§1405-01 Crane Aerial Fueling Operations

   (a)   Scope. This section sets forth requirements for the aerial fueling of cranes with diesel fuel or other combustible liquids at construction sites and other locations.

   (b)   General Provisions.

      (1)   Permit. Pursuant to FC105.6, a permit is required for the storage, handling and use of combustible liquids, including the storage and handling of such liquids in connection with aerial fueling of cranes.

      (2)   Reserved.

   (c)   Prohibitions. It shall be unlawful to:

      (1)   fuel a crane aerially with a flammable liquid.

      (2)   perform aerial fueling of a crane at a construction site while construction operations are being conducted.

      (3)   perform aerial fueling of a crane at a construction site when weather conditions such as wind speed or lightning make such operation unsafe.

   (d)   Supervision.

      (1)   Aerial fueling operations. Aerial fueling of cranes at a construction site shall be under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder.

      (2)   Portable tanks. Portable tanks used for aerial fueling shall be under the general supervision of a certificate of fitness holder prior to each use for aerial fueling, to ensure that the portable tank is in a safe condition and ready for such use.

   (e)   Portable Tanks. The portable tank and tank assembly shall be designed and installed in compliance with the following requirements:

      (1)   Capacity. The capacity of the portable tank for fueling shall not exceed 550 gallons.

      (2)   Construction. The tank shall be of approved, steel construction, and be designed with sufficient structural strength to allow it to be repeatedly lifted for aerial fueling operations.

      (3)   Lifting. The portable tank assembly shall be provided with a sufficient number of lifting lugs capable of safely supporting the weight of the tank and stored fuel when full, and allow the tank to be maintained in a level position during lifting and fueling operations.

      (4)   Hose. The connecting hose of the portable tank shall be of a braided flexible steel type, and provided with a breakaway coupling capable of retaining fuel on both sides of the shear section. The length of the hose shall not exceed 30 feet.

      (5)   Shut-off valves. The connecting hose of the portable tank shall be provided with shut-off valves at the tank and at the nozzle. The shut-off valve at the nozzle side of the hose, used for the final control of the flow, shall be of a self-closing type and shall be manually held open during dispensing operation.

      (6)   Nozzles. The end of the nozzle shall be threaded and provided with a liquid-tight cap while hoisting.

   (f)   Operational Requirements.

      (1)   Inspection of fueling equipment. Prior to aerial fueling operations, the portable tank, hose, valves and all other devices and equipment used to conduct the operation shall be inspected at the construction site to ensure that they are in good working order.

      (2)   Method of discharge. The aerial fueling operation shall be conducted under gravity discharge by hoisting a portable tank to an elevation above the crane's fuel tank.

      (3)   Weather conditions. Reliable means for monitoring weather conditions, including wind speed and approaching storms, shall be readily available.

      (4)   Communication. Radio and/or other two-way wireless communication shall be maintained between the crane operator and all other personnel involved in the aerial fueling operation.

      (5)   Fueling of crane. After the portable tank is lifted to the elevation required, and prior to commencing the crane aerial fueling:

            (A)   The engine of the crane being fueled shall be shut off.

            (B)   The portable tank shall be grounded to the crane structure.

            (C)   The portable tank shall be secured to the crane structure with a chain shorter than the hose length that is capable of restraining the portable tank during the aerial fueling operation.