Some Cornell University
departments utilize overhead cranes and hoists to facilitate materials
handling. Contractors who use cranes on Cornell project sites may impact
emergency access, vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow. Though this
machinery facilitates our work, unsafe operators can put lives and
property at risk.
Operators of cranes and hoist must be aware of equipment limitations,
inspection requirements, proper rigging, and control functions. OSHA
mandates that operators receive training in these procedures, a service
provided by Cornell's Department of
Environmental
Health and Safety. If your department maintains a hoist or
crane, please contact EH&S to ensure your operators have been properly
trained.
Overhead Crane
Only trained personnel may operate the overhead crane in the LNS/CHESS
facility. When the crane is in use, and alarm sounds and lights flash
(The sound is similar to a backing alarm on a truck). Anyone entering
the area beneath the range of the overhead crane must wear a hard hat.
When you hear the crane in use, watch to see where the hoist is being
used and be sure you are not under or in the way of the load being
moved.
Forklifts
Forklifts operate on the experimental floors at CHESS. Be aware of where
forklifts are working and stay out of their paths. You may not operate a
forklift unless you have been trained according to OSHA standards.
Portable Ladders
Ladder safety begins with the selection of the proper ladder for the job
and includes inspection, setup, proper climbing and standing, proper
use, care and storage. In addition to the general safety rules for all
ladders there are special rules for using
stepladders and for single and extension ladders.
Fixed Ladders
There are fixed ladders located in various parts of CHESS. Fixed ladders
are permanently anchored to a wall, as a means of access to a work or
storage area. Be aware that it is not always safe to ascend fixed
ladders at CHESS because they can lead to areas above the radiation
shield walls. Always check with a CHESS Operator or with the Safety
Officer before ascending any of the fixed ladders to make sure
there is no radiation hazard.
When climbing fixed ladders follow the same basic rules as with portable
ladders. Never carry heavy or bulky loads up a ladder. Climb up yourself
first, and then pull up the material with a rope.
