When used properly, cranes can really come in handy on a construction site. However, when safety is not a top concern, cranes could potentially be deadly. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that more than 200 people were killed during crane-related accidents between 2011 and 2015 while countless others were injured. If you’re planning on using a crane on your job site in the near future, you should make sure your crane is set up as safely as possible. Here are some tips to help you do it.
Learn about the rules and regulations regarding cranes.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a long list of rules and regulations regarding cranes. You should learn as much as you can about them before you set up a crane on your site. OSHA requires crane operators to use cranes on firm ground. They also call for companies using cranes to perform the proper tests on soil to ensure it’s stable enough to handle a crane and whatever it’s going to be lifting during a job.
Bring in an engineer to evaluate unstable ground.
Do you have concerns about the ground that you’re going to use during crane operation? If so, you should consider calling a geotechnical engineer to take a closer look at it for you. An engineer can come in and evaluate your soil for you. They can then provide you with a full report that will let you know how your crane will hold up when it’s used on a certain soil type.
Utilize crane pads whenever possible.
You may need to take drastic measures to prepare a surface for a crane. You may need to compact the soil or even bring in rock and other materials that can make your surface safe. You also may need to think about using crane pads over your surface. It will prevent your crane from slipping and sliding around when you’re using it.
Obtain help setting up your crane if you need it.
If it’s your first time setting up a crane on a specific surface, you should speak with an experienced crane provider that can show you the ropes. By working with a crane rental company, you can set your crane up safely and ensure it stays safe throughout the duration of a project.
Astro Crane has been providing crane rentals and other crane services for more than 30 years now. Call us at 978-429-8666 to learn about the steps we can take to improve the safety of your site.
