Ship Breaking & Recycling Industry (SBRI) in Bangladesh

Crane Services One of the more hazardous operations in ship breaking is handling materials with cranes.33 Crane operations involve a complex relationship between the machine, the operator, the material being handled, the rigging and rigging gear that secures the material to the crane hook, the workers and obstructions in the area, and the ground surface or foundation of the crane. Failure, inadequate planning, or improper operation can have disastrous consequences. In 2005 alone, crane accidents.com34 reported 127 fatalities related to crane accidents.

Only workers who are properly trained and qualified may be assigned to operate cranes in support of ship breaking operations. Crane operators must know and understand signals used to control the crane and must be familiar with the operation of the specific machine to which they are assigned. Riggers should also be trained to safely carry out their assigned tasks.

The swing radius of the counterweight and superstructure must be established and guarded to prevent workers from being struck. Special attention should be given when cranes are operating near buildings or other structures. Loads must not be swung over the heads of workers. Both swing and travel alarms should be used to warn workers of machine movement. When lifting “in the blind,� a signalman who is visible to the operator must be placed to assist the operator in safely moving the load. Cranes used for removing materials from the ship must be certified. A crane of sufficient capacity to safely handle the largest expected load must be used.