Operating and working with cranes is not an easy job. However, it is vital to be aware of and follow all the fundamental hoisting and crane rigging best practices to safely and efficiently operate the crane. The potential for mishaps is magnified without proper rigging and hoisting procedures in place. Accidents with cranes can prove deadly as once the weight or loads falls, there is nothing to stop it, and the people below might not get enough time to move to a safe place or result in the loss of the load.
Dependable Crane staff are always concerned about crane safety during any rigging preparation or lifting operations. This service ensures its employees are experienced and trained, and fully competent to handle their heavy responsibility. Unfortunately, about 90% of crane accidents are caused by human error. Of those, about 80% can be attributed to exceeding the capabilities of the crane or rigging configuration. Critical factors to preventing these errors from occurring are proper training, recognition, and detailed planning on the part of the crane operator team.
The purpose of this article is to provide a guideline to safely working with cranes by providing information on the fundamentals of hoisting and rigging.
The hoisting equipment, ropes, knots, chain falls, rigging hardware, rope clips, spreader beams, etc., must be of the standard quality and in the best condition. Therefore, inspection and maintenance of the hoisting and rigging equipment are necessary.
Hoisting and Rigging Hazards
The hoisting and rigging activities must be performed by trained personnel. Many rigging accidents occur due to the lack of knowledge of the rigger. The rigger must know the following facts to operate a sage rigging operation.
- Weight of the load and the rigging hardware
- Working load limit of the hoisting rope, hardware, and slings
- The capacity of the hosting device
After these points, the rigger must know how to lift the load stably. When a crane rental operator works with a rigger in any operation, the operator must be evident in communication and signals used during the process.
Factors affecting the Hoisting Safety
The following factors are factors affecting hoisting safety and must be observed keenly during the operation.
Workload limit: never exceed the workload limits and do not work on any assumptions. You must be precise about the weights you are working on and reference source documentation related to the lift load.
Unknown equipment: if you are not sure of or aware of any equipment or part of the system, do not use it and get the correct information on its proper use from a competent source.
Defective components: To avoid damaging or destroying loads or parts, first start by conducting a thorough examination. of the hoisting system.
Extreme winds: Please beware of the hazardous windy weather as it may cause disturbances in balancing and cause the load to swing or twist.
Weather condition: some typical climate factors such as fog, snow, darkness, rain, or dust may cause reduced visibility and do not perform any operations in such weather.
Electrical contact: you should not perform hoisting operations near powerlines to prevent any electrical hazards which may result in the deaths of riggers. It is good to maintain approximately 10 feet minimum distance from a powerline of any kind at all times.
Crane Sling Rigging
A sling is an essential part of the rigging equipment. Take care of the following precaution while using the sling.
- Check carefully that the sling is not damaged, cracked, rusted, or corroded.
- Mark every sling with the weight capacity it can hold.
- Avoid crushing, pinching, and sharp bends.
- Do not let slings lie on the ground or moist surfaces for an extended period.
- Do not drag slings from beneath the loads.
- Never wrap a wire sling around a hook.
- Never tie the knot in slings.
- Balance the load on multileg slings.
Rigging While Lifting and Landing Loads
Follow the mentioned guidelines while lifting and landing loads.
- Ensure to rig the load entirely before it is set in motion to prevent it from dislodging or shifting.
- Manage to control the load at every moment during its shift.
- Land the loads safely and block the load before unhooking it. Blocking prevents the slings from being damaged.
- Do not wrap the load with the hoist rope. Attach the load to slings, hooks, or some rigging device.
- Use gloves while you are handling wire ropes.
- Make should make the area of operation clear of obstacles while lifting, moving, and landing the load. The slings might get loose at any moment.
- Do not make temporary repairs to the slings. If it is possible, get it appropriately repaired or discard it.
- Secure the extra legs of the sling before the operation.
- Lift the load slowly and make sure that the slings have taken the load.
- Avoid sudden movement during the operation to include construction crane operations
Fiber Ropes Used in Crane Operations
Fiber ropes are most commonly used in the applications of hoisting. Both natural and synthetic fiber ropes are available for the purposes. If you are using natural fiber ropes, take extra care as they are quickly deteriorated by mildew, rot, and chemicals compared to the synthetic ropes.
Among synthetic ropes, polypropylene, nylon, and polyester ropes are available. When they are wet, they can conduct electricity.
Inspect the ropes before every use and look out for cuts and wears in the ropes. Discoloration and variation in the shape and size of strands are a sign of its deterioration. Broken and excessively loose yarns also ask for a change in the rope.
Keep the ropes in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Hang them on large pegs on the wall, and don’t leave them on the ground. Keep the ropes away from heat sources, radiators, steam pipes, chemical fumes, and gases. Suppose the rope gets wet during use dry or before storing them. Do not overload a rope and avoid dragging on sharp or rough surfaces as it will cause wear and tear.
Dependable Crane offers you the best mobile crane in Sacramento. This crane rental service being the maxim crane Sacramento follows all the fundamental security measures to ensure you a safe and hazard-free service in Sacramento. The highly trained and qualified staff knows how to deal and tackle the operation smoothly and perfectly.
