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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.

Tricks to Spend Less with Rented Cranes

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When hiring a crane for your project, you don’t want to spend too much on it. Profit margin drives decision-making in every aspect of construction, and even seemingly insignificant project modifications—like overspending or underperforming equipment—can have a big effect on the final financial result.

Due to this, getting every detail right is crucial.

When renting cranes from the crane rentals, you can avoid overspending by taking the time to plan and procure cranes, as well as by taking into account some basic site considerations.

The things you need to consider include:

Rent a small cane for small sites

A small crane with a remote control is the most economical option if you have a low-intensity site with a small workforce (12–15 workers, for example) and a required lift capacity of up to two tonnes, which would suggest you were building something with a timber frame or conventional houses using pallets of bricks, blocks, and mortar.

You will reduce the running costs greatly if you employ a remote-controlled model that only requires one person to load the hook and operate the crane controls.

Additionally, you can train multiple site workers to perform this task, allowing you to continue working without waiting for a single trained worker to return. This keeps the crane running and the project moving forward.

If, on the other side, you have a large site, you should get a tower crane. This crane is ideal when loads exceed two tones at thirty meters, and your project takes over twenty weeks.

Compared to mobile cranes with a comparable lifting capacity, saddle jib or flat-top cranes are more affordable to hire and come in various height and jib configurations. So, if your project fits into the crane, go for it. 

Hire cranes that are tall enough.

A crane’s height significantly influences costs. And it’s not just the cost of the rental. Also, the costs of keeping the crane running.

You need more concrete and steel for the base of a taller crane to be huge and strong enough to support the crane’s weight.

Additionally, taller cranes use more electricity and emit more carbon dioxide. Therefore, even a slight reduction in the height required for your lifting requirements might impact your overall expenditures.

To ensure that you don’t rent a crane that is too tall than you need, determine the highest point that the crane can reach. This dimension will assist you in figuring out the necessary crane height. As you decide on the right crane, consider any impediments or barriers that could limit the crane’s reach.

These include power lines, neighboring buildings, trees, and so on.

Position the materials appropriately.

The cranes’ location and other building site features will also impact your expenses. One well-known instance that frequently happens is when a materials shop is placed in the center of a courtyard or other open space on the property.

If you have multiple cranes, this implies that while one is loading, the other cannot reach the materials and must wait, wasting time in the process.

In addition to raising the chance of collisions, this configuration often makes site operations challenging and ineffective.

Optimizing the location of the materials store within the overall lifting plan will guarantee seamless operations, resulting in longer hook times and lower crane rental expenses.

For a great experience, provide open, unobstructed access to these locations.

You also should ensure the site has well-built walkways and access roads so the cranes can navigate it. These paths should be clear of obstructions and large enough to fit both cranes.

As a rule of thumb, have a specific location for storing the materials. Ensure that both cranes can easily access this area. This area should be placed strategically to reduce the distance that cranes must go to pick up items.

Ensure the crane has enough power.

You will need three-phase power if you install lift shafts—most tall structures do. The power should be installed as soon as possible to use the tower crane’s primary power during construction.

You should ensure that you have enough power before you bring on the crane because doing so is far less expensive than using a generator, even with the additional rental fees, fuel tank, and fuel.

You can cut the costs throughout a building project with a few easy adjustments, including one-time hire fees and continuous operating costs.

Work with the right team.

Finally, you should ensure that you have the right team. This calls for you to ensure that everyone, from the crane operator to the riggers, is experienced and knows what they are doing.

Many people will argue that you will end up spending more money than you need when hiring expert riggers, but this isn’t the case.

When you hire experts, as much as they will be a little expensive to hire at first, they will save you a lot of money in the long run.

When you hire inexperienced contractors, as much as they will be cheap, they might cost you too much money. This is because they will do substandard work, and you will have to redo it, which will likely be too expensive.

There is also the risk of the crane breaking down or even getting damaged due to being handled by inexperienced technicians.

As much as you want to spend less on your project, take time and find experienced professionals. Thankfully, most crane service DC providers have their team that they work with; hence, you don’t need to worry about finding the right team to work with.

7 Tricks to Reduce Crane Accidents On Your Site

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Cranes are extremely powerful pieces of machinery that allow for the lifting of big items on construction sites. However, cranes are also potential risks because their weight can cause harm if mishandled.

