Who Is Most at Risk When Working Around Cranes?

crane services

Unfortunately, crane-related injuries often result in fatalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an average of 42 deaths per year happen from crane-related accidents.

If you just started working with cranes, or you are looking to rent a crane from crane rentals, you must be wondering who is at the highest risk when working with cranes, right? Well, the truth is that anyone without proper training can be a victim.

Crane accidents, like other industrial occurrences, are often the result of operator error. Operator errors occur for a variety of causes, including inadequate training, distraction, exhaustion, and, in severe cases, drunkenness from drugs and alcohol.

This puts everyone on the site in significant danger.

Common risks

There are plenty of risks that come when working with cranes. The most common ones are:

Electrocution

All employees, including the operator, are accountable for identifying electrical dangers. Crane booms may come into touch with overhead electrical lines due to their height.

When this occurs, the electrical current can travel along the boom, into the material line, and through the tagline before passing directly through the worker securing the tagline.

One of the most critical safety precautions crane operators can take is to have local utility personnel mark off overhead lines with safety flags. This increases crane operators’ vision and hazard awareness.

Employers must also maintain a safe distance between the crane’s operational location and any electrical wires.

To be on the safe side, you should handle cranes with a minimum of 10 feet of clearance from electrical lines. This distance includes the fully extended load.

Falling loads

Most people envision crane accidents as a big cargo being dropped from the crane’s greatest height. This is a real threat associated with crane operations that all worksite managers must be aware of.

Falling loads occur for a variety of reasons. To begin, if the load is not properly fixed or fastened to the crane’s load line, it may slip.

If the load is not properly balanced, it can shift the machine’s center of gravity, resulting in tipping, which puts everyone on the site in danger.

Another potential risk arises when the principal load line or a tagline is disrupted. Without the entire support of an undamaged cable, the load becomes unstable, and one or more lines may finally give way and release the weight.

Two-blocking can occur when the operator does not allow for enough slack when extending the boom. This generates extra tension in a cable, causing the load to snap off.

Weather conditions are also an important consideration for operators. When cranes operate in severe environments, loads that are not properly fastened with taglines may become unstable owing to wind force and unrestrained swinging.

Finally, falling loads might occur when the load exceeds the crane’s design capability. Riggers must follow OSHA crane rules by first determining the load’s weight and capacity, then properly rigging and shackling it.

Operators are also responsible for maintaining smooth control of the weight to prevent it from falling.

To minimize the chances of this accident happening on your site, take your time and only hire experienced crane operators who know what they are doing.

Struck by accidents

The crane’s swinging movements increase the chance of being struck by an object. When the crane is raising or transferring a load, an unprepared worker could be injured by swinging pieces.

According to BLS data, 52% of the fatalities happen as a result of struck-by occurrences. Nearly 27% of these fatalities occur when a worker is struck by a load that fell from a moving crane.

To prevent this accident, be ultra-cautious of the operator you hire. You also should ensure that you train everyone to be more cautious when carrying out their activities beneath the crane.

Caught between hazards

Another construction incident occurs when workers are caught in or between dangers. In crane operations, caught-in/between accidents occur when a worker is physically pinned or compressed by the crane’s swinging superstructure or crushed by its moving elements.

Every piece of construction equipment, from a basic skid steer loader to a big industrial crane, contains moving elements, which produce pinch points.

The most critical thing a construction business can do to reduce crane-related accidents is to provide, teach, and enforce two-way radio communication between the operator and ground personnel.

Ground personnel are most vulnerable to being compressed in pinch points. Thus, they must be aware when the operator begins working the crane, particularly while adjusting its swinging sections or driving it forward or backward.

Transportation hazards

The frequently disregarded danger of working with cranes is the risk of transporting cranes to and from work sites.

These accidents are frequently referred to as the fifth danger in OSHA’s list of deadly four. Cranes are massive machines that must frequently be transported over large distances by industrial trucks.

Crane transportation is a long and difficult procedure with numerous potential hazards, including crashes, runovers, and brake failure.

It’s estimated that more than 13% of fatal crane incidents occur during transportation. Oversized loads, such as cranes, are risky and can kill personnel who are not properly trained or do not adhere to crane safety regulations for transportation.

Best practices when working with cranes

To reduce the chances of accidents happening, you should be cautious about how you handle the cranes. To be on the safe side, here are tips you should observe:

Properly train your employees

As an employer, you must give proper health and safety training to all of your employees so that they are competent at their employment.

By educating your personnel, you improve workplace safety, satisfaction, and revenues while reducing injuries, fatalities, accidents, and illness.

Ensure people working on the crane know where to stand

You should never stand underneath a crane or have a weight lifted over you. Your personnel must be aware of this and avoid wandering through any areas where cranes are overhead.

Parting shot

Everyone working with cranes is at risk of getting injured or hurt, so you should be aware of this when renting cranes from crane services VA.

Besides hiring a well maintained crane, also ensure that you work with experienced professionals. It also doesn’t hurt to train the people handling the crane to reduce the chances of accidents happening.

Best Practices When Moving Heavy Equipment

When it comes to transporting heavy equipment, you need to be ultra-cautious to ensure that the equipment reaches the destination safely. To do this you need to observe a set of best practices.

Best practices before loading the equipment

You need to ensure that you don’t exceed the transport vehicle’s gross weight rating and/or gross combination weight.

If the equipment is too large, determine whether you need permits for oversized or overwidth movements. These loads may additionally necessitate warning flags, lights, and oversized or wide load banners.

Are there any loading requirements for the equipment, such as the usage of locking pins, brakes, specific transmission gear, outriggers, or deck wideners? You should find them.

As a rule of thumb determine where you will place the equipment on the transport vehicle to ensure proper weight distribution and securement.

