long way to the top

[Rocks_and_Trees]

been having problems with crane companies not allowing me to "ride" the crane to access the top of the tree, and tying in to a fixed false crotch on the cable is definitely out of the question. they try to tell me osha wont allow it, even though my harness and ropes are ansi approved. after a quick call to dispatch, its usually a no go, and im left spiking up to the top. anyone know anything that might help me make a case. i just want a ride, and i can take it from there, although a tie-in on the cable would be tits. thanks.

 

[allmark]

Carry the ansi standards with you. Also I have a couple of old Treeworker editions with crane info and proper techniques. If you are using the same company often it might be worth getting a copy of Modern Craning and letting them see that. Just a few suggestions.

 

[treesandsurf]

make sure you get the latest (or newest revised version) of the ansi standards, I believe (may be wrong?) that this was the first year riding the ball was included within the standards..

jp

 

[petes]

I've had similar issues in the past. I've found that most crane companies will no longer let you ride the ball around here either. Now when I sub out a crane I usually use another tree company instead of a crane company. Good luck.

 

[Colin]

I only worry about riding the ball on the dangerous dead trees. On the safe jobs, it's really just a luxury.

 

[No_Bivy]

Riding to ball is crucial for long flat limbs as well as dead trees. Show em ' the ansi info, try to get em to think outside the box. Old school "riding the ball" meant holding on to the cable and standing on the ball.

 

[allmark]

[ QUOTE ]
make sure you get the latest (or newest revised version) of the ansi standards, I believe (may be wrong?) that this was the first year riding the ball was included within the standards..

jp

[/ QUOTE ]This is correct.

 

[Monkeywitha_saw]

were in az are u?

 

[Rocks_and_Trees]

thanks for the help. im in the east valley

 

[CraneOp1]

If the crane operator will not allow you to ride on the ball, ride the boom. Most crane booms should have loops at the end of the boom that you can put a rope through, or put a screw pin shackle in one of the jib ears for your rope. The only times we use this method is removeing dead or unstable trees, the cimber stays tied into the boom while making the cut as well as the pick.

 

[juiceman]

You can check out changes in the Z133 standard here. http://www.tcia.org/Public/gov_standards_z133.htm

There is info about crane use under the "raising the bar" heading. What crane company are you using.

 

[tnttree]

Talk to the crane company b4 scheduling, show them ansi. see if they will listen . . . Crane guys have told me that the [censored] Osha Inspector won't usually be familiar with the standards either and will fine them(they know it all) . . . some crane companys don't want to hassle with it . . . find a new company ( D A M is censored?)

 

[Rocks_and_Trees]

Thanks for the input. got a copy of the new (revised) ansi, riding the ball is in it. Ill be armed with it, and will ask about it when scheduling also. Yo Juiceman, currently using Tempe Crane most of the time.

 

[juiceman]

Tempe Crane is pretty good. Thats who we use most of the time. Most of the time it just depends on the Crane Op.

 

[JesseHuffman]

Smiley crane never had a problem with it. I have used them many times since about 2000