Crane hire is a crucial service across many different industries. From construction companies to logistics and manufacturing, cranes are versatile tools that can be used to help these industries thrive. Cranes offer immense lifting power and strength, making them ideal for heavy duty industrial applications. Despite their many benefits, cranes are still industrial pieces of equipment that must be operated safely. There are many considerations to make before hiring and using a crane. Our blog is here to dive into the considerations you need to make before hiring or renting a crane. From licensing to safety regulations and site preparation, our article will dive into everything you need to know before hiring a crane. To learn more, keep on reading.
Understanding Crane Safety Requirements
In the wrong hands, cranes can be a serious hazard and should be treated with care when being operated. Cranes should be operated by trained professionals only, as making a mistake or a careless accident can be detrimental on your worksite. The damage caused by crane accidents can be harmful to your workspace, goods & cargo, equipment and even personnel. In order to avoid safety hazards when it comes to cranes, it's crucial to consider safety precautions and protective equipment.
Safety Regulations
Some of the key safety regulations to consider and put into practise when operating a crane include:
● Risk Assessments - Risk assessments are necessary for crane operation, as they help to identify the hazards on a site. Risk assessments make personnel aware of potential hazards so that they can be avoided, ensuring that the site is safe for the crane to be used.
● Load Limits - Load limits are an extremely important factor to consider when operating a crane. Each crane will have different load capacities, meaning you should definitely not be over or underloading your crane, as this is a hazard in itself. Before carrying out any lifting tasks, you should consider your crane’s load limits carefully.
● Weathering Conditions - Weather conditions can impact safety when operating outdoor cranes massively. If there is strong wind and rain in your area, this can impact your crane operation or disrupt your cargo, posing a serious threat to surrounding buildings and people. You should always be operating your crane on days where the weather conditions are safe.
Safety Equipment
While site safety is essential, safety equipment and taking safety measures for personnel is also important.
● Protective Gear - When it comes to maintaining safety for personnel, protective gear is essential. Anyone operating the crane should have the correct PPE and should be properly protected. This can include hard hats, goggles, gloves...etc. Additionally, wearing high visibility clothing is also crucial for staff that are operating heavy duty machinery. This helps personnel remain visible on site and reduces any accidents from occurring.
Licensing & Legal Requirements For Crane Hire Services
Operating cranes and other heavy duty lifting equipment also has legal requirements, on top of the safety requirements we've just covered. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, otherwise known as LOLER, falls under the Health and Safety at Work act. This regulation is essential for lifting safety, essentially stating that all operations must be planned by a ‘competent person' and regular inspections are necessary for safe operation.
Operator Certification & Training
Operating a crane requires appropriate training and certification, meaning not anyone can go ahead and operate this heavy duty machinery. There are certain certification standards in the UK, such as the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) or the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme. These schemes and qualifications prove that operators are knowledgeable and have the experience to safely operate cranes.
In addition to certifications, proper training is essential for personnel who will be operating the cranes. This is a part of an employer’s responsibility to ensure that individuals are certified as well as trained based on the operational facility. Refresher training and frequent training sessions can be useful in keeping operators up-to-date with the latest safety practices, rules and regulations.
Legal Documentation
Legal documentation is not something to be forgotten when it comes to hiring a crane, and is an absolutely essential part of crane hire services. The types of documentation you may need to provide include permits, approvals, insurance and proof of maintenance or inspections.
● Permits - Depending on the nature of your project, you may be required to obtain certain permits or approvals in order to hire and use your crane on site. Public spaces or sites with restricted access may require you to have a permit.
● Insurance - Insurance is vital for lifting operations, especially because of the high risks involved with heavy duty lifting. Crane hire companies will provide basic insurance to cover their equipment, however, companies may need to seek out additional insurance to cover other aspects such as damage to a site.
● Inspection & Maintenance - As part of LOLER compliance, crane hire companies should provide documentation showing that their cranes have been inspected and maintained regularly. This shows clients that the equipment is safe and ready for use, reducing the likelihood of operating issues and accidents
Site Preparation Tips
Another key consideration for crane hire and safe operation is to prepare your site properly. By preparing your site effectively, you can increase the chances of success with your rental crane. There are many factors that you may encounter on site, which can impact your crane’s accessibility and ability to complete the tasks at hand.
Site Accessibility
Site accessibility is a large factor in the success of your project and requires forward thinking to assess which type of crane is best for you. Depending on your site, you may have a space that is easy to access, making it nice and simple for your crane to do its job. However, if you have a site with narrow entrances or awkward spaces, you may need to consider a different type of crane (spider cranes, mini cranes) so that they can get to your site with ease. Power lines and uneven ground can also impact which type of crane you choose.
Clear Work Zone
A clear work zone is a very important consideration to make ahead of time, before you start operating your crane. You should make a clear perimeter around where your crane is operating, making it clear to the public and staff where you are operating. This makes things much safer, so that unauthorised people aren't putting themselves at risk on your site. Keeping a clear work zone, free from clutter and unnecessary items can also reduce the risk of accidents and mistakes from occurring.
Load Capacity
Load capacity is something to be very aware of when renting or operating a crane. Each crane will have a load limit which should not be exceeded under any circumstances. This can pose a serious risk for various reasons. On rough terrain or unstable ground, the weight of your crane must be appropriate for the ground. If not, you could end up operating your crane on unstable ground which can be risky. Aside from unstable ground, overloading your crane can also cause the crane to swing or topple, which can be severely damaging to the site and surrounding area, not to mention the risk to staff on site.
Macsalvors Plant Hire: Plant Hire Companies Near You
It's clear to see that hiring a crane requires careful planning and well-thought out preparation to ensure that the cranes are operated safely. By understanding the various factors involved in crane hire and operation, you can ensure that your site remains as safe as possible. Choosing a reputable crane hire company is another essential part of having a successful rental.
Here at Macsalvors Plant Hire, we offer a wide selection of crane hire options for you to choose from. From spider cranes to heavy duty equipment, we offer many options so that you can find a solution which meets your needs. To learn more about our crane rental services, feel free to get in touch with our team today, or browse our website for more information.
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