Heavy equipment movers also recommend that you check the equipment’s securement points for wear and damage. If they are damaged, don’t use them.

If there will be friction between the equipment and the transport vehicle (for example, metal crawler tracks on a metal deck), consider if you need friction devices.

If the item you need to move has rubber tires, check the pressure. Low pressure may cause the tiedowns to loosen.

Remember to remove any excess aggregate, dirt, debris, or other materials that could fall or reduce friction during transport.

Best practices when loading the equipment

You shouldn’t operate or load equipment that you are unfamiliar with or cannot operate safely. When possible, put the equipment against a vehicle structure to help prevent forward movement, unless weight distribution or securement considerations prevent this.

To avoid damaging brake or hydraulic lines or cylinders, attach securement devices with caution.

Remember to use edge protection to safeguard the tiedowns and equipment.

Whenever possible, use the equipment manufacturer’s designated connection points and adhere to the manufacturer’s securement guidelines.

Attach each tiedown as close to the vehicle’s front and rear as practicable. You can also attach it to mounting points on the vehicle specifically built for that purpose.

Do not use any attachment point with doubtful strength or compatibility.
Chain is the main tiedown method for large equipment and machinery. Ensure that no links are strained or have nicks.

Use direct tiedowns whenever possible, but keep in mind that you require more tiedowns than indirect tiedowns.

To keep wheeled vehicles from moving, place chocks, cradles, wedges, or other measures against the wheels. These devices require security.

Best practices after loading the equipment

You need to lower all ancillary equipment and movable parts, such as hydraulic shovels, booms, plows, crane arms, and so on, and secure them to the transport vehicle with tiedowns.

For the accessories with locking pins or similar devices that prevent movement in any direction, you do not need to secure them with additional security measures.

Hydraulics alone are insufficient to secure auxiliary equipment so if possible use additional units.

If the equipment being transported has an articulation point, pivot, or hinge in its design, secure or constrain the vehicle or equipment to prevent articulation during transit.

You need to secure accessories and other items not attached to the equipment to the transport vehicle in accordance with the normal cargo securement rules.

When doing this, confirm the vehicle’s true height and breadth.

Perform all needed en-route security assessments.

Have minimum tiedown requirements

If the loaded vehicle has crawler tracks or wheels, you need at least four tiedowns to prevent the equipment from moving side-to-side, forward, rearward, and vertically.

You should note that an indirect tiedown routed through an anchor point and attached to both sides of the trailer is considered a single tiedown.

You can use a chain as two tiedowns provided it is appropriately linked to two anchor points with two binders and has slack in the middle, ensuring that a break in the chain does not affect each tiedown.

For peace of mind, the total working load limits of the tiedowns must be at least 50% of the cargo’s weight. If the cargo weight is unknown, you may need more tiedowns.

You can attach the tie-downs near the front and back of equipment, or at the mounting locations of the equipment intended for that purpose.

Ensure that you play by the load securement laws

During Roadcheck, inspectors will largely do the Level I inspection, which is a thorough 37-step examination of the vehicle and the driver’s credentials.

To ensure that you are on the right size, ensure that spare tires, loads, goods, tools, and dunnage are securely fastened and do not fall, blow, spill, or leak off the vehicle, or roll or shift while in transportation.

Also, ensure that there are enough tiedowns for the weight and length of the equipment being transported.

Check for faulty tiedowns, which may be loose, torn, broken, crooked, or knotted. If you have a problem, fix it immediately.

Inspect the anchor points and buildings for damage. You also need to confirm that you observe commodity-specific cargo security standards at all times.

Parting shot

These are some of the things you should do to ensure that your load is safe at all times during transportation.

You can do the transportation by yourself but for the best outcome, let an experienced heavy machinery moving company handle the work.

The beauty of hiring a company is that you are sure that they will deliver your equipment safely and without any problems. You are also sure that they will pay attention to all the laws and your equipment won’t be held on the road due to lack of compliance.

When you are hiring a heavy machinery moving VA company, don’t hire the first one that you come across. Instead, take your time to find a reputable one who will have the necessary equipment and experience. Don’t take risks on a piece of expensive equipment.

Common Crane hazards and how to avoid them

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When you are working with a crane, there are plenty of hazards that come with it. The most common ones are:

Overloading

This happens when the load exceeds the crane’s capacity, but it can also happen when the cargo is swinging, dragging, suddenly dropping, or it’s centre of gravity is not immediately under the crane.

Overloading can decrease the structural integrity of the crane and increase the chance of the crane malfunctioning.

There is also the risk of the load falling and hurting the people working on the site. To avoid this, you should be ultra-cautious of the weight that you lift with the crane. As a rule of thumb, don’t lift more than the crane is designed to do.

Before you pick the crane from the crane rentals, confirm with them about the maximum weight that you can carry with the crane. Of course, you should never exceed it.

Falling/dropping load

Falling materials are another potential hazard when operating a crane, and they can cause significant injuries if someone is struck by or caught between them.

Objects may fall as a result of poor or inadequate rigging or material tying down. It could also be due to a mechanical failure of the lifting setup or even because of the movement of the materials being lifted.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, always do a double check of the load before you lift and ensure that it’s securely in place. It’s even wise for the crane operator to slightly lift the load to confirm that it’s securely in place. They should only continue with the lift after they have ascertained that it’s in place.

Sling angle

This is a critical issue that many people with limited crane experience do not completely get.

A resultant sling angle is created when you start the sling at the crane hook, go to the load at an angle, via I-bolt on top of the load, go to the opposite side through an i-bolt, and then back to the crane hook.

With this design, what appears to be a 45-degree angle due to the forces being applied to the sling is actually cut in half, well below what safety standards permit. People need to be aware of this circumstance so that they don’t overwhelm the sling.

Swing

Operators will undoubtedly encounter swing in the crane at some point, and it is critical that they understand how to remove swing from a lift properly.

