Crane operation is a crucial responsibility in many industries—from shipyards and power plants to metal and concrete manufacturing. The power cranes are capable of is completely reliant on safety checks and knowledgeable use of the person operating it. To ensure employees’ lives, worksite property, and equipment are all safe, use our four vital crane safety tips below.
Visually Inspect Site and Equipment
When it comes to crane operation there is nothing more important than visual inspection of the worksite and equipment. Seemingly insignificant checks, such as verifying nothing has changed since the previous workday and maintaining clear working surfaces, protect everyone against unlikely damage.
This step is particularly crucial if your team is using a crane that’s already been in use for years. Depending on what the crane was used for previously, heat-induced cracks, dysfunctional components, and other issues can pose safety risks if not immediately addressed.
Ensure Stabilizers and Safety Devices Are Deployed
Deploying your crane’s stabilizers is essential to ensure the crane won’t tip or fall in the event of an accident. Stabilizers or outriggers (depending on the application), are the steel poles attached to the vehicle bed that provide the crane additional support when operating. Deploy these after the crane has been positioned and before entering the operator’s cab.
Stick Within Lift Limits
While it may be tempting to test the limits of your crane and pick heavier loads to get work done faster, this is an unprofessional move with deadly risks. Cranes that are carrying more than their rated load weight capacity are prone to breaking on the spot, injuring or killing site workers, and causing catastrophic damage. Always handle loads that are within your crane’s rated load limit.
Keep the Crane Close to the Working Loads
Another crane operator tip that is occasionally overlooked is the importance of keeping your crane close to all working loads. This means positioning your crane as close as possible to both the loads and deck or worksite. By doing so, you prevent the crane from straining to maximum capacity and ensure each load is deployed smoothly.
By using these four essential crane safety tips on each job, you’ll enjoy smooth operations and safe worksites from start to finish. For even safer and more efficient crane use, learn about how SkyHorn can add an average of 25 minutes per day to your crane operations. Contact us today with any questions or to request a quote.