Of all the reported crane accidents, more than half resulted from workers being injured by objects or equipment, and more than 20% included the crane operator.

These figures emphasize the need for crane safety during all stages of operation, including crane hire, transport, setup, rigging, and lifting.

Would you like to reduce crane accidents on your site? There are several things you can do. They include:

Work with the right crane.

Choosing the right crane is the first step toward ensuring safe crane operation. Cranes can be movable or fixed, with fixed cranes used in industrial environments or complex or tall construction projects.

There are many types of cranes, so be sure you get the proper one for the job.

Carry deck crane: These highly mobile cranes have a simple setup and rotation but struggle to handle tough terrain.

Crawler cranes are ideal for places with soft terrain since they employ tracks rather than rubber wheels.

Rough-terrain cranes: While they cannot drive on public highways, they can tackle steep grades and challenging terrain on the project site.

All-terrain cranes have the advantage of being able to travel to job locations on their own and tackle harsh terrain once there.

There are dozens of crane types, ranging from small to gigantic cranes. It’s up to you to take your time and select the appropriate crane for your site.

Inspect your crane every day.

The crane operator should use a daily inspection checklist to ensure the crane is safe before operation. These inspections include pre-start, engine start-up, and safety system inspections.

Before starting the crane, the operator should inspect the tires, oil levels, seat belts, air reservoir, and battery, among other things.

Before starting the engine for the day, the operator should also check the pressure gauge, fuel level, turn signals, horn, suspension, and brain system.

They also should undertake safety system checks to avoid catastrophic incidents. They should check the anti-two block, the rated capacity limitation, and the outriggers.

Operators should also execute a series of hydraulic system checks to ensure the crane can lift properly.

Ensure the crane is stable before starting work.

Outriggers or other stabilizing features are necessary on mobile cranes to prevent the crane from tipping over during operation. Keep the following in mind when stabilizing the crane:

To establish how far outriggers should be extended, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.

Under outriggers, place outrigger pads or crane pads.

Don’t use outriggers over voids, depressions, or unstable ground.

Many crane mishaps and tip-overs are caused by poor outrigger setup, so make sure you’ve done a thorough safety review of the outrigger location.

If you have any doubts, don’t proceed with the project. Call it off until you are comfortable.

Correctly rig the load.

Load rigging protects objects from falling and potentially injuring those on the job site. Consider the following factors when rigging a load:

Hitching: Slings can be attached to a load in various ways. Always consider the object being hoisted as well as the object’s weight distribution. You can use basket hitching and choker hitching are two popular hitch configurations. Always use the correct one.

Sling angle: When a non-vertical angle is utilized, additional forces are applied to the slings, lowering their overall weight capability. Use slings that are adequately certified for weight at a specific angle.

A thorough grasp of force, weight distribution, and rigging techniques is required to enable a safe, stable lift of even the most irregular and heavy loads.

Pay attention to the load limits.

Despite the fact that many modern cranes feature load moment indicators and rated capacity limiters, crane operators should still be able to read load charts to prepare for a safe lift. Keep the following in mind while reading load charts to establish the safety of a lift:

On rubber vs. outriggers: A crane can carry a lot more weight when it’s on outriggers rather than just tires.

Rotation: A crane can retain greater weight if the boom remains above the front of the crane during the lift. You should note that the capacity is substantially reduced if the boom must swing; thus, check the correct column.

The greater the load radius, the less weight the crane can lift. Load charts rarely cover every potential radius; therefore, always refer to the next highest radius to stay within safe limits.

Load charts are the most important tool for safely planning a lift and avoiding crane failure or tip-over.

Plan your movements

Before crane movement, design and clear a path of any obstructions. Hazards that cannot be moved, such as electrical lines or other permanent elements, should be avoided, and the operator should always maintain a safe distance.

You should keep your crane at least 10 feet away from power lines.

To be safe, have a signal person to lead the crane during travel, alerting the crane operator to potential hazards and informing other site staff of the crane’s progress.

Work with the right people.

Crane operation requires qualified workers for setup, rigging, signaling, and operation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has standards requiring crane operators to be trained, certified, and properly evaluated.