The objective is, first and foremost, to not have a swing at all. However, due to the variety of conditions that may arise, a crane operator will occasionally encounter a swing and must know how to deal with it.

To reduce the risk of the swing, you should work with an experienced crane operator who can easily counter the swing.

Guide rope availability

When approaching a load, be careful not to touch it or the rigging. You need a guiding rope to help you out.

However, the challenge comes when there may not be a guide rope available. Someone may have stolen the guide rope, used it, and left it somewhere, but no one knows where it is.

Without the guide rope, operators may be enticed to briefly touch the cargo, which considerably increases risk.

Guide ropes aren’t always highly efficient, especially when it comes to regulating loads. The guide rope can assist with load rotation, however, it can only be pulled and not pushed, for obvious reasons.

To be on the safe side, work with rigging professionals who know how to handle the guide rope.

You might need two or more operators, each with their own guide rope, to control the load. Or, the alternative is to use a pole, which allows the operator to grab the load and push as well as pull it.

Wear/damage

It is usual for equipment to wear and tear with regular use. However, frequent inspections of the crane are required to guarantee that there is no serious damage to the hoist or rigging equipment.

Any sort of damage to the equipment should be categorized as either fixable—and fixed before the operator uses it—or damaged beyond repair and scrapped.

Working with damaged load-bearing equipment can affect their performance and potentially create safety hazards.

Crane training—the key to reducing the hazard effects

Training is essential for safe crane operations. Specific training needs can differ per jurisdiction so you should find the type of training that is ideal for your location.

Regardless of where you are located, training for personnel involved in crane operation aims to provide the necessary knowledge and skills for them to perform the task safely and effectively and to operate the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions as well as comply with applicable requirements and standards.

A comprehensive and up-to-date training program for crane operators and other workers involved in hoisting and rigging is a solid start.

Crane operator training includes both theoretical and practical hands-on components. It may include sections on crane components and safety equipment, as well as load handling concepts and how to calculate lifting capacity.

It could also comprise safe labor practices, such as agreed-upon communication methods and pre-operation inspections, as well as operating procedures and techniques, such as identifying factors that can affect hoist capacity.

Crane operation involves so many possible hazards that frequent refresher training may be required to review important knowledge and skills.

Parting shot

There are plenty of hazards that come with working with cranes. To be on the safe side, be on the lookout for these hazards and work on preventing them.

To reduce the chances of accidents happening, ensure that everyone handling the crane is fully and properly trained.

On-site training is also necessary for situations and applications that necessitate specialized skills or pose unique risks.

If an operator is expected to execute a task that is not covered in basic training, you can collaborate with the foreperson or supervisor to ensure the operator has the necessary knowledge of the scenario.

The people working with the cranes might be highly trained and experienced but if the crane is in horrible shape, they will have the worst experience. To ensure this isn’t the case, get well-maintained cranes from the crane rental services VA.

7 Situations When You Have To Move Heavy Equipment

If you use heavy equipment in your projects, there are plenty of reasons you might consider moving the equipment from one point to the other. Some of these reasons as given by heavy machinery moving experts include:

You need to replace the machine

Machines, like other systems, have an expected lifespan. After reaching that threshold, machines require part replacements or, in certain circumstances, full removal.

Replacements are also necessary when the equipment becomes obsolete or is broken beyond repair. Running broken or obsolete machinery will cause more harm than good.

It will not only slow down production and increase costs, but it will also pose a risk to everyone involved. When you are looking to replace your old or malfunctioning machinery, you need experienced machine movers to remove the machinery and install new equipment.

You need to relocate the machine

Is your business outgrowing its current space? Are you seeking a facility with cheaper rent and overhead? Moving or replacing your equipment may be necessary if you want to relocate your operation.

Rather than investing money in new machinery, you should consider hiring a professional rigging company to move your heavy equipment.

If you are relocating the machinery from one section of the business to the other, you can use your own forklifts, air bearings, and other equipment to move the equipment. However, if you are moving the equipment from one state or town to the other, you will need to hire a company to help with the relocation.

You are redesigning the site

Finding the ideal arrangement for your work site can be challenging. As you work, you might find a better and more efficient arrangement and you have no other way out other than to move the equipment around to fit the new arrangement.

You are discarding old equipment

You need to decommission and discard machines as soon as they reach a certain performance level and begin to lose efficiency. However, the size of rejected pieces can vary, and they must be removed from the facility before scrapping.

Such a large-scale movement necessitates the use of expert movers to transport it to the appropriate disposal location.

You are upgrading to better machines

Machines and their components require constant upgrades for optimal functioning. Upgrade parts can be of various sizes, ranging from small screws to massive dynamos and generators.

To avoid damage, you need to ensure that all improvements are transported and unloaded with extreme caution. Depending on the size of the part, movers load and unload the machine using equipment such as air bearings or crane systems.

You are selling the equipment

You can downsize, relocate, or make changes regularly, and often dispose of or sell your old equipment. Discarding occurs when a machine has completed its life cycle and has outlived its usefulness.

If the machine is still functional or requires minor repairs, the best way to handle it is to sell it. When you sell the machinery, you will need expert movers to transport it to the new owner’s location.

Why do you need a professional mover when moving heavy machinery?

Regardless of the reason you are looking to move heavy machinery, you should always hire a professional company to help you out.

If you have your team that can do the moving you must be wondering why you should hire a professional to help you out, right? Well, there are plenty of reasons you should do it. These reasons include:

You reduce the risk of injury

You are familiar with your machine and are aware of its weight and size. Regardless of your motive for moving, it will be extremely unsafe for your employees to try to move it. In some cases, one of your employees may get injuries, and you may incur financial costs.

