How To Use A Crane Safely
So, you’re thinking about hiring a crane?
Cranes are indispensable machines, used by many industries to lift and move heavy goods between varying heights.
But, much like any other piece of industrial equipment, they can pose a risk to those on-site and nearby – especially if they’re poorly maintained or not operated correctly.
That’s why, in this blog, the BJW Cranes team will be sharing some top tips to keep you and your workers safe while getting the most out of your crane hire.
5 crane hire safety tips
1. Make sure operators are licensed
Usually, a reputable crane hire company will provide a competent operator who is fully licensed.
If they are unlicensed, they may not know how to operate the crane properly, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries. What’s more, if something were to happen on your site during the lifting operation, legal action could be taken.
2. Dress appropriately
It’s essential that everyone involved in the lift is properly equipped for safety reasons.
This includes wearing hard hats, safety glasses, ear protection, gloves and hard-toe boots to protect their heads, eyes, ears, hands and feet. Hi-vis vests or reflective jackets must also be worn to ensure operators can always see them.
3. Inspect the equipment
Crane hire providers will supply a crane that’s suitably maintained, tested and certified.
However, inspecting the equipment, load and work area yourself before the lift operation begins will give you peace of mind that everything is in working order and safe to use.
4. Minimise distractions
When it comes to crane hire, everyone needs to be alert – not just the operator!
As mobile phones are one of the biggest distractions, ask all site workers to switch them off during operations. This will allow them to focus on the task at hand and mitigate the risk of accidents while the crane is in use.
5. Brief your team
Whether you’re new to crane hire or you’ve hired cranes several times in the past, you’ll need an appointed person to oversee the lift from start to finish.
They are responsible for briefing all supervisors, crane drivers, slingers/signallers and traffic management clerks. They make sure that everyone can work simultaneously, too – ensuring maximum safety and efficiency throughout the operation.
Ready to hire a crane?
The above safety precautions will enable you to use lifting equipment safely and correctly – ultimately keeping your workers, worksite and load safe.
It’s also helpful to choose a reliable crane hire firm that holds health and safety at the heart of everything they do, like ourselves at BJW Cranes.
When you hire a crane from us, you can trust that it will be properly maintained and ready for use. We carry out routine inspections to improve worker safety and reduce crane wear and tear by identifying issues quickly.
We can also assure you that our operators are fully trained and qualified to operate the machinery within our fleet – eliminating human error and costly downtime.
To find out more about our crane hire services, get in touch. We’re always on hand to help and will happily answer your questions.