Hazard Assessment
Safe Work Practices
This page refers to Doc. No. BP 01
Overview
To prevent accidents and maintain a safe work environment, it is important to identify and assess all hazards. A hazard assessment should be conducted before driving the crane onto a jobsite, or before the crane is set up if it is already on the jobsite.
Some examples of hazards to check for
- Power lines near lifting area: maintain the limits of approach as specified in Part 19 of the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Refer to Limits of Approach BP 03-1 for more information.
- Underground services: equipment set up near manholes, sewer and gas lines.
- Other equipment in lifting area: when other equipment has the reach to interfere with the movement of the crane or load being handled, each operator must have voice communication, and a written procedure must be implemented. See OHS 14.49.1 for more information.
- Pedestrians: pedestrians on sidewalks, or worksite personnel. See OHS 14.44 for more information.
- Weather conditions: heavy snow or rainfall, fog, ice, and wind.
- Traffic near work area: traffic on a nearby road or on the worksite.
- Obstructions: trees and buildings.
- Supporting surface for crane setup: the type of soil that the crane is sitting on will determine the size of outrigger pads required. Clay soil has a much lower bearing capacity than rock so larger outrigger pads will be required. Larger outrigger pads will also be required when working in areas that have been recently backfilled, as they may not be able to support the crane. If a crane is required to be set up on a suspended slab, it must be approved by an engineer. See OHS 14.69 for more information.
If a hazard is identified
- Report to supervisory personnel: hazards must be reported to supervisory personnel and the condition must be rectified before equipment operation commences.
- Signage: signage can be posted as a warning that a hazard exists, and barricading can be used to prevent entry to the work area. If work is being performed near a roadway, traffic control persons may be required.
- Notification to local utilities: notification is required when operating near utility lines or potential hazards.
- Assurance in writing: WorkSafeBC Form 30M33 must be signed by a representative of the owner of the power system if working closer than the minimum distances to power lines (section 19.25 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation).
Information in this document is considered accurate at the time of publication. Please contact BC Crane Safety – Publications Review with any questions or recommendations for content revision. Please refer to WorkSafeBC for current copies of the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR).
