Top 5 tips for using a crane safely
Hiring a crane is a great idea if you need to lift heavy, cumbersome loads between varying heights. But, as with all specialist machinery, using a crane doesn’t come without risk and to avoid accidents or injury, it’s essential they are operated safely.
When it comes to hiring a crane, you have two options – CPA hire or contract lifting – and the right service depends on how much experience you have. Contract lifting is recommended if you’re new to crane hire as the provider will take care of every aspect, allowing you to relax knowing that all lifts are completed in the safest way possible.
Even if you’re familiar with crane hire and you’ve hired a crane before, it’s always good to refresh your memory.
5 top safety tips:
- Make sure cranes are operated by qualified personnel
It’s essential that you only employ staff with the appropriate expertise as cranes are complex machines that need to be operated correctly.
Crane operators must know the ins and outs of crane hire and be well-versed in other safety procedures too – including hand signalling.
- Inspect the lifting equipment and load
Operators need to thoroughly inspect equipment and make sure that it’s up for the job before lifting. A good place to start is looking at the booms and cables – checking for cracks and other signs of wear. If you notice that lifting equipment is damaged or faulty, it will need to be taken out of service until repaired.
Goods also need to be carefully inspected to ensure that weight limits aren’t exceeded and that they’re held in place securely – preventing them from falling off mid-flight and causing damage or injury.
- Ensure staff are correctly briefed
A reputable crane hire company, like Bryn Thomas Cranes, will provide a suitable crane and operator for CPA hire and contract lifts, however, you’ll still need to make sure that the crane is operated safely.
With contract lifting, Bryn Thomas Cranes operate a safe system of work and guarantee crane hire meets BS 7121 and LOLER regulations. They also ensure that crane drivers, supervisors, signallers and clerks are briefed on the task in hand and know exactly what’s required of them to provide the best results on time and in complete safety.
- Allocate sufficient time
Did you know that a common cause of accidents on construction sites is simply carelessness? Don’t try to cut corners when using a crane.
Always allow yourself enough time to thoroughly inspect equipment and goods and follow proper safety procedures.
- Ask for advice
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Cranes can be complex and it’s easy to forget the procedures required for safe operation. If you have any questions get in touch with the experts at Bryn Thomas Cranes.
Always on hand to help, they can guide and advise you on the safest way to use a crane. Call head office on 01352 733 984 or complete the online enquiry form and they’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
