Mobile Crane Safety Tips to Help Avoid Accidents and Injuries

14 June 2022

Mobile cranes are an extremely valuable type of construction equipment. A mobile crane will likely be required if you need to lift, carry, or move large, heavy objects. Of all crane types, mobile cranes are the most prone to mishaps and fatalities. Because of its size, weight, and capability, heavy equipment must be handled with care. Training and education can go a long way towards reducing workplace accidents and making a workplace more secure.

To help reduce mobile crane accidents on the job site, here are a few guidelines to help you in your future interaction with a mobile crane.

It’s Important to Choose an Appropriate Crane for the Task at Hand

The first step in ensuring the safe operation of cranes is to select the appropriate crane for the job. There are dozens of different types of cranes available, some of which are very large, and ensuring worker safety begins with selecting the appropriate crane for each specific construction site. Cranes can be broken down into two primary categories: mobile cranes and stationary cranes. Warehouses, factories, and building projects with higher ceilings are popular locations for the employment of mobile cranes. Because there is such a wide variety of mobile cranes available, it is essential to select the model that is most suitable for the task at hand.

Use Only Qualified Employees

Cranes may only be safely assembled, erected, signalling, and operated by staff members who have received adequate training. On construction sites, the operation of cranes is restricted to only those individuals who have received appropriate training, certification, and evaluation from the government. Ensure that all regulations are adhered to and guarantee that cranes are always being operated by properly trained individuals at all times.

Carry Out Regular Operator Checks

To make sure the crane is safe to operate, the crane operator must perform daily inspections. Pre-start checks, engine start-up checks, and safety system check all fall under this category. Operators should inspect the tyres, oil levels, seat belts, air reservoirs, and battery before starting the crane. In addition, the driver should start the engine, and check the pressure gauge, fuel level, turn signals, horn, suspension, and brain system, among other things, before driving. To avoid catastrophic incidents, safety system assessments should be undertaken. Ensure that the anti-two block, the rated capacity limiter, and outriggers are checked out.

Load It Properly

When loads are properly rigged, they won’t fall and potentially injure personnel on the construction site. When rigging a load, take into account both the weight of the object and the distribution of that weight. Hitch arrangements such as basket and choker hitching are amongst the most prevalent. Keep in mind that the weight of a sling must be adequately graded for not only the weight but also the weight at a specific angle. A safe and stable lift of even the most irregular and heavy loads requires a thorough knowledge of force, weight distribution, and rigging procedures.

Check out Sharp Crane Hire Services for more information on the mechanics and manuals of mobile cranes and how to use them properly. When it comes to your next significant building job, give us a call and let’s discuss how we can help you stay safe and secure.