Site Supervision

Site supervision has overall responsibility for the lift and therefore must plan all phases of the operation. This includes complete cooperation with the operator who has the final say regarding the safety of the operation.

Site supervision is also generally responsible for:

• Providing a well prepared working area for the crane before it arrives on the job. This will involve insuring that
• Access roads are adequately prepared
• There is room to erect and/or extend the boom.
• Blocking is or will be made available to support the boom while it is being assembled and dismantled.
• Operating locations are graded, level and compacted.
• Blocking is or will be made available for outrigger support.
• Operating locations are far enough away from shoring, excavations, trenches, buried utilities, foundations, etc. to eliminate risk of collapse.
• Operating locations are chosen so that the minimum clearances from power lines are maintained. If not, the power lines either must be shut down, relocated or specifically insulated by the utility.
• Ropes or barricades are positioned to prevent entry into the hazard areas around and especially behind the crane.
• Public access to lift area is prohibited and barricades are available. Where the crane is to be set up on a city street or public road, site supervision must ensure that full outrigger extension is possible. This may require obtaining approval to shut off one or more lanes of traffic.
• Supervising all work involving the crane
• Determining the correct load weight and radius and informing the operator (site supervision should know the maximum radius, load weight and lift height of each “pick” before operating the crane).
• Insuring that the rigging crew is experiences and competent. They must be capable of establishing weights; judging distances, heights and clearances; selecting tackle and lifting gear suitable for the loads; and rigging the load safely and securely.
• Supervising the rigging crew.
• Insuring that the load is properly rigged.
• Insuring that the signal persons are competent and capable of directing the crane and load to insure the safety and efficiency of the operation. Knowledge of international hand signals is a must.
• Designating signal persons and identifying them to the operator.
• Insuring the safety of the rigging crew and all other personnel affected by the rigging operation.
• Keeping the public and all non-essential personnel clean of the crane and load during operation.
• Controlling the movements of all personnel including the oiler within the area affected by the lift.
• Insuring that all required safety precautions are taken when the lift is in the vicinity of power lines.
• Insuring that all personnel involved in the operation understand their jobs, responsibilities, and the absolute necessity for 100% safety.