Crane operation is essential for heavy lifting for industrial and construction sites. They’re some of the most important equipment available to them. But, as such massive and complex machines, safety is also essential. Crane operators need to know what they’re doing. But, beyond finding a good crane operator, the cranes need to be safe to operate, as well.
Check out our checklist of essentials to ensure your cranes are safe for operation.
Only use qualified crane operators. This is a worthy investment that prevents costly mistakes, injuries, and possibly death.
USE ONLY QUALIFIED CRANE OPERATORS
Qualified crane operators should be the only personnel conducting crane operation. Before hiring or contracting, check for proper certifications. Also confirm the number of hours they’ve spent training on the equipment. Complex, heavy machinery like this requires specialised knowledge.
The crane operator must know the equipment inside and out. They also need to be well-versed in all the appropriate safety procedures. Keep in mind that these include hand signal training. Crane safety on your site is paramount, as the potential for damage and injury is colossal.
INSPECT EQUIPMENT AND LOAD BEFORE CRANE OPERATION
In the interests of crane safety, equipment and load checks are essential. Operators must, for example, check cables and booms for cracks or wear and tear. Any worn out or damaged equipment needs repair or replacement. Crane operation cannot take place otherwise.
As well as the equipment, the load needs inspection as well. Firstly, the load needs checking to ensure it is properly secured. And second, the load cannot exceed equipment limits. The crane operator or the signalman needs to make this check before going ahead.
ENSURE GROUND WORKERS ARE CLEAR
The work site’s safety is a responsibility that falls on everyone. The site workers must always keep a perimeter around the crane. This is especially true when crane operators use them and a load is being transported.
Appropriate personnel should reinforce this at every safety briefing, as well. This fact necessitates careful planning for lifting operations ahead of time. For crane safety, and the safety of the whole site, this is essential.
You must inspect all appropriate equipment around the crane before using it.
PROVIDE ENOUGH TIME FOR THE CRANE OPERATOR AND CRANE EQUIPMENT
One of the most common causes of on-site accidents is neglect. This is often due to workers that cut corners on site and rush through the job. Safe crane operation requires careful planning when it comes to time.
The crane operator needs enough time to make thorough equipment checks. They also need this time to follow proper safety procedures on-site. The last thing you’d want is an easily avoidable mistake that ends up costing you dearly.
REVIEW ALL APPROPRIATE SAFETY CHECKLISTS
Cranes are complex machines, and it’s easy to overlook certain procedures. As such, it’s necessary for crane operators to use safety procedure checklists. This is not only essential for the crane operator, but for all other workers on the job site, as well.
Encourage employees to go through their checklist before the beginning of every shift. Place the checklists in easily accessible locations around the site. Effective crane operation needs effective crane safety awareness, at all times.