Using Cranes in Rescue Operations: Key guidelines, legal restrictions, and safe use of crane hooks to protect rescuers and victims.

“Can a crane be used in rescue operations?”

There have been many questions about using cranes in rescue operations in the past.

“The answer is… Yes, it can be used. However, it’s important to understand the risks associated with cranes and the legal regulations governing their use.”

Legal Restrictions

When using a crane to move people in a disaster situation, the law imposes strict limitations due to the dangerous nature of the environment.

I’ll explain the interpretation of Article 26, Article 27, Article 72, and Article 73 of the Crane Safety Regulations.

According to these laws, if a crane is used solely to transport or lift the person being rescued, its use is not restricted. However, if the crane is used to lift or move rescue team members without special lifting equipment, this is prohibited under Article 26 and Article 72 of the Crane Safety Regulations. In this context, rescue workers are considered “workers” under these regulations, so they cannot be moved or lifted by a crane.

Using the Crane Hook

In situations where rescue operations are conducted in tight spaces, the crane hook may be used as a high-point anchor. In this case, all team members need to manage the energy of the movement carefully. It is important to properly lock out the crane equipment (e.g., removing the key or disabling the power switch) and check the crane’s limitations according to the manufacturer’s manual.

Unexpected movements of the crane hook can increase risks for both the person being rescued and the rescue team, potentially leading to serious injuries.

Combining with Rescue Systems

As mentioned earlier, using a crane hook as an anchor point can be very effective at a rescue site. However, you should not combine the crane’s movements (like lifting or rotating) with rescue systems (such as pulley systems).

If both are used simultaneously, unintended slack can form in the rescue system, putting the person being rescued at risk. A crane can move in multiple directions (sideways, up and down, boom in and out, cable up and down), and the rescue team must evaluate how these movements affect the rescue system.

Conclusion

• Using a crane in rescue operations is possible for the person being rescued.
• Using a crane for rescue team members is generally not allowed.
• A crane hook can be used as a high-point anchor.
• Do not combine rescue systems with crane movements.

Reference page: Learn essential rope rescue techniques, including anchor systems, knots, and rappelling methods. Discover the differences between low, steep, and high-angle rescues, and understand key equipment, safety measures, and edge management for efficient and secure rescue operations.

References　National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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