Hiring a rigging company ensures that your machinery is moved securely by skilled specialists who adhere to their guidelines.

When you are hiring moving professionals, always hire experienced ones with an insurance policy. This way you are sure that even if an accident happens, you won’t be responsible for compensating them.

You don’t strain your moving equipment

Moving big machinery necessitates the use of specialist equipment capable of safely handling the weight of the object being moved. If your equipment fails when transferring your machinery, it may cause harm to critical components of your machine.

Professional rigging companies provide skilled machinery moving contractors with the necessary rigging equipment to properly transport and preserve your machinery throughout the relocation.

You save time

Moving large machinery while trying to do your daily tasks is not only a physical drain on your employees and equipment, but it also wastes time.

Instead of having your employees complete jobs that they excel at for your firm, moving equipment diverts their attention away from the skills they provide to your team.

With a trained rigging business, the jobs are accomplished swiftly and efficiently, allowing your personnel to focus on what will help your business flourish.

Also, if you attempted to move the machine, you would have spent too much time doing it because you don’t have the right machine or skills for the task. With professional movers, they have the right equipment for the task. At the same time, they have been doing the moving tasks for too long which means that they complete the tasks fast.

You exonerate yourself from responsibility

As mentioned, moving heavy equipment comes with plenty of risks. The heavy equipment can fall, and people can get hurt, among many other risks.

When there are too many risks involved, the last thing you want is to be responsible for the outcome.

When you hire heavy equipment movers VA, you lift all of the responsibilities off your shoulders and place them on the shoulders of the equipment movers. They will be responsible for anything that happens to the equipment and the people handling the equipment.

To be safe, ensure that you hire an insured company. As mentioned, when you hire an insured company you are sure that the insurance company will handle the responsibility should anything happen.

Ways to Avoid Accidents When Handling Heavy Equipment

heavy equipment moving

As much as they come in handy when doing heavy work, heavy machinery can be highly risky and lead to expensive accidents. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk. Plenty of things can go wrong when you are moving heavy machinery, so you should be ultra-cautious when doing it.

To help you out, here are tips given by heavy machinery moving experts on how to transport the equipment safely.

Be cautious when transporting the equipment

As mentioned, when moving the equipment from one place to the other, you need to be ultra-cautious and avoid accidents. As a rule of thumb,, you must ensure that you are working with reputable machinery moving company.

Other than this, you need to:

Ensure that the transport vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating and/or gross combination weight rating are not exceeded.

Determine whether permits for oversized or over width movements will be necessary. These loads may also necessitate warning flags, lights, and oversized or wide load banners. If this is the case, get them.

Find out if there are any loading requirements for the equipment, such as the usage of locking pins, brakes, a specific transmission gear or deck wideners.

Find out where the equipment will be placed on the transport vehicle to ensure proper weight distribution and securement.

Check the equipment’s securement points for wear and damage.

If there will be little friction between the equipment and the transport vehicle (for example, metal crawler tracks on a metal deck), consider if friction devices are required. If you need them, get them before you begin the transportation.

If the item to be moved has rubber tires, check the pressure. Low pressure may cause the tie-downs to loosen.

Remove any excess aggregate, dirt, debris, or other materials that could fall or reduce friction during transport.

Have minimum tiedown requirements during transportation

If the loaded vehicle has crawler tracks or wheels, you should have at least four tie-downs to prevent the machine from moving around.
You can use a chain as two tiedowns provided it is appropriately linked to two anchor points with two binders and has slack in the middle, ensuring that a break in the chain does not affect each tiedown.
The total working load limits of the tie-downs must be at least 50% of the cargo’s weight. If the cargo weight is unknown, more tie-downs may be required.
You can attach the tie-downs near the front and back of the equipment, or
At the mounting locations of the equipment intended for that purpose.
Stop and inspect the load securement 50 miles into the journey, and every three hours or 150 miles thereafter. This is because the loads can move, and the tie-downs can become loose on bumpy roads and during acceleration and deceleration.
If you notice a problem, you should fix it before proceeding with the journey.
Be ultra-cautious when loading heavy equipment for transportation
Do not operate or load equipment you are unfamiliar with or cannot operate safely.
When possible, put the equipment against a vehicle structure to help prevent forward movement, unless weight distribution or securement considerations prevent this.
Attach securement devices cautiously to avoid damaging brakes, hydraulic lines, or cylinders.
Use edge protection to safeguard the tie-downs and equipment.
Whenever possible, utilize the equipment manufacturer’s designated connection points and adhere to the manufacturer’s securement guidelines.
Attach, each tiedown as close to the vehicle’s front and rear as possible, or to mounting points on the car built explicitly for that purpose.
Do not use any attachment point with doubtful strength or compatibility.
Chain is the primary tiedown method for large equipment and machinery. Ensure that no links are strained or have nicks.
Use direct tiedowns whenever possible, but remember that they require more tiedowns than indirect tiedowns.
Place chocks, cradles, wedges, or other measures against the wheels to keep wheeled vehicles from moving. These devices require security.

Protect the equipment after loading.

You should lower all supplementary equipment and moveable elements, such as hydraulic shovels, booms, ploughs, crane arms, etc., and secure them to the transport vehicle with tie-downs.

Accessories with locking pins or similar devices that prevent movement in any direction are not required to be secured with additional security measures.

Hydraulics alone are insufficient to secure auxiliary equipment.

If the equipment you are transporting has an articulation point, pivot, or hinge in its design, secure or constrain the vehicle or equipment to prevent articulation during transit.

Secure accessories and other things not attached to the equipment to the transport vehicle by the normal cargo securement rules.

Confirm the vehicle’s true height and breadth.

Perform all needed en-route security assessments.

Do a final inspection before transportation.

You should do the Level I inspection, a thorough 37-step examination of the vehicle and the driver’s credentials.

