Rank: Forum user 
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I have had a question raised regarding the use of a mobile crane hook as an anchor point where no other 'above worker' connection is available.
The application is where a number of shipping containers are being briefly worked upon outside in a yard. Access is needed to the in most part of the container roof, where ladder access from the outside would not be possible.
This system has apparently been seen to be in use with mobile crane companies allowing the practice.
It can be taken to be an inertia type reel system and harness.
Has anyone been asked about such a system before and could they offer any advice?
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Rank: Forum user 
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We have used said method on roff work with a second crane holding sala blocks for men but crane should be 6 monthly inspected and advise lift plan even though not lifting men.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks, Blackburn31728.
The closest similar scenario I can think of is where we have locked off an inside workshop gantry crane under an isolation certificate to provide a fixed anchor point in the form of its immobile hook. The WAH team supervisor had full control over the lock off. But that provides a stationary hook, whereas the hook outdoors could sway in the wind?
I do take your point about the 6 months inspection of the crane; that would be appropriate as it then is the same as other personnel carrying/supporting equipment. And the lift plan, of course.
The scenario I am being asked to respond to does not have two cranes, however. It is just one crane, with it being used for actual container loading operations at other times in the wider operation. With the considerations above, it would seem that a similar lock-off would have to be part of the plan, perhaps with the crane operator relinquishing the right to be able to adjust the crane position until the lock is released again by the WAH supervisor. But again, not sure if that brings other potential hazards/control issues with it.
Any more comments appreciated.
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Rank: Forum user
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On several occasions a crane company I have worked with use this system when removing loads from trailers; they have to gain height to the lifting points of the load (sometimes a container) to attach the lifting chains and they use the inertial reel fall arrest attached to the crane hook.
If the hook is moving in the wind, they would not work at height until the wind speed was acceptable. The crane operator would have full vision of the guy working at height, and he would maintain the hook above him as he moves from one position to another
I believe this is standard practice
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Rank: Forum user
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OK, so this practice has been known of, with the controls as related, and to the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR).
Many thanks.
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Rank: Forum user
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While this practice is fairly common for SME's, major O&G clients do have an an issue with this practice.
The concerns rightly or wrongly are as follows:
1. The crane hook is not deemed a fixed anchor under their interpretation of regulations and standards
2. The crane operator can unintentionally move the hook while the operation is being conducted.
The way you can sometimes get around the second issue is to isolate the cab with lock and key.
Not saying I fully support this hard line, but I have had my fair share of grief by adopting this method several times in the past.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Originally Posted by: Bazzer  On several occasions a crane company I have worked with use this system when removing loads from trailers; they have to gain height to the lifting points of the load (sometimes a container) to attach the lifting chains and they use the inertial reel fall arrest attached to the crane hook.
If the hook is moving in the wind, they would not work at height until the wind speed was acceptable. The crane operator would have full vision of the guy working at height, and he would maintain the hook above him as he moves from one position to another
I believe this is standard practice
Would you not be better using a fixed lenth fall arrest using an inertia reel means that you need to ensure the lenth otherwise you could hit the floor before it stops. At least with fixed length you can have it as short as possible so that you won't hit the floor.
Is it possible to lower the container on it's side then they can work from the floor complete repairs and then put it up right after all you have a crane in the yard.
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Rank: Forum user
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It can be done following a safe system of work (SSoW) considering the comments already made above, particularly work not proceeding in windy conditions due to the crane hook and bowing of the fall arrestor creating extra length should there be a fall. Emergency procedures must be implemented as part of the SSoW.
A fall arrest system based on a retractable type fall arrester provides a temporary and mobile means of fall arrest where no permanently installed fall arrest system is available.
We used the same process for welfare container mobilisation/demobilisation on power station projects.In addition you will also need to consider the following:
- most retractable fall arrestors are designed for use only where the anchor point (crane hook) is directly above the user e.g. vertical plane not horizontal
- you should consider only work on a flat surface, as angled surfaces can increase risk of slipping etc.
- the maximum working length should be sufficient to allow the user to reach the whole of the intended work area without having to relocate the device
- the device should be fitted with a retention or reserve stop for emergency
- you ideally do not want to work too far from the anchor block which should be central to the work and you should consider the edges in case of fall, as you do not want to have oscillation of the fall arrestor (swing effect)
This list is not exhaustive and the task should be risk assessed and the correct equipment selected in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
I hope this helps?
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 1 user thanked Woolf13 for this useful post.
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Rank: Forum user
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I think this covers the ground extensively. Thanks again.
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