Mobile Crane Operation Safety Tips
When operating mobile cranes, it’s important to follow safety advice and maintain safe practices. Cranes are big pieces of machinery that require training to operate. If you are planning on hiring a mobile crane, it's essential you understand how they function and use them safely.
We’ve put together this blog to help you practice safe use when operating mobile cranes.
Understand the job requirements
You need to completely understand the requirements of any job you are undertaking as well as the limitations of the equipment you are using. You’ll need to understand loaf capacities as well as the right crane to use for the task. Before each use, make sure there is a plan in place and that you run through safety checklists and are prepared to call off the lift if the conditions do not permit it safely. If you need to postpone or cancel the lift, it is always better than risking the safety of those on-site.
Check PPE
Personal protective equipment is there to keep you safe. Without adequate PPE you are not able to complete the job safely. PPE can help prevent accidents while working with cranes so you should be wearing hard hats, eye protection and hand protection and checking the condition of the equipment before use.
Check for electric hazards
Electrical hazards pose a huge risk to crane operators. If the boom of the crane comes in contact with a power line, for example, the operator and anyone on the ground could get electrocuted. The site should be assessed for any risks and hazards should be reduced with a pre-job checklist.
Read operator manuals
Even if you are qualified and trained to use mobile cranes, each crane is different and you should read the operator manual before a job. If there are different controls you aren’t used to or you’re unsure of, it can cause safety issues when using it. You need to be confident of the safety mechanisms such as load moment devices. When checking the operating manual read through the controls, load capacity, safety mechanisms, counterweights and stabiliser.
Are you looking for crane hire companies in Devon? Nick Sampson is here to help. We offer crane hire in Devon to assist you with a range of jobs. Get in touch today to hire cranes and other machinery.
