It all depends on what market the crane is manufactured for, (i.e.; Asian, European, U.S., etc.) Generally speaking, most cranes manufactured for the Asian market do not meet ANSI and other specifications required for certification in the U.S. A couple of examples, boom components made with steel that is lighter, and may have less tensile strength than required in the US, free fall hydraulic winches without adequate braking systems, diesel engines that do not meet EPA requirements, etc.

There are probably quite a few other manufacturing differences also that I am not aware of as I am not an expert on this subject, but the ones I've listed have come from factory representitives that I have questioned on this particular subject. There is reason to be concerned about buying a "gray market" crane, as most manufacturers will not stand behind these units in any way. (i.e.; parts, service, or support) Believe me, I've been through it and know other people that have been also! Just remember the old adage "You get what you pay for", because many of these cranes now being imported are priced substantially lower than units made for the US market, and there is a reason for it. Buyer Beware! Good Luck!

A subcontractor had a crawler crane holding a 70-foot long rebar cage in place in a 6-foot wide steel cylindrical form buried in the riverbank. The top of the crane was about 150 feet up, somewhat taller than any of the trees in the area. Three workers were standing on the ground, holding onto either the steel form, the rebar cage, or the crane main line as they guided the hose of the concrete pumper during the pour, which lasted for an hour or so.

A lightning storm began (a rarity here in the Northwest), with lightning strikes every few minutes, mostly at a distance of about 6 miles (33 seconds between lightning and thunder). After a lull in the storm, there were suddenly two lightning strikes within 3000 feet (less than 3 seconds between lightning and thunder). The Weather Service said this storm had thunderheads to over 40,000 feet altitude (exceptionally high for this area).

Based on my experience in high-lead logging, where I knew of chokersetters being struck by lightning in very similar circumstances, I advised the foreman that he should pull the workers away from where they were for 5 or 10 minutes for the storm to pass, but he refused, saying they had to make a continuous pour. I'm trying to decide what advice to give to the subcontractor's safety department about how to handle future incidents like this.

1. Are there any safety guidelines for situations like this? (I haven't been able to find anything through my state agency or OSHA, though I may not have asked the right people yet---your group would seem to be the right specialists). I've been told the crane operator, inside the metal cab of the grounded crane, wouldn't be at much risk, but it's the workers on the ground with their hands on that 150-foot lightning rod and 70-foot deep ground rod that I'm worried about.

2. Does anyone know of any reported accidents in situations similar to this? The logging accident I mentioned was similar, but I'd like to know of anyone else's experience or documented cases.

January 2, 2000 reply to above article
Dear sir,

I can only tell you that if I had been a part of that crew -with my hands on a lightning rod- I would have appreciated your concern. What isn't mentioned here is the reaction of the men to the situation. Safety is in the hands of those that are at risk. It has been my experience ( I am an Ironworker in Local #1, Chicago) that the best way to not get hurt is to analyze the conditions at hand and then take the safest path forward. We too often seek surety in methodology that may ignore the reality of what is before us.

What further proof would you need to avoid such a situation again. Those men should have seen the lightning and told that foreman that they would be back when it wasn't. A little "attitude" so to speak, goes along way. If you are looking for our government agencies to provide safe working environments you'll be looking forever. You certainly have all the experience you need to make these decisions. Since it sounds to me like you are a conscientious person then you are fully qualified to make these decisions and need no further input.

Be careful and keep caring. It will work out all right.

Sincerely,
Emmett W. Walsh.

---

April 13, 2000: My name is <deleted> and I am the Training Manager of the <deleted company name> a civil construction company in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. We know all about lightning here in Queensland, being in the tropics.

I can assure you that, that situation would not have been tolerated in this state, we pull people out of the field when there is an electrical storm in the vicinity. As well, we have a Government Dept. called DETIR.Department of Employment, Training and Industrial Relations, who control safety issues in this country.

We are covered by the Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Act, which is a very powerful piece of legislation. The supervisor who was in control of that pour would have been severely hauled over the coals by his superior in an event such as that, as well as leaving himself exposed to a fine by the DETIR inspector, who would have acted on any information of his irresponsibility. In the meantime, keep upholding your principals for safety in the workplace.

December 9, 2001: Jeff:
I'm not sure how the axe falls down there, but up here the operator is ultimately responsible for any incident or accident his crane is involved in.

That leaves in our hands, along with the responsibility of safely operating the crane, the additional pressure of deciding whether or not to shut things down in a potentially dangerous situation.

If we do shut it down, then we're the bad guy. We'll never be able to conclusively prove that anything would happen because accidents don't happen at work if there's no work being performed. If we don't shut it down and something does happen, then we're the bad guy because someone just got hurt or killed. We can't win.

