Pre-operation load risk assessment is one thing, but crane operators and riggers must also stay alert during and after a crane lift. They have to keep tabs on different hardware and software equipment components while complying with crane load, radius, weight, and height limits.
Crane limits are clearly described in the manufacturer manuals. However, some additional tips and tricks can equip your operators with improved risk mitigation abilities. Let’s explore them in detail.
Tip #1: Use a Crane Load Moment Indicator
There’s nothing more useful for preventing crane overloads than a crane load moment indicator. Commonly referred to as an LMI device, this warning indicator offers a real-time readout of crane loads and capacity. But it’s important that crane operators enter the correct details into their LMI systems to improve safety and accuracy.
LMI devices provide complete details of crane boom length, angle, radius, load, and capacity during crane operations. They can be used in overhead, mobile, gantry, crawler, and all other types of cranes.
Tip #2: Crane Configuration Verification
Crane operators are strongly advised to comply with crane load charts. They should also conduct periodic configuration verification and recalculate all numerical limits.
OSHA and ASME instruct that crane inspectors and operators closely work together to verify their crane’s net capacity, rigging weights, and limiting ranges before every lifting operation.
Tip #3: Use A Rated Capacity Indicator
A crane’s rated capacity is its total and relative weight lifting capacity. An RCI or rated capacity indicator is used for comparing a crane’s load with the manufacturer’s suggested load rate in real time.
What’s more, you can opt for a two-in-one LMI RCI system, such as the RaycoWylie i4500, for end-to-end safety optimization and crane load surveillance.
Tip #4: Prioritize Load Testing
Overloading accidents can compromise the strength, durability, and performance of your cranes. They can lead to extremely expensive repairs and weaken your equipment’s compliance. That’s why you should always prioritize load testing before hiring or buying a new or an altered crane. These tests are conducted against relevant standards and load-lifting capacities with minimal to no margins.
You can also request the results of a crane’s mechanical resistance and its maximum number of load cycles per shift. Make sure to pick a crane that fully complies with international load testing standards such as ISO-EN, ANSI, and FEM.
Moreover, crane operators should not miss out on the following crane overload risk mitigation strategies:
Examine your crane before and after each lift
Check for fatigue, crack, corrosion, and overloading defects
Perform functional tests daily and leverage advanced non-destruction/ultra-sonic/laser testing to detect internal crane issues
Use the right number of counterweights based on your crane’s capacity and load distance
Why You Should Partner with Crane Warning Systems Atlanta
As the official distributor of RaycoWyliecrane warning indicators, Crane Warning Systems Atlanta takes immense pride in being a top choice for hundreds of construction businesses across the US. Our vast industry experience allows us to fulfill unique customer requirements with utmost transparency and professionalism. And that’s not all.
Our team focuses on improving our product line and customer service. You can explore the best crane wind speed indicators, RCI, LMI, and ATB indicators on our website right away!
Whether you’re in Texas, Georgia, Washington, Ohio, California, Florida, or any other state, we can deliver exceptional quality crane safety products to your location. Check out our free product manuals, troubleshooting guides, and support tools today, or call us now for further details.