Negosentro.com | Keeping It Under Control: 8 Safety Rules for Operating a Crane | Cranes are often among the largest, most massive pieces of equipment found at construction sites and other places where heavy work occurs. A single mistake by a crane operator can cause untold amounts of damage and even take multiple human lives.
Fortunately, it is always possible to operate a crane safely while still being efficient. Keep the following eight tips in mind and you might become a safer crane operator, yourself.
1. Inspect Everything
As with other types of heavy equipment, no crane should ever be operated without a thorough inspection first being conducted. That is the only way to be sure that a crucial part will not fail right when it is needed the most.
In most cases, operators and safety managers will have access to checklists that detail the components that need to be inspected before each use of a crane. Even more involved inspections will still need to be conducted on a regular basis.
2. Always Use a Mat
A crane can only ever be as secure as its footing, and truly solid, reliable ground is often hard to come by. Cranes should almost always be positioned on mats that level out the ground and keep them stable.
As those who try out spartanmat.com will see, there are plenty of such products that check all the relevant boxes. A high-quality mat will do more to help a crane operate safely than just about any other accessory.
3. Make Room for Swinging
Skilled crane operators develop a feeling for how to keep even massive loads under control. Even having such a deft touch, though, cannot prevent influences like wind or simple momentum from affecting the business end of a crane.
Before any load gets lifted off the ground, it will always be necessary to make sure the surrounding area is free of obstructions. Groups like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration consider swinging crane loads and arms some of the most threatening hazards at many sites.
4. Clear the Area of People
A crane operator will rarely be able to keep track of all the ground below. Before a crane starts up, the surrounding area needs to be cleared of people and kept that way until it shuts down.
5. Only Lift Straight Up
Cranes are designed to lift and support massive loads against the force of gravity. They are not meant, however, to be used to move such heavy weights laterally at all.
While cranes are able to swivel from side to side, this functionality should normally only be used when nothing is being lifted. Trying to load objects from the side is an especially common cause of serious crane accidents.
6. Communicate Consistently and Clearly
Crane operators inevitably have a lot to keep track of, and only clear, regular communication can keep them in the loop as needed. As a crane operator, you will always be responsible for making sure that others stay apprised of any relevant developments.
7. Respect the Crane’s Rated Limits
Cranes are all rated to handle certain amounts of weight and to operate under well-defined conditions. Never exceed any of these limits, even briefly, for any reason.
8. Stow and Secure the Crane Properly
Although a crane will generally be most dangerous when in operation, improperly stored equipment can be hazardous, as well. Take as much care with securing a crane after shutting it down as with controlling it, and things should work out for the best.
Heed these eight tips and you will be on track to an unblemished safety record as a crane operator. Operating a crane is serious business and should never be treated otherwise.
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