Cranes can help you tremendously on a job site. They make it remarkably easy to pick up heavy objects and to do it quickly. Nevertheless, if you plan on using a crane on a regular basis, you should really get into the habit of making sure that you’re doing it as safely as possible. One wrong step could be catastrophic and could put you and all of your employees at risk. It could also result in a lot of damage and potentially force you to shut down a site for a few days. Here are a few ways to improve your crane operation moving forward:
Inspect a job site thoroughly before you use a crane.
From the moment you turn a crane on, there are going to be hazards all around you. From the buildings and power lines up above to the ground that can sometimes be unstable, you need to inspect your job site from top to bottom before using a crane to figure out how to use it safely. You should also take a look at your specific crane’s load charts before turning it on to determine exactly how much weight your crane can handle while lifting objects up.
Eliminate the potential distractions that surround you.
Crane operators didn’t need to worry about being so distracted as recently as just a decade or two ago. However, cell phones have turned into a major distraction for many crane operators, who now have to resist the urge to take calls or check text messages while using a crane. As a general rule of thumb, all crane operators should power down their electronic devices while they are using a crane to limit the distractions they will face while doing their jobs.
Stop using a crane if you ever feel concerned about safety.
On most job sites, getting work done quickly is a priority. Nevertheless, you should never sacrifice safety when using a crane simply for the sake of staying on schedule. If at any time you feel as though you are about to make a move that could be considered risky, shut your crane off, get out of it, and reassess your plans to make sure you aren’t about to do something that could put you or others in danger. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to operating a crane. Astro Crane specializes in helping crane operators get access to the all of the equipment they will need to conduct a lift safely. We can also help you set up a lift with the special services we provide. Call us at 978-429-8666 today to schedule a crane rental.