8. 9. 10. 11. Hook tram point measurements (before and after measurements) Test  weights  lifted Crane   condition   inspection   record   item numbers  inspected Test   procedures   paragraph   numbers performed,  as  outlined  in  NAVFAC  P-307 The  memorandum  must  be  signed  by  the  test director,  the  mechanical  inspector,  and  the  certifying officer. The  original  is  filed  in  the  appropriate equipment history jacket. One copy is filed in the unit safety  office,  and  the  second  copy  is  kept  in  an accessible  protected  container  on  the  crane.  The certification date is stenciled with 3-inch stencils on the  operator’s  side  of  the  revolving  house. Frequency of Test The command schedules each crane for periodic condition and load tests. Test are conducted before placing any crane into initial use. Cranes stored or idle  for  6  months  or  more  must  be  inspected  and tested before returning to service. ANY MACHINE T H A T    H A S    H A D    M A J O R    R E P A I R S    OR REPLACEMENT   OF   LOAD   BEARING   OR CONTROLLING PARTS WILL ALSO BE TESTED BEFORE  IT  IS  PUT  BACK  IN  SERVICE.  The definitions of load bearing and controlling are only those parts and components that support the load and whose failure would result in uncontrolled dropping, shifting,  or  moving  of  the  load.  Tests  may  be conducted  as  frequently  as  local  authorities  deem advisable  (not  to  exceed  12  months  between  tests). After the crane has passed the test procedures, the mechanics  will  place  the  NMCB  unit  identification marking decal on the crane in the correct locations. Extension  of  Certification The commanding officer may approve in writing a temporary extension of the prior annual certification when  an  emergent  or  other  contingent  conditions exists  precluding  the  timely  certification  of  the  crane. The  authority  to  extend  certifications  cannot  be delegated.  Before  you  extend  the  certification,  the crane  must  pass  a  complete  condition  inspection. CRANE SAFETY Loss in terms of lives, injuries, and equipment can bc dccrcascd with positive action and the use of safe operating  techniques  by  all  Seabees  working  on  or around  cranes. Stability Most crane mishaps result from operator error. Setting up for the lift is the most critical portion of the crane  operation. The   most   common   causes   of mishaps  are  as  follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. Failure to block/crib under the outriggers pads where  poor  ground  conditions  would  not support the total weight of the crane and load. Failure to extend the outriggers fully and use it following  the  manufacturer’s  instructions. Failure  to  note  overhead  obstructions,  such  as overpasses  and  power  lines. Failure to level the crane. Load  Capacity The rated capacities of mobile cranes are based on both strength and stability. Manufacturers of cranes will normally denote on the load charts a shaded area or  a  bold  line  across  the  chart  dividing  the  lifting capacities  based  on  strength  or  stability  of  the  crane. It is extremely important to know the difference for, in one  case,  one  of  the  structural  components  of  the crane will break, and in the other case, the crane will tip  over.  The  following  factors  must  also  be recognized  and  the  capacity  adjusted  accordingly: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Do   not   use   stability   to   determine   lifting capacity. Use the load chart installed by the crane manufacturer. The load chart is securely attached in the operator’s cab. Recommended parts of hoist reeving and the recommended size and type of wire rope for various crane loads. Length of boom. Boom angle. Boom  pendant  angle  (when  the  telescopic/ folding  gantry  is  down,  the  angle  decreases and  the  stress  increases). Gantry   and/or   live   mast   in   the   highest position. Quadrant of operation (that is, over the side, over the rear capacities). 3-20