As part of the cargo security inspection, you should check the following:

Ensure that spare tires, loads, goods, tools, and dunnage are securely fastened and do not fall, blow, spill, leak the vehicle, or roll or shift while in transportation.
Make sure there are enough tie-downs for the weight and length of the equipment you are transporting.
Check for faulty tie-downs, which may be loose, torn, broken, crooked, or knotted.
Inspect the anchor points and buildings for damage.
Confirm that you are observing commodity-specific cargo security standards.

Know your limits

Even seasoned veterans can sometimes find transporting and operating heavy machinery difficult. Regardless of your instructions, never place yourself in a scenario that makes you uncomfortable.

If you are unsure about loading a machine on a slope or in hazardous conditions, get the help of professional heavy machinery movers VA. Staying calm and aware throughout the day will help you to be more productive and create a great working atmosphere for those around you.

When hiring moving companies, don’t hire the first one you come across. Instead, you should take your time and find a reputable one with a proven track record.

When hiring, ask them to provide proof of having previously handled a similar project. This way, you will be sure that you won’t land into problems and will have an easy time.

How to Properly Rig Your Load

crane rigging

In the world of construction, the tools and materials required to complete the job are frequently too large or bulky to carry by hand. As a result, if you need something moved from point A to point B, a crane will usually be your first port of call.

Besides hiring a properly maintained crane from crane services, the other thing you should do is to ensure that you properly rig the load. To help you out, here are tips on how to go about it.

Be cautious of the weight.

The first thing to think about before trying a lift is the weight of the load. Equipment should be labeled with their weight. If no such marking is visible, contact the manufacturer.

When lifting building materials, make sure to account for both the number and weight of the units being transported. The weight of the load will determine the type of sling you will use during the lift.

Lookout for the sling

Make sure your sling is up to the task. This includes choosing a sling that is appropriate for the load. Fabric slings made of nylon and polyester are easy to handle, but user-friendliness should not come at the expense of safety.

Keep in mind that knots and cuts considerably weaken fabric slings, making them more susceptible to heat and friction than their metallic counterparts. Wire or chain slings are often the best solution for carrying big or abrasive goods.

Before you do any lifting, always double-check the sling and ensure that it’s in perfect shape. The last thing you should do is to use a sling that is in the blink of getting damaged, and you put your machine and the people working on the site at risk of getting hurt.

Hitch the load correctly.

Take the time to ensure that your sling is attached to the most appropriate section of the load. Never hitch to sections like guard rails that may come free during the lift.

Always tie the sling to the most secure component of the load to reduce the possibility of detachment or yielding during transit.

Loose hooks and slings are a major cause of load slippage and crane overturns. If a load is not correctly secured and reinforced to the jib and hook, it may become disconnected in the middle. These mishaps are extremely dangerous, particularly if they occur in the air.

Hitch the weight while ensuring that the hooks are tight, properly positioned, and exactly between the center of gravity.

Before you start the lifting, always double-check and confirm that everything is in perfect working order.

The right hitch lifts the load without tilting, spinning, or slipping. The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) recommends that you use these types of hitches:

Vertical hitch: The weight hangs straight from the crane via a vertical sling. A bridle hitch is a variation on this in which the weight is held by many slings at different angles rather than just one vertical sling.

Choker hitch: The sling rotates around the load, one end attached to the sling and the other to the crane.

Basket hitch: The sling surrounds the weight with this hitch, but both ends are attached to the crane hook.

You should note that even little damage affects a sling’s loading capability, so before you use it, you should thoroughly inspect it along its length. Inspect it for welding marks, deformations, cracks, and other signs of damage. If you notice any problem, don’t use the sling.

Have good communication

If a load is properly fixed, the possibilities of injury during the lift are reduced. Those operating on the ground, however, must still take responsibility for their own and their colleagues’ safety.

With this in mind, clear communication is essential. There should be a designated signaler who communicates with both the crane operator and his or her ground crew. Furthermore, each member of the rigging team should be free of pinch points and any load sway before the signaler gives the crane operator the go-ahead. Obviously, never stray beneath a loaded truck.

Be cautious during the lowering.

Before the operator begins lowering the load, make sure your surroundings are capable of supporting the burden.

If you need to steer the weight, use a tagline; if you’re walking with it, keep it near the ground. Remove all surrounding items and keep your feet clear. Stay on your toes and avoid getting stuck between the load and a stationary object.

Never leave a suspended load unattended.

Even with suitable rigging and a sufficiently large crane, leaving a hanging load unattended poses various concerns. For example, the weather can change fast, and a strong blast of wind might have a significant impact on hanging cargo. In this scenario, the entire crane may become unstable and collapse.

To avoid this, you should never have an unattended load hanging on your crane. You should always put the load down before you do anything.

In many cases, you will have a suspended load when the site isn’t ready. As you can tell, this is often due to poor preparation. Before you even lift the load, you should know where you will place it. The last thing you should do is to lift the load and then start thinking about where to place it.

Use a quality crane.

It goes that you should use a quality crane to do the lifting. When you are hiring the machine, always do a double check and confirm that its properly maintained and in perfect working condition.

This calls for you to ask for the maintenance records. If the crane rental services VA provider is dodgy on the maintenance of the crane, you should stay away from it.

Even when you get the crane, don’t just start working. Inspect it and confirm that it’s working optimally. A good way to go about it is to inspect the crane before you do any lifting.

As a rule of thumb, always ensure that the crane operator you hire is experienced and knows what they are doing. The last thing you want is the operator causing problems that aren’t supposed to be there.

How to Get the Most Out of a Rental Boom Truck

boom truck rentals

Boom trucks have extendable arms or booms used for construction and maintenance in various industries. For businesses that do not need a boom truck daily, renting one from a boom truck rental is often cheaper. If you’re renting a boom truck, here’s how to get the most out of it.

