Most of the crane accidents that take place around the country every year are completely preventable. They typically happen because a crane operator forgets to check on equipment before conducting a lift or because the operator conducts the lift without taking the proper safety precautions. Therefore, if you are still new to operating cranes, there are some things you should know before you start lifting anything.
Thorough Inspection
Inspecting the work area, load, and equipment before starting the operation can promote crane safety. Check your equipment for any signs of wear or cracks on the booms and cables. Any equipment that has even slight damage shouldn’t be in service. Inspect the operating functions every time you’re about to use your crane. Have the necessary repair when you identify a defect. You don’t have to wait for a problem to escalate. You might also need to have an area check. Your crane should operate on level ground. Examine possible overhead hazards such as tall buildings that might disrupt the power lines or work area.
Safe Working Load
Crane manufacturers set the safe working load, which guides the load rating. Having calculated the minimum breaking strength, crane manufacturers divide it by the safety factor to have an accurate SWL. The nature of the equipment and its anticipated roles determine the safety factor. When you opt for mini crane hire, you can check the indicated maximum SWL to know if the different offers meet your needs. You can go for tracked cranes, crawler cranes, or star lifter cranes. The specifications should guide you on rigging and loading. Overloading a crane can cause the slings to fray or break. As a resultant, an accident can occur, leading to fatal injuries and damage. If you adhere to the safe working load, you can prevent several crane accidents.
Work With a Certified Operator
Cranes are massive and complex machinery that need specialized knowledge for safe operation. Workers working on the cranes should, therefore, have the expertise and knowledge of safety procedures. Getting a person who knows how to operate a crane is possible. However, it is recommendable to work with a certified contractor if you’re safety conscious. Accredited contractors have the theoretical and practical knowledge on how to operate a crane safely.
Allocate Adequate Crane Operation Time
Despite knowing how cranes work, being careful when operating one should be a priority. Several crane accidents can be attributed to careless operators. Rushing through the work can make a worker forget some safety procedures. Contractors ought to plan the operations so that they can have adequate time for crane inspection. The safety checks might take time. An operator who wants to be done with the operation might rush through the safety procedures, and missing a crucial step would not be a surprise. Workers should know the importance of taking time to pre-inspect the equipment, load, and the state of the ground.
Avoid Distractions
Whether you’re working on the ground or operating the crane, being attentive and alert can prevent several crane accidents. Avoid any distractions as all the operations surrounding cranes require your full attention. One of the notable distractions is the use of a phone. Your cell phone should be off when you’re operating the crane. A second of answering your phone or checking a message can lead to a severe accident. Your focus needs to be on the crane’s movement and the surrounding.
Review Safety Cards
Crane operation is complex enough that you might forget some procedures if you are new to the process. It is prudent to have a checklist where employees can confirm safety procedures. The checklist should include the procedure of checking different parts of the crane. It should also put more emphasis on maximum weight. The security measures ought to further outline the crane safety procedure after lifting the load.
Don’t Leave the Load Unattended
Once you use the crane lift, don’t leave the load suspended. The move is potentially hazardous, as strong winds can sway the load, causing it to tip over. This falling load can injure other people and cause property destruction. It would be best if you put the load down once you’re done with the lifting. Store the stabilizers, crane, and other equipment in a safe place.
These are just a few of the things you need to know before you start using a crane. If you need further details on crane operation or if you need to obtain a crane rental, call Casey Crane Hire today, and we will be happy to lend a helping hand.
Thanks for the tip that certifications are important to consider when it comes to working with crane operators. I think it would be wise to hire one for the construction of the barn of my uncle soon because it will have quite a high ceiling. Perhaps a crane will help a lot in getting it done faster.
It really helped when you talked about crane rentals and how you must work with qualified operators! Recently, my cousin said he’s interested in investing in a development project. My cousin mentioned he’ll need to work with rental cranes, so I’ll be sure to share your tips with him! Thanks for the advice on what to consider when hiring a crane operator!
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