Crane Operation Mistakes that Must be Avoided at All Times

28 June 2021

Cranes are integral to project sites that require the lifting of heavy objects from one place to another. Through their main functionality, a wide array of industries maximises cranes, no matter what type they are. Some of these industries include automotive and transportation, aviation, construction, manufacturing, power, shipbuilding, and storage.

But just like other equipment pieces, cranes have to be used properly for them to be effective. Failure to use the cranes properly can lead to damages to surrounding structures and objects. It can likewise lead to injuries and even death.

To avoid these things from happening, operators and other involved personnel should conduct crane operations properly. They must also avoid committing the following common crane operation mistakes.

Going Beyond the Limit

Cranes often have a maximum load limit that must be respected all the time. Even though they have durable components, operators and other professionals should always follow the load capacity of the cranes. Once the limit has been breached, the cranes might start to get damaged. Worse, the cranes might tip over, generating damages and injuries on the project site. The load might also suddenly drop, which can be extremely hazardous for those underneath the load. Aside from following the load limit, operators must ensure that the weight of the crane is evenly distributed.

Skipping Assessment

Another mistake that crane operators and other professionals should avoid is to use the cranes without assessing or inspecting their condition. Even though most cranes look and appear durable, they might have some component issues that must be resolved right away. Some of their components might already have damages that must be fixed as soon as possible. Others might even need to be replaced to avoid safety risks. The existence of broken wires, loose cables, damaged latches, and other similar problems may only lead to damages and workplace safety issues.

Ignoring the Weather

The materials used for crane components are often resistant to heat and moisture, making them resilient to any weather conditions. However, they are mostly recommended to be used only on sunny days. The situation of the surrounding during extreme weather conditions can be risky for the people around the site. Rainy days may easily dim the overall work condition of the cranes since the sunlight is obscured. Strong winds can also disturb the balance of the crane components. Lightning can likewise cause crane operation issues. Once it hits the cranes, it may risk the lives of the operators and other people on site.

Operating Recklessly

One more mistake that crane operators should avoid at all times is to operate the cranes without proper caution. Some components of the cranes may be too close to utility lines. Working recklessly might lead to contact of the cranes to the lines, which can then electrocute operators and other people. Getting the cranes too close to these lines can also lead to the dropping of heavy objects, damaging the surrounding structure, and causing injuries to people. To avoid this mistake, crane operators should use the cranes carefully and cautiously.

To know more about crane operations, feel free to contact us at Sharp Welding and Crane Hire Services.