Safety is of the utmost importance on any kind of construction or related worksite, and this is especially true when working with large, heavy equipment like cranes. Improper or unsafe behavior when using cranes and similarly heavy equipment can have grave consequences, and knowing all the ins and outs of proper safety when in the vicinity of cranes is vital.
At Bronson Crane, safety is our top priority within all our crane rentals and other crane services — we even offer specific NCCCO tower crane training and certification programs, and safety is naturally a major component of these programs. What are some of the most important safety concepts that go into crane-related jobs and settings? Here’s a rundown.
Choosing the Proper Crane
First and foremost, you need to make sure you’re using the proper crane for the job at hand. Many different types of cranes exist, each with their own specific capabilities and purposes — trying to use a crane that’s not up to the task can be dangerous, as it may not have the lifting capacity or other features required. With Wagstaff Crane acquiring Bronson Crane, we have every type of crane for any project, carry decks, boom trucks, all terrain, crawlers, self erecting tower cranes and tradition top slew tower cranes. (pretty that up but that would be good to acknowledge)
For example, if you’re working with very heavy loads, you’ll need to use a large and powerful crane that can handle the weight; if you’re working in a tight or compact space, on the other hand, you might need a smaller crane that can more easily maneuver. Don’t try to make do with a crane that’s not right for the job; it’s simply not worth the risk.
Inspecting the Crane
Before using any crane, it’s essential to perform a thorough inspection to make sure that everything is in good working order. All the moving parts should be properly lubricated and free of damage or wear, all the safety features should be intact and functional, and so on. If anything seems amiss, don’t use the crane until the problem has been resolved.
This inspection should be performed not only before the first use of a new or rented crane, but also on a regular basis thereafter — at least daily, and more often if possible. If you’re not confident in your ability to properly inspect a crane, have someone else with the appropriate expertise do it for you.
Avoiding and Clearing Obstacles
Whether you’re the crane operator or someone else working nearby, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and make sure that there are no obstacles in the way that could interfere with the crane’s operation. This includes both large objects (like other pieces of equipment) and smaller ones (like debris on the ground).
If there are any obstacles present, take the time to clear them away before proceeding. If that’s not possible or practical, try to find a different way to do the job that doesn’t involve putting the crane in such close proximity to the obstacle.
Signaling and Communications
There should always be clear and open lines of communication between the crane operator and anyone else who might be affected by the crane’s operation, such as ground crew members. Hand signals are a common way to communicate, but it’s also important to have access to radios or other similar devices in case more complex instructions need to be conveyed.
In addition, it’s often necessary to have someone dedicated solely to signaling the crane operator, as they can’t always keep an eye on everything themselves. This person should be thoroughly familiar with the proper signals to use, and they should pay close attention to the crane’s operation at all times to make sure that everything is proceeding as it should be.
Never Overload the Crane
This one should be pretty self-explanatory, but it bears repeating: never try to lift more weight than a crane is rated for. Not only is this dangerous, but it can also damage the crane, which can lead to even more serious problems down the road.
If you’re not sure how much weight a particular crane can lift, err on the side of caution and choose a different crane that’s more suited for the task. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Proper Rigging
To prevent objects from falling and creating risks to people or property, it’s important to use the proper rigging techniques when attaching them to the crane. This includes using the right kind of slings, hitches, and other lifting accessories, as well as making sure that they’re all properly secured.
If you’re not confident in your ability to properly rig an object, ask someone else with more experience to do it for you. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
In addition, all rigging should be inspected on a regular basis to make sure that there are no signs of wear or damage. If any problems are found, the rigging should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
