Crane Hire And Rigging Tips
Posted on: 16 April 2020
A crane is your best weapon when you need to move or lift heavy items in your construction site. Read the article below to learn the various considerations that you should make when hiring a crane.
Choose A Suitable Crane
Below are some tips to help you select a suitable crane:
- Check the crane's weight limits to ascertain it is suitable for the intended work.
- The crane's boom should be longer than the structure you intend to construct. It allows the operator to place items at the top of the structure.
- Consider site conditions. Telescopic handlers are ideal for indoor locations or constricted areas. A rough terrain crane can handle rocky and muddy conditions.
- The crane should be in good condition. Check the service and maintenance records to ascertain that it will not break down at the site.
Terms Of Hire
The crane hire company should have a reasonable pricing strategy. For instance, they should not charge you when the crane is idle. Besides, they should undertake regular repairs and maintenance when the crane is at your site. Reputable companies will offer free transport to and from your site. Inquire about the welfare of the crane riggers and operator. For instance, will you pay them or provide a food and accommodation allowance?
Crane Rigging
Some considerations to make when rigging the crane include:
Riggers
The crane should be rigged by qualified and experienced personnel. An advanced rigging licence (RA) allows the rigger to perform all kinds of dogging and rigging works. The riggers should also have a high-risk work licence. The riggers will:
- Set up the crane, its pulleys and cables.
- Inspect the crane for cracks along its frame, dysfunctional gears, worn-out chains, faulty electrical systems and a leaking or contaminated hydraulic system.
- Attach loads on the crane and communicate with the operator.
- Identify blind spots to prevent accidents on site.
Crane Safety
The crane should not be used to hoist personnel to high places. Besides, you should not overload the crane in a bid to finish the works within a short period. Do not use the crane in windy or rainy conditions. Otherwise, it could topple. Personnel at the site should have personal protective clothing such as reflective jackets, boots, gloves and helmets. Also, they should have an effective method of communication. For example, they could use walkie-talkies or coloured flags.
Have an on-site emergency plan to be used in case of an accident. For example, you should have a first aid box and emergency contacts. Additionally, you should have appropriate insurance to cover liabilities caused by crane accidents.
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