Understand your needs

The first step in undertaking any building or repair work is carefully evaluating your needs. You need to consider what height and reach are needed, how much weight your truck must be able to lift, or if any additional features are required for convenient operation.

Likewise, if your project requires you to work in narrow spaces, then a boom truck with a compact design would be ideal. But if you need to get way up, a truck with an extendable boom would be necessary.

Not only will this understanding help you choose the right boom truck model, but it can also guarantee that your equipment is precisely what your project requires. You can use the boom truck much more efficiently, reducing accidents on the job site.

Get proper training for operators.

A boom truck operation is only as efficient and safe as the skill of its operators. The provision of professional training for personnel driving the boom truck is not merely a legalistic necessity, it’s also an essential step that goes hand in hand with good performance.

A rented boom truck has its particular controls, which the operators must know well. They should understand exactly how moves and outriggers are managed and important equipment like light poles that hook up with cables (as quick guides).

Secondly, they must be educated about safety methods and encourage them not to exceed load limits.

To be on the safe side, always hire experienced operators who know what they are doing. To be even safer, retrain the operators before you begin the project.

Schedule regular maintenance checks.

Like any heavy machinery, a boom truck must be well-maintained to run at its finest. The hydraulic system, controls, and safety features should receive special attention in regular checks on critical components. The hydraulic system–which regulates the movement of boom, etc.

You should check the controls to make sure they respond correctly when an operator gives a command. It’s also wise to do some testing to check for safety features such as emergency shut-off mechanisms and load sensors.

Besides helping you prevent unexpected breakdowns, regular maintenance can catch problems before they become serious–and may even save lives on the job site. By caring for a boom truck properly, the possible losses can be reduced, and production efficiency can be increased.

Check load capacities

All boom trucks have designated capacities for a variety of configurations. Passing these limits can endanger safety and damage the equipment. Before lifting materials or equipment, always double-check load capacities. Do not overload to avoid accidents.

Choose the right boom length.

Choose the right boom length for your project. A longer boom increases the truck’s reach but at the price of stability. Choose the shortest boom that does your work to provide a safer working environment.

Utilize outriggers

Boom trucks are fitted with outriggers to increase stability when in use. Install the outriggers correctly, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. This is important, especially on uneven terrain or when lifting heavy loads, as it prevents tipping over.

Plan lifts carefully

Plan lifts to reduce downtime and improve efficiency. The place, height, and weight of the cargo for obstacles. A thought-out plan results in smooth operation, free of accidents.

Use proper rigging techniques.

Proper rigging is needed to protect the safe handling of loads. Slings, hooks, and attachments must be appropriate. Rigging errors can make the load unstable and endanger men or property.

Adhere to safety standards.

By following industry standards and regulations, safety comes first. This means PPE and safe work procedures and ensuring that workers know emergency operations. A secure working environment is at the heart of operating a boom truck.

Monitor weather conditions

It is necessary to observe weather conditions before and during operations. Adverse winds, rain, or snow can threaten the boom truck’s stability and safety. If bad weather is predicted, reschedule work.

Optimize transportation

The boom truck must be moved to and from the job site rapidly. In that regard, you must ask yourself: Are they sure of a good delivery service? Or should you pick it up by car and save on travel time and expenditure?

Keep communication clear

Communication between the boom truck operator and ground personnel must be effective. Adopt common signals and devise clear communication procedures to avoid misunderstandings. This is particularly important when working on busy construction sites.

Document and analyze performance.

The keeping of an accurate record isn’t just paperwork, it is a strategic move. This documentation is extremely useful for assessing the efficiency of operations and identifying shortcomings.

Note down problems cropping up during operation (whether functional malfunctions of equipment, environmental obstacles, or unexpected hurdles). Include detailed notes on maintenance activities, such as repair work and replacements or routine servicing.

Return the equipment promptly.

Good rental practice includes respecting the terms of the rental agreement, most especially promptly returning the boom truck. Turning in the equipment early saves money on rent and expresses a professional attitude.

In addition, this makes it possible for the rental company to run its fleet efficiently by ensuring that equipment is available when other customers need it.

On-time returns improve relations with landlords. It creates trust and dependability, so when you need to rent again in the future, the rental company prioritizes your needs.

Moreover, it demonstrates that your organization is committed to honoring agreements and deadlines. As a result, other industry members will see you as professional in your approach to business matters.

Conclusion

A boom truck for rent can reduce the time needed to complete many construction and maintenance projects. If you get to know the business, safety always comes first.

You also should follow best practices and don’t forget, a properly maintained and operated boom truck will ensure the project gets done and your employees work in safer surroundings.

When you are renting the unit, always rent from a crane hire VA stocking high-quality and well-maintained units.

Dangers That Come with Working with Heavy Machinery and How to Avoid Them

heavy equipment movers

If you work with heavy machinery or supervise personnel who do, know the inherent risks involved with the tasks.
Understanding the hazards involved and taking the necessary actions to mitigate them is paramount as it helps keep individuals safe.

To help you out, here are five of the most severe threats, as well as the necessary precautions you should take to protect yourself:

Heavy equipment transport accidents

Heavy equipment must frequently be moved between places. For example, you might need to move the equipment from one site to another. While this is good, the unfortunate thing is that accidents can occur for those in transit or those close if you do not take the necessary precautions.

Heavy equipment accidents usually happen due to carelessness or using the wrong moving equipment.
To stay safe when undertaking heavy machinery moving, it is critical to have a well-balanced load. To avoid tipping, ensure the load is appropriately centered and sits between the trailer’s wheels.

Before leaving, you should plan your route. Narrow bridges, underpasses, and unfinished surfaces on the road can all pose unwelcome but avoidable obstacles.

