Lifting electrical equipment with a crane to the third floor involves several hazards that need to be addressed to ensure safety. Here's a structured risk assessment:

Hazards:

1. Overloading the Crane: Using a crane beyond its rated load can cause structural failure and dropping of the load 5, 7.

   • Risk: High severity, medium likelihood if not properly checked.
   • Control Measures:
     • Verify the weight of the electrical equipment and compare it against the crane's load chart. Ensure the crane's capacity exceeds the load weight with an adequate safety margin 5, 7.
     • Never pick up a load greater than the capacity of your crane [1].

2. Unstable Ground Conditions: Soft or uneven ground can cause the crane to tip over 17, 18.

   • Risk: High severity, low to medium likelihood depending on site conditions.
   • Control Measures:
     • Inspect the ground for stability. Use outriggers with load-bearing floats or pads on a stable surface [2].
     • Monitor ground conditions for settling or water accumulation 17, 18.

3. Electrical Hazards: Contact with live electrical parts or overhead power lines can cause electrocution 1, 2.

   • Risk: High severity, low likelihood if proper precautions are taken.
   • Control Measures:
     • De-energize and lockout/tagout electrical sources in the vicinity of the crane operation. Ensure electrical equipment is located or enclosed so that live parts will not be exposed to accidental contact under normal operating conditions [3].
     • Maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines. Use a spotter to monitor clearance [4].

4. Falling Objects: Dropping the electrical equipment or other materials can cause serious injury or death [1].

   • Risk: High severity, medium likelihood if load is not properly secured.
   • Control Measures:
     • Ensure the load is well-secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device before lifting [5].
     • Use double slings on all horizontal loads over twelve feet in length, and the distance between the points where slings are attached must be sufficient to prevent the load from tipping up endwise [6].
     • Implement a drop zone and barricade the area below the lift to prevent unauthorized access.
     • Repairpersons must take care to prevent loose parts from falling or being thrown upon the floor beneath [4].

5. Crane Malfunction: Mechanical failure of the crane can lead to dropping the load or other accidents [5].

   • Risk: High severity, low likelihood if crane is well-maintained.
   • Control Measures:
     • Conduct pre-shift inspections of the crane, including hooks and latches, wire rope, electrical apparatus, and hydraulic systems [7].
     • Ensure that the crane has brakes with adjustment means to compensate for wear [8].
     • Remove the crane from service if any deficiencies are identified until they are corrected [7].

6. Communication Breakdown: Poor communication between the operator, signal person, and other workers can lead to accidents 6, 16.

   • Risk: Medium severity, medium likelihood if communication protocols are not followed.
   • Control Measures:
     • Use a designated signal person who is trained and qualified 6, 16.
     • Ensure the operator and signal person agree on hand signals or voice commands prior to the lift [9].
     • The operator's reception of signals must be by a hands-free system [9].

7. Instability During Lift: Sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load, or the load contacting obstructions, can cause instability [5].

   • Risk: Medium severity, medium likelihood if not carefully controlled.
   • Control Measures:
     • Ensure there is no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load [5].
     • Take care that the load does not contact any obstructions [5].

Monitoring and Review:

• Regularly inspect the crane and rigging equipment.
• Conduct weekly documented inspections and annual certifications.
• Review the lift plan before each operation and adjust as necessary.
• Hold regular safety meetings to discuss crane safety and address any concerns.

Specific Recommendations:

• Develop a detailed lift plan that addresses all potential hazards and control measures.
• Ensure all personnel involved are properly trained and competent.
• Use a checklist to verify that all safety precautions have been implemented before each lift.
• Maintain clear communication channels between all team members during the lifting operation.
• Ensure that the hoisting equipment is level after each move and setup 17, 18.
• The operator shall have the authority to stop and refuse to handle loads until safety has been assured 17, 18.