Crane Safe Operating Tips

Cranes do most of the heavy lifting in industrial and construction work spaces — literally. They are some of the most essential equipment found in any production facility, job site or logistics hub. Multiple industries count on them to perform important tasks and keep businesses productive. As such, cranes have become a fact of life for many workers. A mobile crane can deliver exceptional value on your job site – when used correctly, it dramatically cuts down on material handling time and labor, allowing you to deal with everything from trusses to HVAC units with ease.

Yet, even though they are a constant presence in the workplace, and we may take them for granted, that does not mean we can ignore the dangers they pose. When operated with a focus on safety, cranes are vital pieces of equipment. When they are used carelessly, they can be a serious hazard to people and property. The majority of accidents in the workplace could have been prevented. With that in mind, here are the top five crane safety tips you can use to create a safer, more productive job site while using a mobile hydraulic crane:

Broderson IC80-3 Carry Deck mobile crane

.

1. Make sure crane equipment is only operated by qualified workers with the proper certifications and hours training on the equipment.

Complex, heavy machinery requires specialized knowledge to operate safely. That is why an important element of crane lifting safety is confirming that employees who use it have the right expertise. A mobile crane is exceptionally safe and efficient, but it is important to recognize and respect the fact that this is a specialized piece of equipment. Operators not only must know the equipment inside and out, but they also need to be well-versed in all of the proper safety procedures. These include knowing the appropriate hand signals.

2. Inspect both the equipment and the load before operation of lifting equipment.

Operators must take a close look at their equipment before lifting. Visually checking cables and booms for any cracks or other signs of wear. If equipment appears to be damaged or worn, it must be taken out of service and repaired. Additionally, the loads should be inspected to guarantee they are properly secured. Confirming that the load does not exceed the limits of the equipment also is crucial for crane operation safety.

3. Make sure ground workers are clear of the crane operation area and are no where beneath the load while the equipment is being operated.

Mobile cranes have become a common fixture on most construction sites, which can lead ground workers to become overly confident around these powerful machines. Keep your construction workers, contractors, and site visitors safe by always enforcing a safe working perimeter around your mobile crane. This is one precaution that needs to be reinforced at daily safety briefings. Planning lifting operations well in advance also means the area will be clear of people at the designated time.

4. Make sure adequate time has been allocated for use of the crane to avoid rushing the task/project.

A common cause of accidents is carelessness. This frequently stems from workers who are trying to cut corners and rush through their tasks. It goes without saying that rushing while working with heavy equipment is never a good idea. A lack of attention to detail is one of the most common causes of work site injuries and accidents, so be sure to allow plenty of time to check your loads, communicate with the operator, and clear any obstructions on every single lift. It is critical to plan operations so operators will have enough time to thoroughly inspect equipment and follow proper safety procedures.

5. Review safety checklists or cards before operating the crane.

Because cranes can be so complicated, it is easy for certain procedures to be forgotten. That is why it is necessary to provide all employees with cards or checklists detailing safety protocols. This is imperative not only for crane operators, but also for all other workers on the job site. Employees should be encouraged to review the safety cards before they begin every shift. These checklists should be posted in prominent locations around the job site, as well as provided to everyone there.

When it comes to using cranes you can never be too safe. Cranes are a constant presence in most industrial or construction contexts. This means the right safety measures should be just as ubiquitous. Without a focus on safe operation, any type of heavy equipment can become more of a liability than a benefit. Follow the tips above to operate your cranes as safely and productively as possible. And, while you can never be too safe while operating a mobile crane, these tips should make your job site more safe.

Presented by: City Equipment, llc| Daytona Beach |

City Equipment, LLC | Daytona Beach,FL | Your Connection to High Value Equipment