Tips and precautions when operating cranes
Cranes are robust machines with a high capacity for transporting heavy loads. They are used for lifting, moving materials, and prefabricated parts. Crane operation involves planning, rigorous sizing, compliance with standards, and the participation of qualified professionals.
To maximize efficiency and efficiency when operating cranes, it is important to consider several factors and the precautions required for this type of work. Furthermore, it is important to consider the type of crane used for each operation.
Records kept by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association) showed that accidents involving cranes from 1984 to 1994 were primarily caused by electrocution, assembly and disassembly of the equipment, crane movement, and falls.
Therefore, we have prepared this special article with several tips and precautions you should take when operating cranes.
Why do you need a rigging plan for crane operations?
Every operation involving cranes requires planning. In some situations, a form with information on load values, crane configuration, capacity, and accessories can help with the work.
However, in more complex cases, a rigging plan should accompany the planning. This plan includes crane movements, their configurations, rigging information, and operational clearances.
Experts emphasize that three points should be considered when planning crane movements:
Equipment Involving Crane Operation
Assess whether the equipment has adequate capacity to perform the operation. Has it been inspected, tested, and does it offer safe conditions for the work? In addition to answering this question, you must verify that there is a technical manager legally qualified to operate the machine.
Qualified Professionals
It is important to verify that the professionals involved in the operation are qualified to work with the equipment. Find out if the employees’ experience meets the level of difficulty required for the operation and if they have any certification in crane operation.
Procedures
Operational procedures must be well-defined and cover all aspects. It is essential that all employees are familiar with them and apply them during the work to be performed.
Crane Operation Precautions:
Work involving cranes requires careful safety to avoid accidents that could cause harm to operators and the operation. As machines become increasingly modern and versatile, it’s necessary to be attentive to precautions and follow regulations to ensure everything runs safely for everyone.
See these tips to help ensure safety when operating cranes:
Pay attention to crane specifications
Knowing the correct crane specifications for each type of work is essential. This helps ensure productivity and safety when moving loads.
Experts advise working with equipment that has a load moment limiter (LMI), siren, inclinometer with two-axis level control, light and audible indicators, anemometer, level indicator, and remote operation via wireless control (in this case, for small cranes).
Keep crane maintenance up to date
Equipment maintenance must be performed rigorously and frequently to ensure safe crane operation. In fact, it is important to follow the plan recommended by the manufacturer.
Check the wire ropes:
Periodically inspect the wire ropes before operating the cranes. During the daily inspection, check for corrosion, broken wires, distortion, wear, and crushing, especially at their tension points, where they contact the connections and pulleys.
It is important to lubricate the wire ropes to reduce internal friction and prevent corrosion. They should also be cleaned with a stiff wire brush and solvent, compressed air, or steam. To ensure they last longer, avoid releasing the load quickly and abruptly. Click here for Crane Operation Training
Technical and Safety Standards:
When operating cranes, it is important to pay attention to updates to the country’s Occupational Safety Regulatory Standards over time.
Therefore, take advantage of the tips in this article and start implementing the precautions you should take when operating cranes today. If you need a suitable crane for any work involving your company, contact our consultants.
We work with the quality and efficiency of Terex cranes, a brand that has been in the market since 1927. Terex is considered one of the largest machinery, industrial equipment, and infrastructure companies in , and we have become one of the main distributors of the brand’s cranes in the country.