The same may be said about current roadwork. Knowing what a route includes beforehand allows you to plan accordingly to stay safe.

Planning also makes it possible for you to move the heavy equipment with ease and without causing a lot of commotion.

Getting crushed or run over

Heavy equipment’s weight, size, and power endangers persons who could be crushed between moving parts or run over by a machine.

Both awareness and visibility lessen the likelihood of both types of accidents. For example, training a worker to behave safely around a machine and ensuring the crew has appropriate high-visibility gear can go a long way.

Different organizations are trying to keep humans safe by using robotics and automation.

Experts in the industry have begun formulating related ideas and rules, such as the requirement that robots be safe and secure before working with people.

Some robots are also specifically intended to perform dangerous tasks that put people at an increased risk.
Heavy machinery that can be moved via remote controls is emerging and keeps people away from the danger zone.

Before you start working, you should ensure that you are visible and there are no blind spots in the areas you are working. If there are kids in the site you are working, keep them away from the danger zone.

Working without guards in place

Machine guards protect workers from potentially hazardous elements of a machine by shielding them from components that offer a high risk to them.

Some people, however, believe that the guarding interferes with the machine’s performance and removes it. This is wrong as it often leads to accidents that can quickly turn catastrophic.

Others know the importance of guards but don’t understand how to ensure they are present on the device before using it.

Always ensure the guards are in place before using the machine to be safe. Check the user manual if you aren’t sure whether your machine has a guard.

Operating equipment without proper training

Before operating heavy equipment, you must receive the appropriate training from a recognized provider. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Some people will receive basic training and then rush to operate the machine. This is wrong.

If the machine misbehaves, the poorly trained individuals don’t know what to do. The minimally trained individuals also don’t know what to do in an emergency.

To keep yourself and others safe, you should have the proper training. As a rule, you should only handle the heavy machinery after meeting multiple state-specific educational standards.

In most states, all construction workers must complete 10 hours of OSHA training. Superintendents, forepersons, and supervisors, on the other hand, require 30 hours.

You should practice as much as possible before working with the machine. This way, you not only do a good job but also prevent accidents from coming about.

Failing to learn the risks that come with heavy machinery

Coverage of the most prevalent OSHA standard violations emphasized the importance of avoiding employee exposure to hazards that are most likely to cause significant injury or death.

One of the most frequently reported general industry violations was a lack of a written hazard communication scheme.

Implementing precise protocols and procedures to inform individuals about the dangers contained in a task before they engage in it is what effective hazard communication entails.

Unfortunately, many people don’t engage in it, which, as you can tell, leads to an increased risk of injury or even death.

To minimize the risks, make it a habit of educating the people handling the machinery. It will even be better to remind them every morning about the risks involved and how to prevent them.

When operating a new machinery, educate the people using it and ensure they are conversant with it.
On the other hand, safety managers can help keep people safe by making them aware of the hazards through clear language and real-world examples.

Parting shot

These are some of the risks that come with using heavy machinery. While it’s impossible to eliminate the risks involved with big machinery, knowing the most severe hazards, enables all workers and safety personnel to adapt their behaviors and adjust training content as needed.

When transporting heavy machinery, don’t transport it by yourself or hire the first company you come across. Instead, ensure that the transportation is done by expert heavy equipment movers VA who know what they are doing.

These professionals will not only safely transport the machinery but also ensure that it reaches its destination quickly. The movers will also advise you on any permits you need during the transportation. a

Important Questions to Ask When Hiring a Crane

crane services

Are you preparing to begin a commercial building project? You will need a crane. If purchasing a crane is not an option, renting one from a crane rental services provider may be a more cost-effective solution.

You need to get in touch with a reliable crane rental company to discuss your requirements. To have a great time and rent the right unit, you must ask yourself several crucial questions. These questions include:

What do you want to lift?

Understanding the weights of the heaviest items you want to lift is critical. Knowing the weight of the load may appear straightforward, but there may be more to it than meets the eye.

You should learn the actual weights of your loads because it will determine the size of the crane you need to hire. The weight also has a significant impact on safety and efficiency of the unit.

Some people will advise that you guess the weight of the load, but don’t do this. You also should never randomly add weight.

You may think you are saving time, but doing this causes an error that may bother you later.

Adding a “contingency” load of a reasonable value to your load is best done directly and with the crane company’s input.

So, if you aren’t sure about the exact weight you want to lift, consult the crane company, and it will help you estimate it.

You can adjust the value of this contingency as conditions change and the project evolves, and you’ll always know where you stand.

The load’s dimensions is another thing to consider, so pay attention to it. Large items may be difficult to transport, so be cautious of their sizes.

While you are at it, know the location of the center of gravity. An excellent way to do it is to consult the fabricators’ designs. If your load’s center of gravity is not specified, let the fabricator help you estimate it. Don’t do it alone, as you will likely mess up.

How long will you need to hire the crane?

Before renting a crane, you must determine how long you will need the crane. The longer you use the crane, the more it costs.

As you are coming up with the cost of hiring the crane, consider the cost of deploying the crane. All-terrain cranes are designed to be driven on highways and are more cost-effective to transport than crawler cranes.

Larger all-terrain cranes typically require one or two truckloads of counterweights. Crawler cranes may need anywhere from a dozen to several dozen truckloads to get there, which means they will be expensive to transport.

The worst mistake you can make is hiring a crane only to find that you need it longer than you estimated. To ensure that you are hiring the crane for the right amount of time, work with professionals who will help you analyze the magnitude of the project and the amount of time it will take you to complete it.

Who will operate the crane?

The crane operator you hire significantly impacts the quality of experience you have with your crane. When you hire an inexperienced crane operator, there is even the risk of the crane collapsing and causing an accident.

To be safe, hire a contractor that knows what they are doing.

