To get a big job done quickly, a rented crane can make a great investment. It’s no good at all, though, if you don’t use the crane safely. The safety of the crane operator and everyone else on the job site is of paramount importance for the entire time the crane is on location. To help improve safety, here are a few tips to help stay safe while operating a rented crane.
Study in Advance
While many cranes operate in a similar manner, there are differences between each model that must be accounted for. That’s why it’s important to study the controls of your rented crane before you put it to use. This will ensure that the operator knows exactly where a certain control is, allowing them to operate the crane with precision. Plus, if there is an emergency, familiarity with the controls will help the operator avoid further problems.
Watch the Land
With so much weight so high up, tipping is a serious risk when using a rented crane. To reduce this risk, it’s crucial that you ensure the crane is level before any lifting begins. If the ground isn’t level, use other equipment that you have available to level the land as much as possible. To ensure a perfectly level crane, you should use the crane’s built-in support legs, which the crane services company can demonstrate how to use before you take the crane to your job site.
Look Above
Another risk you may face when using a rented crane is becoming entangled with overhead power lines. In addition to causing damage to the crane’s boom, this scenario presents a serious electrocution risk for everyone on or near the crane. Before you set up a crane, then, it’s vital that you check for any power lines that are anywhere close to the area where the crane is working, keeping in mind the substantial reach of the crane’s boom.
Take it Slow
Though meeting deadlines is an important aspect of any construction project, staying safe is the most important aspect. Therefore, it’s important to work slowly but deliberately when operating your rented crane. This is especially crucial when you first deploy the crane, as it’s hard to fully grasp the operational limits of a particular piece of machinery. As you become more familiar with what the crane can do, the speed can be increased to a certain extent, but not to the point of rushing things so that safety is overlooked.
Ask Questions
When it comes to rented equipment, it’s okay to ask questions. You don’t have to be the one who knows it all since you likely don’t know all there is to know about a particular crane. Asking good questions helps you to get a better handle on the crane and ensures that everyone stays safe day in and day out.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.
