Crane operations are crucial across many industries, from construction and manufacturing to waste management and shipping. Whether lifting heavy materials or positioning equipment, these loads must be handled correctly to ensure site safety. No matter your industry, ensuring the proper use of cranes and lifting gear is essential for protecting your workforce and your project.
In this article, we will explore the key crane safety equipment and protocols every crane operator should follow, along with expert tips to ensure safe and compliant lifting operations.
Pre-Lift Safety Protocols
Before diving into the essential safety lifting gear, you must understand the safety guidelines and protocols involved in crane operation. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) states that lifting operations using lifting equipment must be planned by a competent person, adequately supervised and conducted safely. Here we will expand on the ways a crane lift must be adequately prepared.
Competency and Training of Operators
Since LOLER (1998) mandates that crane operators must be competent, individuals must have the appropriate crane training with a certification that demonstrates their competence in crane safety and operation. There are various courses that a crane operator can choose to become certified in crane operation, including the CPCS Crane Training Course and the NOCN Accredited SiteRight Course.
Additionally, it is also recommended that crane operators keep their knowledge and techniques up-to-date by attending refresher courses and completing ongoing training.
Load Testing and Weight Limits
Load testing and adhering to maximum weight limits are a critical element of crane safety. Load testing confirms the crane's ability to support the intended load while calculating safe working loads to avoid overloading the crane. If weight limits are exceeded, it can cause equipment failure, accidents and site damage, making load testing and accurate calculations an essential part of maintaining safe crane practices.
Planning Lifting Operations
Crane lift planning is crucial to ensure safe lifting operations. The most common risks associated with crane operations include the collapsing of the crane and the falling of the load, both of which put any on-site personnel at risk.
A thorough risk assessment must be carried out before attempting a crane lift to identify all potential hazards, like load instability, ground conditions and environmental factors. The lift plan will need to address the risks identified in the risk assessment, the resources required and the procedures so that the lift is safe.
Effective planning ensures safe load movement and reduces the risk of accidents. Clear and continuous communication between team members ensures everyone understands their roles and can execute the lift according to the agreed lift plan.
Inspection of Lifting Gear and Equipment
The crane and its attachments and components, like slings, shackles and other gear, should be inspected regularly for any defects that could lead to accidents or equipment failure. Thorough inspections detect any wear or tear and determine whether the equipment is safe to use.
Inspections must be carried out before the equipment is used for the first time, after assembly at each new location and regularly while in service to check for deterioration. Lifting equipment should undergo comprehensive examinations every 6 to 12 months.
Safety Lifting Gear for Crane Operators
Aside from the pre-lift safety protocols, which are designed to keep workers safe, there are many forms of crane safety equipment and crane safety devices that are equally as important for ensuring safety during lifting operations. Let’s take a closer look at some safety lifting gear.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Correctly using personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for both crane operators and ground workers to ensure crane lifting safety.
Hard hats protect the head from falling objects, while high-visibility vests or jackets ensure workers are visible at all times. Additionally, safety gloves provide protection when handling safety lifting gear and steel-toed boots prevent foot injuries from any falling or sharp objects. For individuals working at heights, like mobile crane operators, safety harnesses are necessary pieces of crane safety equipment that prevent falls.
Lifting Slings and Shackles
Lifting slings and shackles are also important components of crane lifting safety. Chain slings, wire rope slings and synthetic slings are typically accompanied by crane safety devices like shackles or hooks to help balance the load and ensure it is secured effectively.
To avoid loads from slips during the lift, slings and attachments must be inspected to detect any defects or damage that could cause the sling to break and cause the load to fall, which could result in injury.
Load Monitoring Devices
Load monitoring devices, such as load indicators and load moment indicators (LMI), are crane safety devices that provide real-time data on load weights and crane conditions. LMIs help prevent overloading, ensuring the crane is operating within its safe working limits. Anti-two block devices prevent the hook block from colliding with the boom, which could lead to equipment damage or accidents.
Fall Protection Gear
Fall protection gear, such as fall arrest systems and safety nets, is essential for workers operating at heights or in high-risk areas. This life-saving equipment protects workers from falls, one of the key hazards associated with crane operations. Understanding how to correctly use fall protection gear is essential to ensuring a safe work environment. Regular inspections and proper use of these systems are crucial for effective fall prevention.
Lifting Hooks and Attachments
Lifting hooks and attachments are key to effectively securing loads during lifts. Grab hooks and slip hooks are two types of hooks, to which ropes and cables can be attached to add extra security to the load. Additionally, safety latches ensure the load remains secure during lift, preventing accidental load release. Regular maintenance and safety checks are necessary to check that attachments are in good condition and will not fail during operation.
Taglines and Load-Stabilising Gear
Taglines play an important role in controlling and stabilising loads during crane lifts. Taglines help ground workers guide the load, preventing unwanted swinging or spinning while maintaining control and ensuring the safety of on-site staff. Taglines are especially critical during windy weather or when working with irregularly shaped loads, requiring additional control to prevent accidents.
Communication Equipment
Clear communication between crane operators and ground crews is vital for safe lifting operations. Radios and headsets allow for real-time communication, ensuring everyone is informed and coordinated during the lift.
Hand signals are also an important form of communication that provides a universal method for guiding crane operations when verbal communication isn’t possible. Hand signals are crucial for giving instructions to guide the load, ensuring the safe execution of lifts.
Safety Tips and Best Practices for Crane Operators
Here are our additional tips for ensuring safe crane lifting and avoiding accidents or damage to the load:
● Maintain Visibility: Proper visibility is essential for preventing accidents as it enables crane operators to move loads carefully around any obstacles or personnel.
● Avoid Overloading the Crane: Staying within the crane’s load restrictions is crucial to avoid tipping or equipment breakdown. Correctly using load charts and load monitoring devices ensures safe lifting capacities are upheld.
● Team Coordination: Effective communication and coordination between operators, riggers, spotters and other staff are essential for efficient crane operations. Clear signals and communication help avoid misunderstandings and ensure everyone’s safety.
● Emergency Protocols: In case of equipment failure or emergency, operators and ground staff must understand and follow established protocols to minimise the risk of injuries or damage. These protocols include safely lowering the load, securing the crane and instructing team members on the next steps.
Choose Crane & Lifting Services for Lifting Equipment in Cardiff
At Crane & Lifting Services, we provide a full range of crane solutions and safety lifting gear to meet all your operational needs. From installations and lift operations to maintenance, repairs, and operator training, we ensure that your site is equipped with the highest standards of crane safety equipment. With over a century of expertise, we’re proud to be one of the leading independent crane companies in the UK.
Our extensive services and products include:
● Overhead Gantry Crane Training
● Cranes
● Hoists & Jib Cranes
● Service & Maintenance
● Height & Safety Equipment
● Crane safety devices
If you’re looking for reliable lifting equipment in Cardiff or beyond, or need expert advice on crane lifting safety, contact us today to learn more about how we can support your operations.
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