TRD/Civils/TBT-TRD-020
Crane Operator Safety and Duties
Trade-Specific Safety › Civils › Crane Operator Safety and Duties
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Crane Operator Safety and Duties
The crane operator is responsible for the safe operation of one of the most dangerous machines on a construction site. Their duties include carrying out pre-use inspections, following the lift plan, responding to signaller directions, monitoring wind speed and load indicators, and refusing to carry out any lift they consider unsafe. A competent crane operator must hold the relevant CPCS or equivalent category card. The operator's judgement and vigilance are the final line of defence against crane incidents.
Key Hazards
Crane overturn from exceeding the rated capacity at the operating radius
Dropped loads from incorrect rigging not visible to the operator from the cab
Contact with overhead power lines during boom extension and slewing
Two-blocking where the hook contacts the boom tip causing catastrophic failure
Control Measures
- Hold a current CPCS or equivalent competency card for the specific crane type and category.
- Complete a documented pre-use inspection of the crane at the start of every shift.
- Read and understand the lift plan before starting any lifting operation.
- Monitor the load moment indicator continuously and never override safety limit devices.
- Respond only to the appointed signaller's commands and stop if signals are unclear.
- Refuse to carry out any lift you believe to be unsafe regardless of programme pressure.
- Check for overhead power lines and obstructions before extending the boom in any direction.
- Monitor wind speed using the crane-mounted anemometer and stop lifting at the plan's wind limit.
- Maintain the cab in a clean and organised condition with no loose items that could interfere with controls.
Remember
- The crane operator is the final line of defence and must refuse any lift they consider unsafe.
- Pre-use inspections are the operator's personal responsibility before every shift without exception.
- Load moment indicators are safety devices that must never be overridden or ignored.
- Only respond to the appointed signaller — confusion over signals has caused fatal dropped load incidents.
- Overhead power lines must be checked before every boom movement and safe distances maintained.
- The right to refuse an unsafe lift is absolute and must be supported by every person on site.
Applicable Legislation: LOLER 1998 · PUWER 1998 · BS 7121 (Safe Use of Cranes) · CDM Regulations 2015
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