Getting struck by heavy equipment or falling objects is one of the most common non-fatal and fatal injury causes. With this realization, employees are demanding safer working conditions and practices, and employers are improving their protocols accordingly.
While companies can provide various harm-reduction measures, knowing how to stay safe on-site is one of the best ways to avoid accidents.
Simplifying Crane Safety
Adhering to the correct requirements can keep you and your co-workers safe. Here are some general crane safety tips to help you get started.
1. Choose a Suitable Crane for the Job
Cranes have versatile functions, and matching them with the correct task is essential. For example, you'll need a crane that offers grip and stability while working on uneven surfaces.
Selecting unsuitable equipment can impact your and your co-workers' safety. The crane can slip, collapse, lose control and may cause many injuries. While cranes can be mobile or fixed, they have unique features suitable for different jobs and terrains. Here are some common crane types.
- Rough-terrain crane: Has rubber wheels for traveling on dirt roads and construction sites.
- Crawler crane: Has tracks suitable for soft surfaces like mud or tarred roads.
- All-terrain crane: Can be appropriate for smooth and rough terrains.
- Carry deck crane: Offers high mobility and flexibility but is unsuitable for rough surfaces like shallow and bumpy ground.
2. Read Operator Manuals
Knowing how to safely operate a crane is vital. A crane's various controls and mechanisms can differ depending on the manufacturer. Advanced equipment can also have intricate features. Reading and understanding updated operating manuals can help you use cranes correctly.
3. Use Certified Operators
Like many technical jobs, operating a crane necessitates training and certification. You'll also need to pass written and practical tests to ensure you understand crane safety requirements. Inadequate training can lead to many accidents and injuries — only certified and skilled workers should use a crane. You can get certified with classroom training programs and courses.
4. Wear Personal Protective Equipment
Wearing PPE can protect you from harm, like head injuries, while working near or operating a crane. While PPE cannot prevent accidents, it can minimize their effects.
- Hard hats: Can protect your head from the impact of falling objects.
- Steel-toed boots: Insulate your toes against heavy loads and equipment.
- Goggles: Shield your eyes from objects and particles.
- Ear blockers: Protect your ears on noisy job sites.
5. Check Your Perimeter
Staying alert on the job site can minimize risks. When a crane is operational, it can be challenging for drivers to pay attention to their surroundings. All their focus is on moving and operating their equipment. You'll need to pay attention to operating lanes and zones. Keeping clear of driving routes and inspecting your surroundings at all times can prevent accidents.
6. Inspect Your Crane
Inspecting your crane is an excellent way to prevent repairs and safety hazards. Unnoticed faults can compromise your safety on the job. Completing a daily inspection checklist is an ideal way to ensure your equipment is functional and safe. It can also help you maintain and prevent and breakdowns or malfunctions on site.
- Pre-startup: When your equipment is stationary, check the cab condition, inspect components like windows, mirrors and seat belts and ensure everything works. Identify any obstruction or hazards overhead.
- Warmup: Start and idle your engine, listen for unusual noise coming from the engine and check for leaks. Inspect the oil and pressure gauge, test your horn and inspect the suspension for vibrations or warnings.
- Safety: Test your alarms and safety devices. Inspect your outriggers for any faults. Check the anti-two-block system and ensure it works.
7. Remove Obstructions
Clear your pathway from hazards like tools, trees, poles, signage and power lines. Obstructions can impact operations and drivers' vision. Driving into an electrical source can also cause severe injuries. Inspect surroundings and pathways before and pay attention to signals warning about hazards.
8. Use Suitable Load-Rigging Techniques
You can use various load rigging methods to secure loads and prevent them from falling and knocking into co-workers. You'll need to use suitable rigging techniques for tying down loads. You can fasten loads with sling methods like these.
- Basket hitching: Helps balance the load by distributing the weight evenly through two slings.
- Choke hitching: The hitch forces or ties the sling down, securing the load.
9. Stabilize the Crane Before Rigging
Unstable cranes can cave in or overturn, causing injuries and damage. You'll need to ensure the crane is stable before lifting loads. You can carry outrigger pads to distribute equipment weight and balance your crane. You should also follow your operating manual for accurate instructions. Outrigger pads can adversely affect uneven ground and be unsuitable for rough terrains.
10. Avoid Overloading the Crane
Cranes have specific load limits that you must follow to prevent any incidents. While riggers can have a load-lifting direction, reading load charts before rigging is vital for lifting a load safely. You'll also need to consider factors like wheel types, surface support, mobility and radius when loading the crane.
- Wheel types: Rubber wheels and outriggers can hold heavier weights. Use your load chart for directions on what loads to lift with wheels or a combination of wheels and outriggers.
- Radius: Loading heavier weights can be safer at a low radius or when the load is closer to the pin. Use your training and experience to decide on the best load capacity for the radius.
- Boom movement: Cranes can carry more weight than when a boom is stationary and less when rotating.
11. Pay Attention to Hand Signals
Hand signals can communicate various safety instructions. You'll need to follow and understand your signal person's hand signs to operate your crane safely. Instruction can indicate obstructions in the way, lifting heights and when to change direction or stop and shut down your crane.
12. Follow a Lift Plan
A lift plan offers guidelines on lifting procedures and strategies. It details various lift specifications and requirements, helps you plan your load capacity radius and can help navigate complex lifts. Following a lift plan can help you use suitable techniques and measurements and mitigate safety hazards.
Choose Stephenson Equipment for All Your Crane Safety Services
Prioritize safe practices and protocols with expert crane training and services. We know how essential crane safety is. We offer comprehensive services, including maintenance, repairs and crane operator certifications. Our crane courses can teach you how to operate a crane safely and successfully.
Contact us to learn more.