Follow the regulations and ensure that only a qualified person operates your crane.

It’s tempting to hire the first person that you come across that says that they can operate a crane. Don’t do this. You should note that a crane contractor should be experienced and know what they are doing.

It’s also tempting to hire a cheap contractor to save some money. Again, don’t do this, as the cheap contractor will most likely be inexperienced and will lead you to more problems.

The best way to do it is to hire the professional that comes with the crane that you hire from crane rental services VA.

5 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Crane

Are you preparing to begin a commercial building project? The massive lifting will very certainly need the use of a crane. If purchasing a crane is not an option, renting a crane for your project may be a more cost-effective solution. 

You should call a reliable crane rentals firm to discuss your requirements, but you may need clarification on what to expect or how to prepare. 

Ask yourself these eight crucial questions before making the call to ensure you make the greatest use of your time. Armed with important information, the crane rental firm can advise you on which crane will best suit your project. 

What do you want to lift?

When considering renting a crane, the most critical question to answer is: What is the weight of the cargo or loads you need to lift? After all, it is why you are thinking about utilizing a crane. 

It is critical to understand the weights of your heaviest objects. This is because it will decide the size of the crane you need to do the lifting. Before you head to rental stores, ensure that you know the value of the load to a reasonable level of accuracy for both safety and efficiency. 

The fabricators’ or manufacturers’ drawings are usually the best sources to find the value for the weight of your load. They nearly always have a value assigned to “shipping weight” or “empty weight.” 

If weight determination from drawings is not practicable, consider weighing the load to know its weight before you rent a crane. For peace of mind that you are doing the right thing, ensure that the weighing is done by an expert who knows what they are doing.  

What type of crane is best for the project?

There are various types of lifts that you can undertake. The pick-and-place method is the most basic, in which the crane is attached to the cargo, lifts it, and then swings and lowers it into position. If this is the route you want, you must consider how to attach the crane to the load(s). 

Who will be in charge of designing the rigging? If you require assistance with rigging design, get engineers to help you create rigging systems that will do the job. 

If you are lifting a hefty load, you will need two cranes to raise the load or to rotate a weight from horizontal to vertical, a process known as “lift-and-tail.” If this is the way you want to go, you should know that they are more complicated and require more planning.

If you are building a tall structure, a tower crane may be your best option. If renting the crane for the first time, get crane rental experts to assist you in determining the optimal tower crane size and type for your job.

A crane is frequently required to lift and transport a weight, a process known as “pick-and-carry.” Rough terrain cranes can pick up lighter loads while moving on their tires, whereas crawler cranes can transport higher loads.

Another critical factor to consider is the height required to lift the weight. This measurement will heavily influence the length of the boom and whether or not jibs are necessary. 

If the load is tall and/or you are lifting it to a substantial height, you must evaluate the available headroom for the rigging and the load bloc of the crane.

How long will you need the crane?

Before renting a crane, you must determine how long you need it. The longer you use the crane, the more it costs. One major worry is 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. On the other hand, crawler cranes may require anywhere from a dozen to several dozen truckloads to get there. 

As a result, for a large crawler crane to be cost-effective, you must use it on the job site for an extended period. 

Remember to assemble and dismantle all of these components at your project site. Transporting a huge crawler crane for a single lift is rarely cost-effective.

Where will you place the crane on the site?

The location is critical in determining the size of the crane required. The crane’s location will determine the radius of your pick(s) with respect to the appropriate pick and place points. The crane should be placed so the pick radius is as small as possible.  

The presence of impediments that may restrict the crane’s movement complicates the selection of a suitable location for the crane. 

You also want to avoid placing the crane near a slope that could be unstable or adjacent to a foundation that the crane’s ground weight could overload.

Ensure that the site you place the machine is safe and stable. Most rental companies will rent the crane based on the hours you use it, so ensure that you always properly prepare the site before renting it. As a rule of thumb, eliminate any distractions before you begin the lifting. 

How will you get the crane to the site?

Now that you’ve decided on the type and size of crane you’ll use and where you’ll put it, it’s time to think about how you’ll get it there. It is preferable to make the site easily accessible. 

