Before you start using a crane on your job site, it’s important for you to take the time to set it up properly. If you don’t take certain precautions, your crane could end up becoming unstable on your site, and it could lead to an accident. Let’s take a look at a few of the things you should keep in mind to ensure that your crane setup goes off without a hitch.
Inspect the ground where you plan on using your crane.
Prior to placing a crane on a work site, you should think about having the soil on it inspected. An engineer can tell you if you have anything to worry about when it comes to the bearing strength of the soil. You should also evaluate the ground and take steps to level it if necessary. You can compact the soil, remove rocks from it, and eliminate moisture from it to make it as sturdy as possible.
Consider using a crane pad underneath of your crane.
No matter how diligent you are about inspecting the soil on your site and leveling it, there’s a chance your crane could still slip and slide on the surface, especially if it’s muddy or prone to getting wet. You can combat this by installing crane pads on your site that will provide your crane with a stable surface. Just make sure you pick out crane pads that are the right size for your specific crane.
Test your crane out and look for any signs of trouble.
While you might be inclined to start using a crane as soon as you have it set up, you should always do a test run with your crane to see if it’s performing properly. Turn your crane on and conduct a couple simulation lifts to see if anything looks off. If you suspect that your crane might not be safe, you should shut it down immediately until you can figure out the problem.
Astro Crane is all about crane safety. We can help you choose the right crane rental for your job site and show you how to use it safely once it’s in place. Call us at 978-429-8666 today to take advantage of our services.