Derricks, Hoists, Elevators, and Conveyors Safety

Derrick Safety

Types of Derricks

  • Guy Derricks: Supported by guy lines
  • Stiffleg Derricks: Supported by two rigid members
  • Gin Pole Derricks: Supported by guys or braces with no boom
  • Chicago Boom Derricks: Derrick with boom attached to a turntable
  • A-Frame Derricks: Self-supporting structure resembling letter "A"
  • Breast Derricks: Supporting boom attached at boom point

Installation Requirements

  • Secure anchorage for guy derricks
  • Proper foundation and support
  • Sufficient counterweights installed
  • Guy lines properly tensioned
  • Adequate clearance from power lines (minimum 10 feet)
  • Installation supervised by competent person
  • Inspection before initial use
  • Documentation of setup specifications

Operational Safety

  • Operator qualifications and training
  • Designated signal person
  • Load charts available and followed
  • Pre-lift planning
  • Communication system established
  • Clear operational area
  • No overhead work during lifting
  • Secured loads with proper rigging

Inspection Requirements

  • Daily visual inspection
  • Monthly documented inspection
  • Annual comprehensive inspection
  • Check guy lines for proper tension
  • Inspect wire rope and end connections
  • Verify brakes and locking devices
  • Check load indicators
  • Examine structural components for damage

Hoists Safety

Material Hoists

  • Enclosed on all sides except loading points
  • Gates at all landing levels
  • Overhead protection for operators
  • Proper foundation and stability
  • Limit switches for maximum travel
  • Proper counterweight installation
  • Proper electrical grounding
  • Warning signs posted

Personnel Hoists

  • Fully enclosed car and hoistway
  • Car doors with mechanical locks
  • Emergency stop device
  • Terminal limit switches
  • Daily inspection before use
  • Call system at each landing
  • Rated load capacity posted
  • Fire extinguisher in car

Operational Requirements

  • Competent person to supervise installation
  • Regular inspections (daily, weekly, monthly)
  • Load capacity limits posted and followed
  • Signal system established
  • No riding material hoists unless designed for personnel
  • Proper communication between floors
  • Clear loading and unloading areas
  • Lockout/tagout procedures for maintenance

Common Hoist Hazards

  • Overloading
  • Improper loading/unloading
  • Failures of hoisting equipment
  • Falls during loading/unloading
  • Objects falling from hoist
  • Electrical hazards
  • Structural failure
  • Improper maintenance

Elevator Safety (Temporary Use)

Installation Requirements

  • Proper foundation and support
  • Enclosed shaft and car
  • Car gates and hoistway doors
  • Terminal limit switches
  • Call system at each landing
  • Emergency stop system
  • Proper electrical installation
  • Compliance with ANSI A10.4

Operational Safety

  • Qualified operator
  • Daily inspection before use
  • Capacity limits posted and followed
  • Proper loading procedures
  • Emergency evacuation plan
  • Regular maintenance
  • Proper startup and shutdown procedures
  • Weather condition considerations

Inspection Requirements

  • Daily visual inspection
  • Weekly operational test
  • Monthly documented inspection
  • Quarterly load test
  • Check all safety devices
  • Test braking systems
  • Inspect wire rope and connections
  • Verify signal systems function

Use During Construction

  • Phased conversion plan for permanent elevators
  • Protection of equipment during construction
  • Proper training for operators
  • Coordination with elevator contractors
  • Clear access to elevator areas
  • Protection from falling objects
  • Controlled access to machine rooms
  • Proper signage for temporary use

Conveyor Safety

Types of Construction Conveyors

  • Belt Conveyors: Continuous moving belt
  • Roller Conveyors: Series of rollers for movement
  • Screw Conveyors: Rotating screw moves material
  • Bucket Conveyors: Series of buckets for vertical movement
  • Pneumatic Conveyors: Air pressure moves material
  • Vibrating Conveyors: Vibration moves material along trough
  • Chain Conveyors: Driven chains with attachments
  • Mobile Conveyors: Portable units that can be repositioned

Installation Requirements

  • Secure mounting and support
  • Proper electrical connections
  • Guarding at all pinch points
  • Emergency stop devices accessible along entire length
  • Proper tensions for belts and chains
  • Adequate clearance around equipment
  • Protection from weather if needed
  • Clearly marked controls

Operational Safety

  • Training for operators
  • No riding on conveyors
  • Keep hands away from moving parts
  • Proper loading procedures
  • Regular inspection during operation
  • Clear communication for startup
  • Lockout/tagout for clearing jams
  • Personal protective equipment

Guarding Requirements

  • Power transmission guards
  • Nip point protection
  • Return roller guards
  • Head and tail pulley guards
  • Emergency stop cords along length
  • Belt scrapers guarded
  • Warning signs at crossover points
  • Overhead protection as needed