Crane operators look up for a living. The rest of the men in danger on that bridge job would likely never know what hit them as they would be too busy doing their jobs.

I, and all crane operators I know, are always on the lookout for potential dangers to the men we work with. We have a unique vantage point, and I can tell you I have had to yell out the door MANY times at guys who had their heads buried in their work and were about to walk into trouble of one kind or another.

The fact that the foreman didn't shut things down on your say-so as an occupational safety representative really surprises me. I know decisions like that are really expensive, but what's a life worth? Worth risking for wasted concrete? Occupational Health and Safety (O.H.and S.) as we call it up here says "stop" and everything comes to a halt, from what I've seen, anyway.

The best advice I can offer you would be to talk to the crane operator in that situation. If it was me in that cab, I know I would have been mulling over the decision to "shut 'er downv before you had ever arrived. If you had climbed up to feel me out on how I felt about potential lightning strikes, that would have been all the excuse I needed to pull the plug.

I'll tell you of my one experience with lightning:

We were putting up a 250 foot tall flare stack at a small refinery using two cranes; one to lift the stack sections and one to hoist the two men in a basket to bolt the pieces together in the air. The bigger crane had close to 300 feet of boom and the crane lifting the basket had only about 220 feet or so as the last connection would be at the bottom of the top section of stack; approximately 200 feet above ground.

This refinery had 4 other flare stacks; two the same as the one we were putting up and two 50 feet taller. All the stacks were within 150 yards, or so, of one another.

For man power, we had two riggers to go in the basket for bolting up and five (yes 5) journeyman (licensed) cranes operators; our supervisor was a crane operator, each crane had an operator, and each crane had a helper/signalman who happened to be operators. I was one of the signalman that day, spelling off one or the other of the operators when they got sore necks from looking straight up too long.

We got the base of the stack planted and guyed off, and were in the process of making the connection of the next section above it when I happened to notice dark clouds moving in from the South-South-West, the direction from which all things come, weather-wise, out here. There was lots of sitting or standing around while the guys in the air were tightening bolts, providing me and the other operators the opportunity to discuss those clouds. They were coming fast and we could see lightning in them.

When the connecting was done the two operators actually responsible for the cranes that day decided that we would shut things down right now, and proceeded to shorten up their booms and make the cranes as safe as they could for the approaching storm. I noticed that everyone, including myself, was uneasy about the approaching weather and we unanimously, and quickly, agreed with that choice. Relief was evident in every face, I know I was happy to be getting away from there.

The shorter crane simply fully retracted his boom and then lowered it until it was parellel to the ground, making the highest point on the crane around 12 feet above the ground.

The longer crane didn't have it that easy. He was equipped with a luffing jib. In case you're unaware of just what that is, I'll try to explain it. Bear with me.

Pretend you're about to arm-wrestle with someone. Put your elbow on the table in front of you, with your hand pointing straight up and in line with your arm. Your arm from elbow to wrist represents the MAIN BOOM of the crane. From your wrist to the tips of your stiff fingers is the LUFFING JIB. Without moving your arm, bend your hand down as if waving to someone off to the side. You just 'boomed down' the luffing jib. In Europe 'luffing' means 'booming' or changing the angle of the boom to the ground.

Anyway, with a luffing jib, it's quite a procedure to get the thing in the air before actually lifting anything. Getting it back on the ground is just as involved.

The operators decided that with all the tall flare stacks around, that it was highly unlikely the cranes would be struck as long as they were substantially lower. So the operator of the bigger crane went through most of the procedure to get the jib down, but not all. It left the crane in the form of a big letter "V" upside-down. Or an "Av without the horizontal joiner. The two bottom points were the tip of the jib resting on the ground and the base of the main boom attached to the crane. The highest point above ground was the point at which the jib was pinned to the end of the main boom. That point was about 50 to 60 feet above the ground.

Everyone hopped in the crew truck for the drive to town, an hour away.

Ten minutes down the road, we turned back. Why? The operator of the larger crane had been thinking about it, and was getting more uneasy by the minute about leaving his crane in it's semi-erected state. Being crane operators, we understood instantly; it was unlikely he would be able to sleep that night as his mind would be filled with images of every operator's worst nightmare. Back we went.

I stayed in the truck, as there wasn't anything for me to do, anyway. Both men who had been operating that day went to the larger crane and layed it down flat. Before they climbed up to the operating cab, I saw them hunt around for a piece of rebar and then prop it against the crane's outrigger beam. I figured they wanted to provide a path for the potential juice to flow other than the 100,000 dollar computer that would paralyze the crane if it was damaged.

They came back to the truck and told us that when they touched the crane to climb up on it, they both received a strong electrical shock! They propped the rebar against it to discharge the crane so they could safely get up on it!

