In this toolbox we devote attention to the topic crane earthing.

If a crane, concrete pump or a piling rig, if it falls over, can touch the live parts of an overhead line, crane earthing must be installed. The crane earthing protects workers if a crane were to fall over and land on the overhead lines. In contrast to the home where a fuse blows, this is different for overhead lines. The overhead lines may continue to be live (1800 V or 25 kV).

Whether crane earthing is required must be established by an expert (person responsible for the installation and the work, on the basis of the RailAlert Safe Working on High Voltage Installations Regulations (VVW-HS)). Only this person is authorised to issue an exemption to this.

There are risks associated with working on or near high voltage electrical installations involving a return line and earthing. This can result in serious injury as a result of the passage of current through a person’s body or because of electric arcing. This why only an Adequately Qualified Person Return Line and Earthing (AQP-RLE), following instruction by the work supervisor (WS), can install the crane earthing.

This must be established well in advance of the start of the work. This way the necessary measures can be taken on a timely basis to work safely.

• When a crane is equipped with an earthing cable and is required to move, guide the cable so that it does not come loose or is broken by the driving crane.
• If the cable is loose from the rail, report this to your supervisor.

Check out the scheme below to determine when crane earthing and extra measures, if applicable, are required.