Block C – Crane Set-up, Hoisting Calculations and Lift Planning

Trends

Standards for the competency level of assembly/disassembly crews are strengthening. Changing technology in crane construction such as control systems and structural design is changing how operators climb, erect and dismantle tower cranes. In some jurisdictions, tower crane operators have a greater role and responsibility in each of the above operations. Furthermore, the importance of planning lifts and reviewing the relevant safety documentation is also increasing.

Related Components

All components apply.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 6 Participates in tower crane assembly, disassembly and transportation.

Context

This task encompasses the assembly and disassembly of a tower crane. Tower crane operators have the competence to assist and coordinate with many other crew members to accomplish this task.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 major crane components such as mast, jib, counter jib, counterweights, hoist drums, ring gear, outrigger, hydraulic cylinders, ballast and trolley
• K 2 operating systems such as hydraulic, electrical and lubrication
• K 3 jurisdictional inspection and certification requirements, and documentation requirements such as professional engineered drawings and inspection documents
• K 4 components’ purpose such as that jib serves to extend radius and support load
• K 5 OH&S regulations, and company policies and procedures
• K 6 rigging practices and components
• K 7 working in conjunction with mobile crane
• K 8 manufacturers’ specifications for model of tower crane being erected, dismantled or relocated
• K 9 types of deficiencies in the equipment such as dents, cracks and leaking gear box
• K 10 applicable legislation such as appropriate class of driver’s licence, traffic laws, permits and use of flashing lights
• K 11 route and destination
• K 12 road conditions
• K 13 ground conditions for set-up
• K 14 site conditions and job specifications (lift requirements)

Sub-task - C-6.01 Participates in crane assembly.

Key Competencies

• C-6.01.01 coordinate roles and responsibilities with crew members for assembly according to site, job and manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.01.02 inspect base for matching to erection manual
• C-6.01.03 inspect structural components such as tower sections, turntable, apex, counter jib, jib, pendants, bolts and pins, and trolley for deficiencies such as cracks, welds, bends and dents
• C-6.01.04 erect structural components such as tower sections, turntable, apex, counter jib, jib, pendants, counterweights, ballast, bolts and pins, and trolley
• C-6.01.05 inspect sheaves and cables, and reeve cables
• C-6.01.06 check fluids, operating systems and other components as required by job specifications and manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.01.07 set limits according to manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.01.08 coordinate transport trucks and inspect loads for deficiencies

Sub-task - C-6.02 Participates in crane disassembly.

Key Competencies

• C-6.02.01 coordinate roles and responsibilities with crew members for disassembly according to site, job and manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.02.02 disable operating systems according to manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.02.03 unreeve cables
• C-6.02.04 dismantle structural components in sequence according to manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.02.05 coordinate transport trucks to haul components away from job-site

Sub-task - C-6.03 Transports self-erecting tower crane. (NOT COMMON CORE)

Key Competencies

• C-6.03.01 confirm route and location with crane owner or dispatcher
• C-6.03.02 secure crane by ensuring the locking pins and outriggers are in place
• C-6.03.03 move carrier mounted self-erecting crane on site and public roads according to jurisdictional regulations
• C-6.03.04 confirm job requirements and site conditions with site personnel

Sub-task - C-6.04 Participates in assembly and disassembly of self-erecting tower cranes. (NOT COMMON CORE)

Key Competencies

• C-6.04.01 verify ground conditions for set-up
• C-6.04.02 assess surroundings for obstructions and hazards
• C-6.04.03 set outriggers according to manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.04.04 ensure power supply and ground the crane
• C-6.04.05 erect crane according to manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.04.06 ensure crane is level using methods such as checking built-in level, and putting hand level on base and tower, and adjust as required
• C-6.04.07 dismantle crane according to manufacturers’ specifications
• C-6.04.08 secure crane for transport by ensuring the locking pins and outriggers are in place

Task 7 Plans lifts.

Context

Planning is required for every lift that a tower crane operator performs whether routine or specialty. This could mean a brief conversation with the rigger or a larger meeting with the entire crew and management.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 factors affecting the lift such as tail swing, load path and clearances
• K 2 roles and responsibilities of all persons involved with the lift
• K 3 factors that affect equipment stability such as ground and supporting conditions
• K 4 actual and potential hazards such as overhead utilities and guy wires, vehicular traffic and personnel
• K 5 rigging equipment and techniques
• K 6 material scheduling requirements to coordinate with ground personnel
• K 7 load charts and engineered drawings
• K 8 industry terminology
• K 9 radius, boom length, angle and gross capacity
• K 10 LMI system
• K 11 sources of load weight information such as bills of lading, stamped weights, engineered drawings and previous lift history
• K 12 formulas for conversion between imperial and metric systems
• K 13 basic geometry
• K 14 factors contributing to load weight such as ice, snow, crating and shifting liquids
• K 15 effects of weather
• K 16 manufacturers’ specifications and operating manual for model of crane being used
• K 17 jurisdictional regulations
• K 18 methods of measuring radius such as taking measurements and doing a dry run
• K 19 line pull and working load limit (WLL)
• K 20 boom deflection
• K 21 centre of gravity and attachment points
• K 22 specialty lifts such as engineered, multi-crane, personnel, center of gravity change, over high energized lines, and lifts where the length of a sling changes
• K 23 specialty lift form regulations according to CSA requirements

Sub-task - C-7.01 Interprets load charts.

Key Competencies

• C-7.01.01 set configuration of LMI according to job requirements
• C-7.01.02 select load chart based on crane configuration and lift requirements such as maximum radius and height
• C-7.01.03 define working radius based on weight of load
• C-7.01.04 calculate gross load and net capacity

Sub-task - C-7.02 Plans work procedures.

Key Competencies

• C-7.02.01 coordinate roles and responsibilities with crew members according to site, job and manufacturers’ specifications
• C-7.02.02 sequence activities according to job requirements and weather conditions
• C-7.02.03 ensure tasks are within working radius
• C-7.02.04 ensure rigging equipment required is available according to job requirements
• C-7.02.05 select crane configuration and attachments according to lift requirements

Sub-task - C-7.03 Prepares for specialty lifts.

Key Competencies

• C-7.03.01 determine weight, size, centre of gravity and shape of load
• C-7.03.02 determine maximum radius allowed according to load weight and load chart
• C-7.03.03 determine other components and equipment needed for lift according to lift requirements
• C-7.03.04 coordinate roles and responsibilities with crew members according to site, job and manufacturers’ specifications
• C-7.03.05 sequence activities according to lift requirements
• C-7.03.06 ensure specialty lift forms are completed according to CSA, jurisdictional and company requirements