground to test balance and rigging integrity; lower immediately if any movement appears unstable
Lift and move load Load swinging, overhead hazards, contact with workers Raise load slowly; avoid sudden movements; keep load as low as practical while traveling; maintain exclusion zone
Operate trolley or overhead rails Load drifting, collisions with objects or tools Move load slowly along track; ensure path is clear; communicate intentions with hand signals or verbal cues
Guide load into position Hand injuries, crush hazards, sudden load shift Use tag lines to guide heavy loads; keep hands away from pinch points; maintain communication with operator
Lower load Crushing hazards, uncontrolled movement Lower load slowly and steadily; ensure landing spot is stable and clear; verify personnel are clear of drop zone
Remove rigging and secure load Pinch points, sling snap back, tripping hazards Remove slings carefully; store slings properly; coil chains or straps; inspect for damage after use
Inspect equipment after use Missed damage, unsafe gear left in service Check slings, hooks, and hoist components for wear; report damage; tag out unsafe items
Clean work area Trip hazards, leftover hardware, oil or grease Put tools away; sweep floors; remove debris; ensure walkways are clear
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment