NewsIndustry NewsMobile CranesCranes, Lifts, and ScaffoldingSafety & HealthGeneral Industry SafetyIn-Depth ArticleEnglishFocus AreaUSA
Five key points you need to know about mobile crane operation
2023-02-14T06:00:00Z
Mobile cranes move materials and products through facilities, yards, and staging areas. The safe use of a mobile crane depends on all the following important points:
- Site evaluation — Evaluate the terrain, focusing on what is overhead, what the load bearing capacity of the site is, and the hazards in the area.
- Operator training — Train operators in the operation, limitations, and emergency procedures for the cranes they operate. They must understand the load ratings and how to properly lift loads. Ensure only designated employees (think trained) are allowed to operate a mobile crane.
- Equipment selection — Select the proper equipment, matching it to the operation. Review the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations to determine if a crane or derrick can be used in a particular application.
- Inspection — Inspect the crane to ensure the equipment is functioning as it’s designed to. The two types of inspections are frequent and periodic. Frequent inspections are the daily preoperational walk-around, the prestart-up check, and the post start-up check. Periodic inspections are performed monthly and annually. The monthly inspection interval varies depending on crane use and conditions.
- Maintenance — Maintaining cranes include repairing the equipment and implementing a preventive maintenance program. Well-maintained equipment aids in preventing accidents involving mechanical failure. The basis for this program is the manufacturer’s recommendations on preventive maintenance. Remember, modifications can only be made with the manufacturer’s approval.
Key to remember
Safe crane operation is based on site evaluation, training, equipment selection, inspections, and maintenance. All of these are required to ensure safe crane operation at your facility.