Tips On How To Safely Operate Your Mini Crane – Part 2

Continuing from part 1…

Use Your Mini Crane Properly – Small cranes are designed for vertical lifting, but still some construction crews use them for side loading or similar improper activities. When the cranes are used for improper applications, the possibility for weakening the key components of the cranes is huge, which can easily result in a breakdown. So, if someone from your construction crew has used your small crane improperly, perform a detailed inspection to ensure that no parts have been damaged.

Secure A Pure Communication – Every crane operator needs to have a pure and uninterrupted communication with a signal-person and with all other workers on the job site. Although in most cases the small cranes do not require a signal-person, sometimes the small crane operators don’t have a clear view of the field and they need an assistant to help them.

Operate Carefully And Fully Focused – It is as simple as that. When operating a small crane, do not talk on your mobile phone, avoid short naps between the lifts and don’t get distracted by other activities that are performed on the job site. Many crane accidents happen because the cranes are not operated carefully enough. As cranes can be very dangerous if not operated carefully, everyone involved in the lifting operations on the job site needs to be fully focused at all times.

Never Use Your Mini Crane For Storage – Very often, construction workers use the small cranes for storage, which is not recommended because it can be extremely dangerous. The new crane models today are hydraulically operated, which makes them even more dangerous. A leak in the hydraulic system may reduce the hydraulic pressure causing the boom to fall down.

Plan For Swings – Small crane operators need to plan for swing radius, a specific arc that is provided by a counterweight and a boom. It is crucial to make sure that the area within that specific arc is barricaded off and to establish a control zone for the authorized persons to work. It is also very important to check the area for objects that the boom might hit.