When doing it for the first time, it’s wise to work with a crane rental services VA provider who will work with you to find the most cost-effective over-the-road route while keeping weight and height constraints in mind.

In most cases, you won’t find such a service provider on the first try. You may have to visit various companies before you find the right one. For peace of mind, the best approach is to begin your research at least three months before the date you want to commence your project. 

Best Tips When Working with Boom Lifts

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Boom lifts are essential for correctly deploying and completing many construction projects. However, this equipment’s size, scale, and structure can also represent a significant risk and potentially inflict serious injury if proper safety precautions are not implemented.

These safety precautions are critical to consider and execute when using boom lifts, as they can help prevent injuries, accidents, property damage, and liability concerns.

Hire trained operators

Hiring individuals who have been properly trained to operate boom lifts and who maintain essential safety certificates and knowledge will assist you and your other employees remain safe while the boom lift is in use.

In most cases, the operators will come with the boom lift when you hire it from the crane services, but if this isn’t the case, you have to hire one from your area.

Before hiring new operators, test them with hands-on activities demonstrating their operational knowledge of the lift. This way, you are sure that in the event of problems, they will easily address them before any accidents occur on the job.

When you receive applications, shortlist the applicants who suit your needs. You should scan the resumes for relevant experience, licenses, certificates, and other credentials you listed in the job advertisement.

When operating cranes, safety is a priority; therefore, ensure that the candidates you hire know what they are doing. Ensure the contractor you hire has ample knowledge of safety practices, laws, and industry standards.

Hire a qualified spotter.

Besides hiring a crane operator, you also should hire a spotter. This is because a crane might have blind spots, and the spotter serves as the operator’s eyes and ears while on the job.

Like the crane operator, ensure that every spotter you hire is qualified to handle the equipment for which they are spotting and have hands-on experience to assist them in identifying any blind spots or other concerns.

For example, the crane spotter should be able to set and enforce crane signals, recognize potential hazards, and maintain constant communication with the crane operator.

Have a clear base and circumference.

While the boom lift is in use, ensure the base and the entire circumference are clear of any workers. The radius of the lift is frequently large, and different items can easily fall from the platform and seriously injure anyone standing below.

Keeping the entire space free reduces the possibility of somebody getting hit below by falling debris.

Boom lifts can also tip over. However, this is extremely rare. Keeping the area beneath and surrounding the boom lift free will help ensure that no one is injured if the structure collapses.

Don’t go over the weight limit.

Each boom lift has a different weight limit. Knowing the limitations and ensuring you don’t go past them is critical. This is because going beyond this limit, even slightly, may cause the lift to become top-heavy and tip over.

Before operating the lift, one should always account for the weight of the operator on the lift as well as all tools and supplies on the platform to ensure that the total weight does not exceed the recommended capacity. It is also crucial to remember not to use the boom lift for heavy lifting.

Avoid climbing or sitting on the outer edges.

When standing on a boom lift platform, it’s easy to be tempted to climb on the platform’s edge to reach something rather than moving the entire boom lift.

You should avoid this as it’s more harmful than many people realize. Climbing or sitting on the platform’s edge considerably increases one’s risk of falling off and sustaining severe injury.

If something is inaccessible, communicate with the boom lift operator to assist in getting to a safe place in the platform where you can easily reach what you want.

Avoid working when it’s too windy.

Wind can be a significant safety problem when a boom lift is extended too high. The strong wind can topple a boom lift if it is strong enough. To prevent the possibility of a boom lift collapsing, users should avoid utilizing them in highly windy or other poor weather conditions.

Each lift has a wind limit that it can endure; reading the user guide will assist you in understanding the unique constraints of the lift they are operating and identifying tactics for using the lift in adverse weather.

Operate the crane properly.

Reading the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly will assist an operator in understanding how to manage the boom lift properly and when it is and isn’t safe to move the lift while it is extended.

It is advisable to avoid relocating the lift in this manner as a best practice. Moving a lift while extended increases the risk of injury and should be done only when absolutely required and only if specifically permitted by the manufacturer’s manual. Otherwise, the boom lift should be lowered, moved, and extended as needed.

Inspect the crane before use.

You should inspect the crane before each usage to ensure it is in excellent operating order. Inspect the tracks and tires for signs of wear and damage. Check the fluid levels, including those for the engine, hydraulic, and oil, before turning on the equipment.

