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.