Working with cranes tends to make tasks simpler. The only thing you need to remember is that if care is not taken, there is a huge chance that there will be accidents. Knowing what safety measures can be implemented will ensure that you and everyone else on site stay safe at all times. Here are some of the top safety precautions that will work for truck mounted cranes.
Do Not Overload
Although cranes have been made to handle heavy weights, you can only push them so far. Before you get started on a project ensure you have a rough estimate of how heavy the items you will be moving are.
Doing so helps you figure out whether the weight of these items is something your crane can withstand. Overloading often leads to weak wires which can snap and injure someone. It also means you end up spending a lot of money on repairs in the event that the cranes get spoilt.
Clear the Area While Working
Even though this is meant to be common knowledge, some people tend to forget it. Ensure that the space underneath the crane is clear of people when work starts. That way, in the event that the crane lets go of the items being moved, no one will be in the way.
It is also vital that you prevent civilians and anyone with no construction knowledge from being close to the site you are working on. They might not know what the safety precautions are which can lead to more accidents.
Be Wary of Electrical Lines During Transportation
One thing you need to ensure you look out for is the power and telephone lines as you move to a new area. Since the crane can reach higher, they might end up entangled with these wires and either cause a blackout or lead to other accidents. Having a site visit before actual work starts is a great way for you to prevent such accidents altogether.
Assemble it Well
Different trucks and cranes have different rules on how they need to be assembled together. Before you get started on work ensure that your crane is set up the right way and that it is in a stable area. Poor crane assembly is not only dangerous to the people using it, but it can also lead to damage to the truck crane.
If you have never had to assemble the crane yourself then it will help if you got someone to do it for you. A professional would know what needs to be done so your crane is set up in the right way.
Carry out Regular Maintenance
One thing you need to remember when it comes to your cranes is the quality of service you get from them depends on how well you look after them. If you skip on the regular check and maintenance practices then you end up with a faulty crane which poses great danger to the people using it.
Maintenance steps include checking the wires to ensure they are not wearing out and ensuring the crane stays lubricated at all times. You also need to ensure that any spoilt parts are replaced before the crane is put to use again lest you end up with a broken-down crane that cannot be repaired.
Maintain Standard Work Practices
Once everything is in order ensure you wear the right attire when operating the crane. It is easy for you to get distracted when operating the machinery and one of the reasons accidents happen especially to the crane operator is the kind of clothes one wears when using the crane.
Avoid slippery shoes and always get a hard hat to protect your head. It is also recommended that you get yourself clothes that fit you well. Ensure that you pay attention when working as distractions can lead to accidents as well.
Truck cranes are easy to use and move around but there comes a time when you can end up with a nasty accident if you are not careful. Knowing what to look out for and how to stay safe will ensure that you can use the crane and keep everything safe. Where in doubt, always talk to a professional. They are well-equipped and can help pinpoint where the problem might be.