Common Hazards and Controls

Mechanical Hazards

  • Entanglement: Guards on rotating parts
  • Crushing: Barriers around pinch points
  • Struck-by: Safe clearance from loads
  • Caught-in: Proper guarding and procedures
  • Shearing: Guards on moving parts
  • Drawing-in: Emergency stops and guards
  • Cutting: Proper PPE and guarding
  • Friction Burns: Guarding and PPE

Falling Object Hazards

  • Secured loads
  • Toe boards on elevated equipment
  • Netting where needed
  • Housekeeping to prevent loose material
  • Warning signs and barriers
  • Hard hat requirements
  • Regular inspection for loose parts
  • Limited access below elevated equipment

Electrical Hazards

  • Proper grounding
  • GFCI protection
  • Protection from weather
  • Regular inspection of cords and connectors
  • Lockout/tagout procedures
  • Qualified electrical work
  • Protection from overhead power lines
  • Proper disconnect means

Fall Hazards

  • Guardrails at elevated work areas
  • Fall protection when working at heights
  • Safe access to maintenance points
  • Proper work platforms
  • Non-slip surfaces
  • Clear walkways
  • Proper lighting
  • Warning signs at drop-offs

Inspection and Maintenance

Daily Inspection Points

  • Visual check of critical components
  • Function test of emergency stops
  • Check for loose or missing guards
  • Inspect wire rope or chains
  • Test brakes and limits
  • Check load indicators
  • Verify signal systems
  • Document inspection results

Maintenance Requirements

  • Follow manufacturer's schedule
  • Qualified maintenance personnel
  • Lockout/tagout procedures
  • Replacement parts meet specifications
  • Documentation of all maintenance
  • Testing after repairs
  • Regular lubrication
  • Adjustments to maintain proper operation

Common Maintenance Issues

  • Worn sheaves and pulleys
  • Frayed wire rope
  • Loose fasteners
  • Misaligned tracks or rails
  • Worn brake components
  • Electrical contact problems
  • Bearing failures
  • Control system malfunctions

Documentation Requirements

  • Installation certification
  • Operator qualifications
  • Daily inspection logs
  • Maintenance records
  • Load test certificates
  • Repair history
  • Modification approvals
  • Annual inspection reports

Training Requirements

Operator Training

  • Equipment-specific operation
  • Hazard recognition
  • Inspection requirements
  • Emergency procedures
  • Load capacities and limitations
  • Communication protocols
  • Startup and shutdown procedures
  • Troubleshooting common issues

Maintenance Personnel Training

  • Mechanical systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Lockout/tagout procedures
  • Manufacturer's specifications
  • Testing procedures
  • Documentation requirements
  • Parts replacement
  • Safety precautions

General Worker Training

  • Awareness of hazards
  • No unauthorized operation
  • Reporting problems
  • Emergency stop locations
  • Safe loading/unloading procedures
  • Communication with operators
  • Crossing procedures
  • Warning signs and signals

Emergency Procedures

Equipment Failure

  • Immediate shutdown
  • Notification of supervisor
  • Securing area
  • Assessment of situation
  • Implementation of rescue plan if needed
  • Documentation of incident
  • Investigation before resuming operation
  • Corrective action implementation

Power Failure

  • Emergency lowering procedures
  • Backup power systems
  • Manual operation procedures
  • Communication plan
  • Evacuation plan
  • Securing loads in place
  • System restart procedures
  • Testing after power restoration

Rescue Procedures

  • Personnel extraction plan
  • Equipment for rescue operations
  • Trained rescue personnel
  • First aid provisions
  • Emergency contact information
  • Practice drills
  • Coordination with emergency services
  • Documentation and review of incidents

Specialized Equipment Considerations

Material and Personnel Hoists

  • Different standards and requirements
  • Personnel hoists require additional safety features
  • Regular load testing
  • Weather condition limitations
  • Communication requirements
  • Qualification of operators
  • Documentation requirements
  • Emergency evacuation plans

Temporary Elevators

  • Coordination with elevator contractors
  • Phased installation plan
  • Conversion to permanent use
  • Protection during construction
  • Specialized maintenance
  • Testing requirements
  • Operator qualification
  • Limited access control

Concrete Placing Equipment

  • Boom inspections
  • Pipeline pressure testing
  • Cleanout procedures
  • Counterweight requirements
  • Outrigger placement
  • Communication with pump operator
  • Blockage clearing procedures
  • End hose management

Masonry and Scaffold Hoists

  • Platform security
  • Gate interlocks
  • Load distribution
  • Wind limitations
  • Tie-in requirements
  • Overhead protection
  • Loading zone protection
  • Signal systems

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