For cracks and damage, examine hydraulic hoses, buckets, booms, and other pieces. Confirm that every attachment is securely put in place. Finally, before starting up the equipment, ensure all the lights, backup alarms, gauges, and horns are operational.

Beware of your surroundings.

You must be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards. To avoid coming into touch with overhead electrical lines, for example, de-energize them or install barriers if that is not possible.

You also should check that all utilities, including sewer, water, gas, and electricity, have been located and accurately labeled to avoid harming subsurface facilities, causing delays, and adding to the burden when digging.

Workers should avoid areas where heavy machinery is utilized whenever possible. Furthermore, operators should be cautious of the swing radius, particularly when operating in tight quarters, to avoid colliding with other workers, onlookers, neighboring cars, or other machinery or equipment.

Parting shot

Operating boom lifts can be challenging and dangerous, but following the above tips will help prevent on-site accidents and injuries. For peace of mind that the crane will get the work done without many issues, rent the crane from reputable crane rental services VA.

5 Best Crane Practices

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Cranes have unrivaled mobility, maneuverability, and lift radius, allowing them to excel in small and large areas. While everyone understands the fundamental operation of a crane, it is equally critical to learn how to manage them and maximize their output.

To help you out, here are the best practices to consider when hiring a crane for your project.

Rent the right crane.

When selecting a crane, it is critical to consider the construction site’s terrain, potential impediments, and access limits.

You should note that cranes have varied weight loads, boom lengths, and other features. This makes the different cranes ideal for various applications.

A mobile crane, for example, would be excellent for simple load transportation from one area to another.

A tower crane, on the other hand, would be suitable for large-scale architectural buildings.

Choosing the proper crane for the suitable project location ensures that you have both efficiency and safety. The crane will also be cheaper to run in the long haul as it will do the work how it’s meant to.

Regardless of the type of crane you deem right for your project, ensure there are no obstructions on the site that will prevent the crane from reaching where you want it.

Before heading to the crane rentals, watch out for obstacles on your work site. These can be trees or buildings.

Remember that you want the task to go more smoothly, and you save some money, so always get rid of the obstacles before you hire the crane.

Get a package deal

Get the cranes as a package deal to save money and have peace of mind. This means that you shouldn’t just hire the crane. Also, get the various services and equipment that come with the crane.

An ideal crane package includes the crane rental, an operator to operate the crane, transportation of the crane to and from the job site, and occasionally extra equipment such as rigging and accessories.

By choosing a package offer, you can save time and effort by having the crane rental company manage everything.

When you are in the rental stores, don’t shy from expressing your exact demands and specifications to the rental provider so that the package deal can be tailored to your project.

As you rent the crane, be cautious of the number of cranes the rental company has. As a rule of thumb, rent from a company with many cranes. This way, you are sure that even if the crane that you hire breaks down, you can always get a replacement crane without incurring an additional fee.

Beware of safety and licenses required.

The last thing you want is to be on the wrong side of the law while looking to handle your project. To ensure this doesn’t happen, ensure you have the relevant licenses for the work.

As a rule, ensure the crane operator you hire has a High-Risk Work Licence (HRW).

When you have the proper licenses, you safeguard yourself and other people on the site.

You also should ensure that everyone on the site that you are working with is certified and authorized to work on such a site.

You should always hire a qualified rigger as you will not only put your life and that of others on the site in danger but also risk damaging the crane and other accessories.

Have all the necessary crane accessories

Besides the crane, you need plenty of other accessories depending on the nature of the project you are having.

Some of the accessories you might need include:

Rigging equipment: This includes slings, shackles, hooks, and chains that are used to secure and hoist the weight. The type and size of rigging equipment you use vary depending on the load’s weight and dimensions.

Spreader Bars: These horizontal bars with attachment points help disperse the load evenly and keep the crane stable. They come in handy when lifting large or wide goods.

Lifting beams: They are similar to spreader bars and give additional support and stability during lifting operations. They are more effective when lifting objects with several attachment points or that require extra clearance.

Crane Mats: Also known as crane pads, crane mats are placed beneath the crane’s wheels or tracks to protect the ground surface and give stability. You use them on delicate surfaces like asphalt or grass.