From what I know about such things, that crane was probably building up a charge, and when it got high enough, lightning would strike. I also know that because that crane was sitting on 1 foot thick, relatively dry wooden pads, it had a different voltage potential than the ground those men were standing on. Dry wood doesn't conduct well. A difference in voltage potential is a shock waiting to happen. Those men are fortunate that the difference wasn't great enough to stop their hearts. I could have been witness to the death of two friends, instead of witness to some peculiar behaviour that was eventually explained by an eye opening story.

Keep in mind that there was half that stack, approximately 120 feet, standing not 70 feet away. It should have been the lightening rod. Just like the weather, lightning is not very predictable.

I'll never forget that as long as I live, and I hope to never have another 'interesting' lightning story to tell.

You have a unique vantage point. Your only agenda is that everyone go home safely after the day is done. If you can help make that happen by stepping on some toes, then do it. I, and most every other respectable human being will appreciate and respect you for it. Keep your eyes open and keep up the good work.

Hope this is helpful in some way.

08/30/02
Hi Jeff.
I have been a crane operator for twenty five years. I have been hit by lightening two times while still in the seat. On each occasion we were in a so called "can't stop" operation. I thank God no one was hurt and I felt no effects whatever myself, but there was cable damage and damage done to other material near the crane on both occasions.

Today I set my own guide lines. Five miles and I stop all operation of the crane and advise all personal to stay clear of the crane and any attachments.

I would also like to know more about lightening and its effects on a crane on barges. If OSHA has guide lines on lightening and cranes I would like to read them.

Curtis M. Stebbins

I would like to know if there is any rescue procedure to rescue the operator of a tower crane?
I am a code enforcement officer with the Boston Fire Dept. We have several tower cranes in use on the Big Dig project. I cannot seem to get a reasonable answer. Any Info would be helpful.
Respond to: OperationRescue@CraneAccidents.com

I know a certain operator that is well known for sliding down the power cord to get to the ground fast. Although this doesn't sound like a safe practice, it's good to know there is an escape route if ever one is needed. Before everyone starts bad-mouthing this practice, think about if it were you up there and a tornado or fire came up quickly how do you get down? I'm not saying our operators are allowed or encouraged to do this, but if a situation like what happened in Utah today (tornado took down a towercrane) I would suggest any way of getting to a safe place. I am a tower crane operator and I darn sure would do whatever it took to get away from a fire or anything so I can live to see another day.
Thanks..........T.L.

In reference to rescuing an operator from a tower crane. There is no standard procedure. Most tower's have an auxiliary wench on the tail end (for replacing motors etc.). Other than that, there's plenty of places for you guys to rig a line & pulley to. IT'S LONELY AT THE TOP !!!!

TERRY M.

Tower Crane Info Needed: Hello Mr. Peeks. Do you have any data/statistics concerning tower crane accidents vs. mobile crane accidents? Do tower cranes have lower accident rate? Also, I need info. on the tower crane counterweights. Do counterweights ever fall off?

I am a safety officer in a transit agency and there are 4 tower cranes stationed near our heavy rail tracks and a train station. These tower cranes have to weather vane and I am concerned about their reliability. I appreciate any help.

7/24/99 Responder: I am a tower crane operator and have been for about 4 years. Although I have been a crane operator for 9 years. I have only heard of one death involved with a tower crane and it was the operator himself. The crane collapsed due to poor anchoring job by the concrete contractor. I have to weather-vain at winds of about 40 miles an hour. The crane goes on auto weather-vain at 45mph. I have sat in mine for hours in winds up to 47-50 mph. It's spooky yes but once your accustomed to the feel of the crane it's a normal thing. As for the counterweights coming off or falling, They are very secure on my crane.(PEINER315) 140 tower 229 Jib. Most all tower cranes counterweights are secure as well and put thru some very stringent testing before getting approved for use in the states. I hope this helps. Michael L. Houston Tx.

6/9/99 Responder:

As a tower crane operator (22 years) I have never heard of counter weights falling-off. The majority of tower crane failures happen during erection, jacking/raising, and dismantling (approx. 85% of the time). Structural failure and operator error are a small percentage. However, tower cranes very seldom fall out of the sky,and they are the safest of all cranes!!!!! (when operated by a professional). Find out if the operators are CERTIFIED by the CCO, and if not ask WHY-NOT!!!!!!!
TERRY M.

3/29/00: 1981 - Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Pecco PC-2000 with steel framed concrete weights were not secured and could swing. The metal fatigued and caused one 6,000 lb. counter weight to fall 120 feet causing great damage but no injuries. Tie off your counter weights so they do not move.

