The crane truck is a valuable accompaniment to all kinds of different construction projects. It is a popular choice of machine because it offers a high level of transportability and ease of use. If your crane is mounted on a vehicle, it can be quickly moved to the most in-need locations without having to deconstruct any of the parts first. This is why crane truck hire is often the best choice for bridgework, highway construction, and more.
However, if you are going to introduce a crane truck to your construction site or stockyard, you need to make sure that all operatives are fully trained in its use. It is also imperative that all employees working in close proximity to the machine are aware of the safety rules and precautions. If handled incorrectly, this can be a very dangerous machine, so an exceptional standard of safety is required.
Keep reading for some valuable help and advice on keeping employees safe while operating crane trucks.
The Operator Must Be Fully Trained
There are specific qualifications and training accolades that a person must have before they are permitted to go anywhere near the inside of a crane cab. Once they are inside and at the controls, they are solely responsible for the safety of objects and individuals in the vicinity. The most serious consequence of incorrect crane use is a fatality, so there is no overestimating how important it is to have the right skills.
Training and Qualifications
All crane operators need a high-risk work license to lawfully operate these machines. In order to get one, an individual must be over the age of eighteen and be able to pass a mandatory training exam. It is therefore against the law to allow any person without the proper training to enter the cab of a crane truck.
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Radio Controlled Cranes
The older style of crane truck is operated via two joysticks positioned inside the cab. However, many of the newer machines can now be operated remotely. This is much safer, because if anything does go wrong with the truck or the crane, the operator is not stationed directly inside it. The risk of a fatality is significantly reduced, and the danger of falling components crushing or trapping the individual is all but eliminated.
Computer Aided Control
Almost all modern crane cabs contain a special computer that is used to help operators make valuable lift calculations. The operator only has to input data about the weight, height, and path of an object and the machine will suggest the most suitable method of transportation. This technology has greatly improved the safety of crane trucks because it leaves less margin for error and reduces the impact of human inaccuracies.
The Job Site Must Be Suitable
It is not just the crane itself that needs to be inspected and checked for faults before use. The work site can be just as dangerous if there are obstacles left in the path of the machine. Before any kind of load is moved, the supervisor or foreman needs to ensure that the ground and area above it is completely free of other objects and disruptions. If there are overhead power lines close to the lift site, a safe lifting route should be mapped out first.
Keeping Your Employees Safe is a Top Priority
The safety and security of all onsite employees should be the top priority when operating any kind of construction crane. While incorrect handling may also put stock in danger, it is the risk to life that must come first. It is certainly true that not all accidents can be foreseen or avoided but, with the right training, the risk can be substantially reduced.
Guest Post: Hubert Dwight
