Mobile cranes are used by most modern industries today. These multi-purpose pieces of equipment are primarily designed for lifting and transporting heavy objects, but their applications extend beyond this seemingly limited scope. In fact, the mobile crane market is expected to reach USD 22.34 billion by the year 2026 (5.8% CAGR from 2019 to 2026).
Given how powerful these machines are and how often they’re employed at worksites, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has put out comprehensive guidelines on crane operation and usage.
As one of the leading manufacturers of crane safety systems, we’ve worked closely with many clients to help them carry out more secure and efficient crane operations. In this blog post, we’ll go over some essential crane safety tips in line with OSHA guidelines.
Crane Inspections
Mobile cranes must be inspected by a qualified person at least once every 12 months, according to OSHA. Additionally, crane operators must be trained to inspect cranes before every use for additional safety.
Pre-operation inspections should check capacity markings and all components, including rope appearance, sheaves, hooks, slings, rails, wheels, bearings, brakes, and gears. Also, check safety equipment such as oil and the fire extinguisher.
Adequate PPE
All personnel on the site need to wear appropriate personal protective equipmentat all times. Wear safety boots, hard hats, high-visibility clothing, and earmuffs on-site to prevent injury. It should be noted that even with the correct PPE, workers must be careful to ensure that they aren’t working within the operating radius of the crane and are at a safe distance at all times.
Also Read: The Role of a Lift Director in Safe Crane Operations
Visual Signals
Busy construction sites are often characterized by loud noises and obstructions. If your mobile crane is operating at such a site, developing visual signals is essential. When the crane operator has a limited view, a qualified person on the ground should be giving clearvisual cues to direct operations. In these cases, the best way to overcome the blind spots is through crane camera systems and two-way radios for easy communication.
Maximize Crane Safety with Operational Aids
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta is a leading distributor of crane operational aids designed to improve the efficiency and safety of your lift operation. From multi-purpose crane RCI indicatorswith the latest CAN bus technology to intuitive crane anemometers, we’ve got the right solution for you.
As one of the leading distributors of crane safety systems from top-rated manufacturers, including Rayco Wylie. Check out our product selection here.