5/3/99: I have someone looking for information about several different crane accidents that recently happened in Southwest Florida. If you can help, please let me know a few specifics. Send e-mail to: SWFL@craneaccidents.com

Dear Doyle: While doing research on crane accidents, I came upon your very informative website. I am a paralegal at a lawfirm in Monroe, Louisiana, and am working on a case involving one of our clients who fell off a 40ft overhead crane while crossing over the tugger/tow arm, which broke lose from two bolts that secured it to the trolley. The name "tow/tugger arm" may not be an industry designation . The tow/tugger arm, attached to the trolley, pulls/pushes the electrical wiring hanging from a festoon track, as the trolley moves from one end to the other on tracks located on two long I-beams.

The tow/tugger arm has been found to be inappropriately attached to the trolley and the two bolts securing the tow/tugger arm to the trolley fractured from intermittent binding of the trolley wheels in the festoon track that transported the electrical wiring.

Any information -- be that applicable laws, industry standards, similar cases, other industry methods of attaching the end of the electrical wires to the trolley, etc. -- you could send my way would be greatly appreciated.

Tow arm attachment - Overhead cranes
Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 21:52:47 -0400
To: trollyhelp@craneaccidents.com

Although I know of no specific criteria for design or attachment for festooned conductor tow arms (most commonly used as conductors between the bridge and trolley equipment, less often as the "power supplyv or runway conductors), general can be found in the Crane Manufacturer's Association of America's Specifications #70 and #74.

Dan

4/14/99: I am interested in any publication or guideline that addresses the responsibilities of a crane operator during high winds and examination of the site for a potential "lay down" area. OSHA and ANSI only indicate to consult with the operator's manual. ANSI indirectly talks about weather reports when the crane is to be left unattended, as during a week-end. Anybody have anything else?

5/24/99: I have experience operating cranes for wind generating power plants, so therefore I feel I am an expert on this subject. I have operated crane in some of the windiest places in the country including Altomont Pass, Palm Springs, West Texas, and South Western Minnesota.
All Cranes should be equipped with crane operator manuals provided by the crane manufacturer. In all manuals I have read there has been warnings against operating that specific piece of equipment at or above 40 mph.
Now we all know what looks and sounds good on paper and then there's the real world. This is where experience and common sense should take over. Unfortunately common sense isn't so common.
A crane left unattended for a weekend or any length of time should be properly locked down, house brake set, and as much boom retracted as possible.
Be Safe.
John

5/2/99:
Barth Crane Inspections just placed a photo on his site of a damaged crane boom caused by wind.

4/30/99:
Doyle, according to Construction Safety Association of Ontario, Canada, a lattice boom crane can take 20 mph winds from the side plus full rated load plus a direct side load equal to 2% of the rated load, and up to 30mph winds without too much trouble.
As a union operator, we were told to always shut down between 30-35 mph. winds. According to CSA of Canada, when possible the crane boom should be laid down or if the area permits-allowed to weather vane freely @ a 60 degree radius. This info is general in context--the operator should consult the manufacturer's manual.
There is not a set rule by OSHA concerning wind. It is up to management and more importantly, the operator to determine when wind speed becomes unsafe. There will always be someone who will want an operator to push the limits-and when the accident happens, the only one there to blame is the operator. PROTECT YOUR OWN BUTT--NO ONE ELSE WILL!!. (Just say NO).

Doyle, I love your site!!!

Kim B

4/23/99

As a crane operator, the person whether he is on that piece of equipment for one day or one year, should be aware of that type of crane he is operating and "what the operators manual" says in regard to "high winds" and boom combinations.

Most equipment manufacturers state what their requirements are for these conditions. Sounds as if the person operating this machine was inexperienced and/or lacked the proper training on this machine. It would be unfair to say "He should have been aware of prospective weather conditions," especially in a refinery environment where situations and circumstances seem to always alter the case at hand.

No sig.

4/15/99

Doyle--Thanks for the quick response! I have a case involving the responsibilities of an operator which involved a large storm (black cloud) headed in his direction (crane blew over on top of a refinery). As I noted before the only thing that the standards have is rather loose. I was hoping maybe some of the training of crane operators or Operators Union addresses the drill for an operator when wind is eminent. This was a temporary operator (one day) who was not that familiar with the crane, which had 320 feet of stick. My buddies at CCIB in Orlando are also researching.

Thanks again for the quick response and I hope you will get some type of information.
Jim

Hi! I'm writing in the hope that you can provide me with a picture of the incident in November 1998 when a crane fell off a bridge, somewhere in South America, while trying to lift a bus out of water. If you have any information/pictures about this incident I would very much appreciate it. The picture would be used as a training aid in Crane Safety Courses/Dogging Courses. (I work for a not-for-profit registered training provider in Adelaide, South Australia.)

Your website is very interesting and does a good job at promoting safety awareness - well done.

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