When dealing with heavy equipment like cranes, there’s simply nothing as important as safety. Every person who will be in the vicinity of a crane and its operations, whether they’re actively involved with operating it or not, needs to be fully aware of crane safety concepts and regulations for both their own good and that of others in the area.
At Bronson Crane, safety is our top priority with any of our crane rental services, and we offer everything from quality crane equipment to tower crane training for anyone looking to learn how to safely operate a crane. Much of the goal of safety precautions on a given crane site will involve avoiding possible accidents or hazards that can come up without the right care — here are some of the most common such issues, plus how to steer fully clear of them when performing any kind of crane-related task.
Crane Overturns or Falls
One of the most significant types of crane accident possible, and one that you want to take major steps to prevent, is a crane overturn or fall. Various factors can lead to this sort of accident, including things like poor equipment choices, improper setup and maintenance of the crane, or even environmental issues that lead to unstable ground conditions.
To avoid such accidents from occurring, make sure you always have your machinery in good repair before each use. This includes checking to make sure that the crane is solidly set up on stable ground, especially in areas with shifting conditions.
You’ll also want to avoid making certain risky choices when it comes to equipment; for example, don’t attempt to lift an object too heavy for your crane’s capacity. Follow all safety guidelines and regulations fully, such as those from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to ensure you’re using your crane safely.
Colliding With Other Mobile Equipment or People
Another significant issue that can result in dangerous accidents when operating a crane is colliding with other mobile equipment or with people nearby. Things like personnel and vehicles are very easy to overlook when there’s so much going on, and it’s easy for accidents to occur if a person or machine working near the crane isn’t exactly where you expect them to be at any given time, especially during fast-paced projects like construction.
To handle these types of situations more safely, be sure to have adequate area around your crane set up so that objects and people can quickly move out of the way if needed. Additionally, always use hand signals or communication to alert people in the area when you’re about to make certain movements with your crane, so that accidents can be avoided as much as possible.
Electrical Hazards
Because cranes are often used in close quarters with power lines, there’s always the risk of electrical accidents. Electrical hazards like this can be some of the most dangerous for operators and bystanders alike, as a shock that might not seem too serious at first could easily escalate into a fatal situation if left unchecked.
To avoid these types of accidents occurring, always take the time to study and understand the codes, regulations, and laws for crane operations in your area. For example, it’s important to know exactly how far away you need to stay from power lines based on the types of cranes you typically use (e.g., a main-boom length). It’s also important to make sure you’re properly grounded and have the right safety gear when working with electricity around your crane.
High Wind Levels
Another possible cause of crane accidents is high wind levels; these can often come as a surprise to operators who aren’t expecting them, which makes even the best crane equipment useless.
While you won’t be able to control the weather conditions around your site, you can at least make sure your crane itself is properly in place and secured to avoid any movement that could cause a problem.
To do so, invest in high-quality ties and anchorage devices to make sure your crane is firmly set up. Additionally, if you’re frequently working outdoors in windy conditions, be sure that you have the right safety gear or equipment (e.g., hard hats) for protecting yourself against any debris or small objects that may move around.
Furthermore, simply ensuring you have a quality weather forecast available before beginning a project can help you decide whether or not your crane will be safe to use, especially if the forecast predicts high winds. If you simply enter each day blind to the weather conditions, you might end up putting yourself and others at risk without meaning to.
Improper Load or Weight Usage
Finally, one of the most common causes of crane accidents is improper load or weight usage. As anyone who’s ever had to lift a heavy object knows, it’s important to be as careful and controlled as possible when doing so.
Unfortunately, some operators don’t always pay close attention to how much they’re lifting with their cranes, which can result in accidents where loads are dropped or fall onto other people or objects. To avoid these types of accidents, be sure to always have the right tools and equipment needed for lifting heavy loads, such as line-pulling devices that can help with securing your load in place. Additionally, be sure you’re fully trained on crane usage before getting started so that you understand exactly how to lift your load in a safe and controlled way.
As with any heavy equipment, there’s simply nothing more important than crane safety when it comes to preventing accidents and keeping people out of harm’s way. By understanding and following all the rules and regulations for using cranes safely, you can ensure that everyone around you stays safe at all times.
For more on this, or to learn about any of our crane rentals, crane sales or other crane solutions, speak to our team at Bronson Crane today.