Most crane rental companies have two types of services. A service where they hire you the crane with the operator and one where they simply hire you the crane, and then you find your operator.

To avoid complications, hire a crane together with the contractor. This way, you are sure that the contractor is well-versed with the crane, and they are less likely to cause an accident.

They also are more likely to take good care of the crane as they use it regularly.

When you visit the rental companies, don’t just accept the operator recommended by the company. Instead, take your time to review their certifications and ensure they are experienced enough and authorized to work in your area.

Do you need to prepare the site?

Sometimes, you might need to prepare your work site to reduce the chances of accidents. Before renting a crane, bring a geotechnical expert to examine the area and recommend the best place to install the crane.

When hiring, find engineers supplying you with the ground-bearing pressures your equipment will exert on your location. If these pressure levels need to be reduced, the engineers will work with you to devise solutions to reduce the values to acceptable levels.

If the intended crane position is on disturbed soil, you may have to compact the soils. Remember that you shouldn’t erect cranes on disturbed or freshly backfilled soil, so you must give the soil time to settle before you bring on the crane.

Occasionally, the ideal site for the crane is above utilities, pipes, vaults, vessels, or other vital objects that may impact the crane’s capacity to support its operation at that location.

You must know about these subsurface problems to avoid damage.

To avoid accidents, work with engineers with extensive expertise in dealing with these difficulties and are eager to collaborate with you to find a solution.

Parting shot

When hiring a crane from crane services DC, you should ask these questions. As a rule of thumb, take your time hiring the crane.

Take your time and find a crane that is the right size and type for your project.

You also should hire an experienced crane operator who will minimize the chances of accidents and take good care of the crane.

Finally, properly prepare your work site. As a rule of thumb, work with experienced engineers who will adequately prepare the area and, at the same time, guide you on the best procedure to lift your load.

Guide to Hiring the Right Crane for Your Project and Save Money

crane hire

When you are looking to hire a crane for your project, you want a crane that will not only perfectly handle your project, but also save you money, right? If this is the first time you hire a crane from crane rental services, here are tips to ensure you hire the right unit.

When you have a small site

You need a small crane if you have a low-intensity site with a small number of workers (12-15) and a required lift capacity of up to two tonnes.

A classic example is when you are building a timber frame or conventional house using pallets of bricks, blocks, and mortar. In such an instance, you need a small tower crane controlled by a remote control.

You can considerably cut your running costs by employing this type of crane with one worker loading the hook and operating the crane controls.

You should teach many site workers to undertake this function, allowing you to continue operating in the event of an absence rather than waiting for a single trained operator to return.

As you can tell, this keeps the crane operational and the project on track. You also don’t rely on one person to do all the work.

When you have a large or busy site

A tower crane will be more appropriate if your loads exceed two tons at 30 meters, and your project will take 20 weeks or longer.

Saddle jib or flat-top cranes are available in various height and jib configurations, making them more versatile and less expensive to hire than mobile cranes with comparable lifting capabilities.

Be cautious of the height of the crane.

The height of a crane significantly impacts costs. The tall crane is not only expensive to hire, but also requires a larger and stronger base to withstand the stresses, which necessitates a lot more concrete and steel.

Taller cranes also require more electricity and emit more carbon emissions. As a result, even a modest reduction in the height required for your lifting requirements might significantly impact your overall costs.

Before you hire a crane, take your time and find out if there is any way you can hire a slightly shorter crane than you would ordinarily need. This calls for you to work closely with experienced contractors who know what they are doing.

Watch where you position the crane.

The placement of the crane, as well as other construction site factors, will impact your final expenses. A common example is when a materials shop is placed in the middle of a courtyard or the center of the site.

This means that if you have more than one crane, when one is loading, the other cannot get to the materials and must sit idle, wasting time.

This configuration significantly increases the likelihood of collisions and makes site operations complex and inefficient.

To save time and money, set up the materials store conveniently. This way, you will have maximum hook time and low crane-hire expenses.

Ensure you have enough power.

Three-phase power is required for sites installing a lift shaft, as most tall buildings do. Wherever possible, you should install power as the first thing, allowing you to use mains power for the tower crane during construction.

This is substantially less expensive than using a generator with its related hire charges, fuel tank, and fuel.

Be cautious of the rental company you hire from

The rental company you choose to hire from has a significant impact on the crane you hire and your experience.

As a rule, don’t hire from a rental company with a single or a few cranes. This is because you won’t get a replacement crane in the event the one you are using breaks down.

The best way to do it is to hire from a company with many cranes. As much as the company is expensive, you should note that you might save a lot of money in the long run.

This is because if the crane you are using breaks down, you need to notify the rental company, and they replace the crane at no extra cost on your part.

Hire a well-maintained crane.

How well-maintained the crane is is important as it determines how well it functions, not to mention how much money you spend.

As a rule of thumb, you should hire a crane that is in perfect shape. This calls for you to do a double or even triple-check on the maintenance records of the crane and ensure that it’s well taken care of.

You should avoid a poorly maintained crane as it will keep breaking down, and you don’t want this.

A well-maintained crane will indeed be a little expensive to hire, but in the long run, it will be cheaper as it will function more efficiently and won’t break down too regularly, which means that you will complete your project without many complications, and within the shortest time possible.

Parting shot

You don’t have to be complicated when it comes to saving money when undertaking crane hire VA. You only need simple modifications to lower your expenses throughout a building project, both in one-time hire prices and continuing operational expenditures.

When doing the hiring, don’t hire from any company. Instead, take your time and hire from a reputable company with many cranes to hire from.

As a rule of thumb, don’t hire from a small company with a single crane. Even if they give you a great offer, they might be too expensive.

As mentioned, a small crane company has no replacement crane when the one you are using breaks down. The consequence is you are forced to hire another crane from a different company, which, as you can tell, is too costly.