Emergency Procedures, Incident Response and Shutdown
Preparedness
Know the emergency plan before operating: emergency stop locations, isolation points, fire equipment, first aid, assembly points and who to call. For portal cranes, know how to bring the crane to a safe state - lower the load if possible, engage rail clamps or brakes, and isolate power. Traps include assuming someone else will isolate the crane, and continuing a lift during an alarm.
Responding to an incident
If a load is dropped, a person is injured, or the crane contacts a powerline, stop, make the area safe, and raise the alarm. For powerline contact, stay in the cab unless there is fire; if evacuation is essential, jump clear and shuffle away. Do not touch the crane or load. Preserve the scene for investigation and report the incident.
Controlled shutdown
At the end of operation, land the load, raise the hook to the prescribed position, apply brakes and rail clamps, isolate power where required, secure against wind, and complete the log. Report any defects found during the shift.
Worked rule of thumb
Use "stop, secure, isolate, report": stop the operation, secure the load and crane, isolate energy, and report the event. Rehearse the sequence so it is automatic under stress.