Load Monitoring Systems: These systems monitor and display the weight of the load being lifted and other important information. They give the crane operator real-time feedback, ensuring safe lifting techniques and reducing overloading.

You should double-check the systems to confirm they are working before hiring. It’s also wise to always inspect them before you do any lifting.

Work with a reputable crane company.

The crane company you work with greatly impacts the crane experience you get. When you work with a horrible crane company, chances are that you will have a horrendous experience.

The wrong company also won’t honor your agreement. For example, when you agree that the company will take care of the transport costs of the crane, they might fail to do it.

You should take your time to visit different crane companies and see what they have before you decide to work with one.

An ideal rental company should have a fleet of well-maintained, modern cranes in good functioning order. Reliable equipment ensures that operations are efficient and safe. You also save time and money as the machines don’t keep failing.

Since you are looking for a package deal, you want to ensure that the company has plenty of highly skilled and experienced crane operators.

When you work with competent operators, you are sure that lifting operations will go smoothly and successfully.

Safety is essential when dealing with heavy machinery, including cranes, so you must ensure that the crane services VA provider has a strong safety culture, adheres to industry norms and standards, and regularly examines and repairs their equipment to ensure safe operations.

When you are in the rental stores, ask to see the crane maintenance records.

Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Cranes

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Is this the first time you hire a crane for your construction or lifting project? There are several mistakes you should avoid making. Which are these mistakes? Here they are:

Failing to assess your work site

Many people hiring a crane for the first time will go straight to a crane rentals company and place their order without first analyzing the condition of their work sites. This is wrong because different cranes are designed to work in different areas.

Some will work on rough surfaces, while others will work on smooth surfaces.

To hire the crane that will perform the best on your work site, you need first to analyze the conditions of your work site. While at it, identify any hazards that might prevent you from executing your project as well as you should. These hazards include power lines, unstable ground, limited space, etc.

Failing to check the crane and operator certifications and qualifications

The other mistake you can make is to believe everything you are told and take everything at face value.

It’s always highly recommended that you thoroughly inspect the crane before you hire it. Besides checking the crane’s physical condition, you should also check the crane’s inspection and maintenance records.

When you visit many crane rental stores, the representatives will tell you that their cranes are in top shape. While this might be true, it also might be untrue.

The worst mistake is to believe what the representatives tell you without verifying the information. For example, they will tell you that the cranes are regularly serviced, but this isn’t the case.

Before you agree to hire the crane, check whether all the services are done correctly and on time.

The same thing applies to crane operators. Don’t simply hire an operator because they have told you that they can operate a crane—take your time to verify that they have the necessary qualifications and certifications.

While you can hire any qualified operator, it’s wise that you hire one from the rental company you are hiring a crane. This is because you are sure they are conversant with the crane, so they are less likely to make mistakes.

Failing to communicate properly

Most people will hire the best crane rigging professionals but forget about how the professionals and riggers will communicate at the work site.

As you can guess, this often increases the chances of accidents happening. To stay on the safe side, you must ensure clear communication with everyone on the work site.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to ensure clear communication on the site.

As you are renting the crane, also rent radios and other communication devices to ensure clear communication between the crane operator and the other rigging personnel involved in the project.

Before starting the project, it’s always good to meet with everyone involved in the lifting and devise a lift plan. The plan should detail how everything will be done from start to finish.

Besides doing this, you also should have visual aids such as diagrams, videos, and photos that will help not only mark certain areas but also help better explain the lift plan and the best rigging practices.

Proper hand signals are also important at the work site. To cut the learning curve, hire experienced professionals who are properly trained in hand signals. This way, you will have peace of mind that everyone can communicate with each other.

To make it even easier, hire crane operators and other professionals that work together. Since they regularly work as a team, you have peace of mind that they will do a good job, as they will have an easier time communicating.

Failing to inspect the crane and rigging equipment regularly

Most people will check their cranes at the time of hire, and while this is good, it often isn’t enough—you also need to inspect the crane and rigging equipment before you do any lifting.

Besides inspecting as you hire the crane from the crane rental services VA, make it a habit to inspect the crane and the other equipment before you do any lifting work. If you notice any issue with the machine or equipment, stop the project until you have fixed the unit.

