Cranes are often found in industrial projects and environments where heavy lifting is required. You can also find cranes in construction, warehouses, and manufacturing environments. Due to cranes being heavy-duty pieces of equipment, they require many health and safety protocols to be in place before, during, and after use. If you work in an environment where there are crane operations, you should be aware of what they do, the types of cranes that exist, and how to ensure they are used safely.
What Are Cranes Used For?
Cranes hold the purpose of moving, lifting and transporting equipment, machinery, and bulky items. In addition, they are also used to install or lower objects safely and accurately without damaging them.
In environments where there may be limited space and increased obstructions, cranes can navigate their way through these spaces with ease. They are often mounted to ceilings or stay in higher locations, which means less floor obstruction.
They can also be used for the transportation of goods onto planes, trains, and boats. They ensure all goods are transported safely and in a timely manner.
How Do You Ensure Maximum Safety?
- You should always train employees appropriately on every machine
- Never stand under a crane or lift objects over other employees
- Read and understand the LOLER 1998 (lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations) to avoid legal irresponsibility’s
- Ensure a manager or supervisor is always on site when cranes are being used
- Make sure there are warning, hazard, and danger signs near all cranes
- Employees must wear PPE such as foot, eye, and head gear
- Carry out routine servicing, repairs, and maintenance checks
Cranes Repair Services
It is also important to note that crane repair services are available to you when needed. Due to the health and safety procedures that come with using on-site cranes, you should always ensure they are in working order before they are used. In addition, you should be servicing your machinery regularly to ensure they are always in working order. Emergency callouts are also available any day, at any time.
Types of Cranes
There are a number of different cranes to work with. They all consist of different shapes, sizes, weight capacity, and purpose. It is best to research or ask a professional what type of crane you desire for the objects you are going to be moving and lifting. Here are some types available to you:
- Overhead (bridge, gantry, jib)
- Tower (hammerhead, luffing, self-erecting)
- Level Luffing
- Crawler
- Rough Terrain
- Truck
Final Words
Working in this type of environment calls for extensive health and safety procedures and protocols to ensure the safety of workers. As an employer, you should be aware of which types of cranes are needed for your operations and how to use them. Every employee should be fully trained and aware of the lifting operations laws. These pieces of machinery make industrial projects easier to manage, and ensure the job gets done accurately and faster than forklifts and HGV’s.