What Are Factors To Consider When Selecting The Right Crane?

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Are you having a project that requires you to hire a crane from crane rentals but don’t know the right crane to go for? Here are some things to consider:

The nature of the work you are doing

There are plenty of ways you can use cranes. You can use them to lift and move heavy objects, erect buildings, and structures, demolish structures, install and repair utility lines, among many other applications.

Before heading to the rental stores, you need to know what you plan to do with the crane, as different cranes are ideal for various applications. For example, a tower crane may be more appropriate for a construction project. On the other hand, a telescoping crane may be ideal if you have a project requiring reaching over obstructions.

Consult a professional if you aren’t sure about the right crane to rent. Remember that most professionals will ask first to visit your work site so that they can tell you the best crane to rent based on the nature of the site and the work you will be doing.

The size and weight of the objects being moved

The other factor to consider is the size and weight of the objects you will be lifting. If lifting light objects, you should go for a light crane and vice versa.

Some people try to cut costs by renting a small crane, as smaller cranes often go at lower prices. Unfortunately, this isn’t how it usually works as, in most cases, you spend more money than you should.

You should note that when you rent a small crane, you have to break up the project into small portions, which take time to complete. To stay on the safe side,  choose a crane capable of safely lifting and moving the objects involved in the project.

The same way you should avoid a small crane is the same way you should avoid a huge one, as you often end up wasting money on a machine you don’t even need.

As mentioned, if you aren’t sure about the right size of crane to go for, get the input of a professional.

The location of the work site

Did you know that the nature of your work site significantly impacts the type of crane you should get for your project?

If your site is confined, it would be absurd to get a large crane that won’t fit the area. A smaller, more maneuverable crane will be more suited in such a case. If the site is on uneven terrain, you need a crane with a stable base or outriggers.

The availability and cost of rental cranes

How easily available a crane is and its rental cost is other factors that will influence the crane you choose. Some cranes have high demand than others, and the high-demand ones won’t be easily available. This means that if you can’t find them in your local stores, you have to find an alternative crane that will be just as effective.

Cost is an important factor that determines choices, including the choice of the rental crane. As much as you want the largest and most powerful crane, you might not have the money to rent it. As a result, you might have to get a cheaper one.

Even if you have to settle for a cheaper crane, ensure it’s still powerful enough to get the work done.

Many people rush to the first rental store and hire the crane they feel will get the job done. This is wrong.

The best way to go about it is to visit five or more rental stores and compare the prices charged. Of course, you should settle for a company giving you the best deal.

The company should also have a wide variety of cranes to choose from.

When choosing a crane from the crane rental services VA, select one in good condition with all necessary safety features, such as outriggers and load charts.

Guide to A Smooth Crane Rental Process

Is this the first time you are renting a crane from crane rentals? Here are tips to help you have a smooth renting process:

Pay attention to the essential elements

One of the most important elements to pay attention to is the type of crane you need for your job. Of course, your choice will be influenced by the job you will be doing. If you have limited access and need a precise lift, go for a 20-ton Franna.

Are you doing a lift at a construction site with no road access or have uneven ground? Go for a 55-ton All Terrain crane.

If you aren’t sure about the right crane to rent, get the input of a professional.

The worst mistake you can make is to go to a rental store without knowing the crane you need for your work.

Most people looking to hire cranes go online and find the companies they want to work with, and there is nothing wrong with this. Even if the rental company has a detailed website showcasing all its machines, don’t simply jump in and rent the crane—first visit the company and see the cranes that the company is renting out.

When you are at the rental stores, thoroughly inspect the crane and ensure it’s in top working condition. You also should ask as many questions about the crane as possible. Such as when it was bought, how often it’s maintained, the presence of mechanical problems, and so on.

Ideally, you want to hire a crane that is in its premium condition. This way, you have peace of mind that the crane won’t break down on your site.

While at the site, also find out the number of cranes the rental company has. You want to work with a company with many cranes as this gives you peace of mind that in the event the crane breaks down, you can easily get a replacement without incurring additional costs.

Don’t hire from a company with a single crane, as things can easily go against you. For example, if the crane breaks down and you can’t find a replacement from the same company, you have to wait until the company fixes the crane, or you have to rent a new crane from another company which sees you spending more money.

Before you commit to hiring the crane, discuss who will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the crane. It’s best to work with a company that supplies you with servicemen to help with the maintenance as this way, you reduce downtime as much as possible.

Prepare your site for the crane.

When you want a crane, you simply need to go to the rental company and hire one, right? Well, this isn’t the case. Before you even consider going to the rental company, consider your site. How does it look? What is its condition?

To tell the type of crane you need, where you will place it, and the materials you will need for the work, among many other things, you need to have a site plan.

You might want to save some time by proceeding with the project without a site plan, but you should note that you end up wasting even more money and time when you ignore the plan. This is because you make plenty of mistakes that end up being too costly in the long run.

To save time, and money and stay organized, always take your time to plan your site. If you are confused about how to go about it, get the help of an experienced professional.

Choose a permanent onsite crane.

When choosing a crane for your project, always choose a permanent onsite crane, as it comes with plenty of perks. For one, a permanent onsite crane ensures maximum efficiency in terms of material handling. This is because you can properly plan for the project.

Having the crane on the site always also significantly impacts your workers’ motivation. Instead of wondering whether the crane will arrive on the site from crane services VA stores, they concentrate on the project.

4 Things to Consider When Renting Lifting And Rigging Equipment

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When you have a rigging project, you should get into any rigging services store and rent any rigging equipment, right? Well, this isn’t the case. To rent the right unit, you need to consider a number of factors that include:

Your load limit

This is the weight you will be lifting. When you are in the rental stores, pay attention to the working load limit, which is the maximum weight that the tool can safely handle when lifting, moving, and carrying.

If the rigging unit is properly maintained, you can easily locate and read the figures, but if you are having a problem finding it, ask the representatives to help you.

Never use rigging or lifting equipment that can’t carry your desired weight to avoid accidents on your site.

Your environment

You might be wondering how your environment will influence the type of machine you should rent, right? Two major environmental factors that greatly influence the rigging equipment you go for are temperature and humidity.

If your project is in an extremely hot area, you want a machine made from tough material that can withstand high temperatures.

This means that you should stay away from a machine made from nylon. You also should stay away from nylon slings that will get damaged by the high temperatures.

If having your project in a highly humid area, such as near water bodies, you need to ensure that the equipment you hire is corrosion resistant. This calls for you to ensure that your rigging equipment is made from corrosion-resistant materials such as webbing and stainless steel.

Condition of the rigging equipment

You don’t want to hire an equipment that breaks down the moment it reaches your work site, do you? To ensure this doesn’t happen, pay close attention to its condition before renting.

When you are in the rental stores, ask to see the maintenance records. You should carefully go through the records and ensure that the machine is in tiptop shape. It will even be better if you can contact the maintenance company to confirm the details.

Many people make the mistake of only inspecting the rigging equipment only when they are hiring it, which is wrong. Even if the machine checks out when you are renting it, you still need to regularly inspect it before you start any project.

Your budget

The amount of money you are planning to spend on the rigging equipment will influence the type of rigging machine you will get.

While there are all types of machines you can rent, avoid renting one that is too small as you will significantly reduce your output. In some cases, you might find yourself spending too much money than if you had rented a larger machine.

Different rental companies rent their equipment at different prices, so you should take your time to visit different companies and see what they offer. As a rule of thumb, rent from a moderately priced company, stocking high quality rigging equipment.

You can cut the costs further by renting most of your rigging supplies from the same company. This way you attract huge discounts, which see you saving a lot of money in the long run.

As you are renting the rigging equipment, don’t rent from a company with only one machine. The reason for this is that the machine can break down regularly, and the last thing you want is your machine breaking down, and you can’t get a replacement as soon as you would want to.

As you can guess, when your crane rentals services VA company can’t replace your machine soon enough, your project stalls, and you fall behind schedule. In other cases, you are forced to rent another machine, which sees you spending more money than planned.

As much as a more established company will cost you a little extra for its machines, you are better off paying the higher costs as you are not only guaranteed that the machines are properly maintained, but also sure that in the event the current machine breaks down, you will easily get a replacement without wasting a lot of time.

You also won’t be required to spend extra money as you don’t need to hire another machine.