Seven Key Questions to Answer Before Attempting Any Lift

Planning well ahead of time before using heavy crane lifting on a project is essential to limit the chance of accidents. Asking your team a few questions can also help maintain productivity to ensure everything goes according to plan without any major issues. On the other hand, not taking the time to plan can often result in significant problems. Writing down a list of questions to always ask before using a heavy crane is one of the best ways to remain proactive.

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Here are the most important questions to answer before using heavy crane lifting.

1. What is the Max Radius?

Understanding the maximum radius of a crane is essential before you begin to use it on any project. You can calculate the radius by measuring the distance between the center rotation of the crane and the center of gravity of the freely suspended load. An easy way to figure out the maximum radius is to perform a dry run by placing the empty hook over the pick at various locations. You can measure the radius at each set location to help determine the max amount for your crane.

2. How Heavy is the Weight of the Load?

Another key thing to remember is the weight of the load. It’s important to verify the weight of any load before using a heavy crane due to safety concerns. Fortunately, most loads are shipped by truck, as you can easily determine the load of shipments by looking at the weight ticket. Smaller loads can also be easily calculated, whether you are moving a steel beam or a bucket of concrete.

3. Will the Load Interfere With the Crane Boom?

Determining if the load will interfere with the crane boom or jib is critical before you begin operating a crane. A long load can sometimes come into contact with the boom and even cause it to collapse. Making sure there is more than enough room to turn a long load is essential to avoid any major problems. Using non-conductive tag lines is also important in helping to control the load.

4. Is the Crane on Level Ground?

Double-checking to make sure a crane is on level ground is also important for avoiding any major safety issues. Matting should also be used on every construction site, even if it’s a small job. The mat needs to be strong enough to avoid bending while the crane is working. Checking to see if any recent evacuation has occurred in the area is always recommended to ensure the ground is strong enough to handle the weight of a heavy crane.

5. Are There Any Nearby Power Lines?

Power lines and any other sources of electric energy are a major safety hazard on a job site. Identifying the location of power lines is essential to staying safe while using heavy crane lifting. You can note the locations of power lines and any other hazards on the lift plan to ensure everyone is aware of these structures. A designated spotter can also play a key role in warning the crane operator of any issues. Power line contact is one of the biggest dangers while operating a crane, which is why it’s important to take all of the necessary safety precautions.

6. What is the Capacity and Weight of the Rigging System?

Calculating the rigging capacity and weight is key before using heavy crane lifting equipment. A crane is only as strong as the weakest link, which is why it’s important to do these calculations ahead of time. You can also write down these calculations of the rigging system and document them. Looking at all of these numbers is key to making sure the crane and rigging configuration is the right size for the job.

7. Are There Any Obstructions That Will Interfere With the Crane?

Numerous obstructions can interfere with heavy crane lifting equipment on a job site. Some of these obstructions can even result in significant safety issues, which is why it’s important to check everything ahead of time. Making a dry run with the full swing path on a proposed lift can help you identify any obstructions that need to be cleared before you begin work. Staying proactive by removing these obstructions in advance can save everyone a lot of time.

Need Heavy Crane Lifting for Your Next Project? Contact Bobcat Construction Today!

10 mistakes people make when using lifts

There are many things that can go wrong when using a lift at work. We have seen many strange incidents, and unfortunately it is often human error that leads to dangerous situations and accidents. Here we have summarised some of the most common mistakes and explained how to avoid them.

1. You forget to keep feet firmly planted on the ground

The support legs of the lift must always be firmly planted on the ground, with equal weight distribution on each leg.

2. You forget to be in balance

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For the lift to be safe to use, it must be levelled. Ensure correct positioning of the lift, do not exceed the weight limit in the basket and try to distribute the weight in the basket as evenly as possible.

3. You forget to look at the ground

The ground must be able to support the weight of the lift and any outriggers. If the ground is weak, the lift or its outriggers may sink into the ground, causing imbalance – and in the worst case, a rollover.

4. You do not have a good assistant

The cause of many accidents is lone working. If the person working in the basket is injured, it is very important that they get help as soon as possible. It is important to have a good helper on the ground to keep an eye on you and to lower the basket.

A lift accident happened in Moss in , when a drunk man climbed up a lift while the lift operator was working in the basket – again, it would have been nice to have a person on the ground to prevent the situation from occurring!

5. You don’t know what you are doing

The Working Environment Act requires workers to have satisfactory training and practice in the use of work equipment. Many types of lifts are large and sophisticated machines that require the user to know what he/she is doing.

Take a lift course today: www.instantkurs.com

6. You attach yourself incorrectly

You may want to use fall protection equipment when working at height, but you should not attach yourself anywhere on a lift. Check where the attachment point of the lift is before using it (information on this will be in the user manual and is often marked on the lift itself).

Take a fall protection course today: www.instantkurs.com

7. Driving too fast

Many self-propelled lifts can be driven quite fast while standing in the basket. However, even a slight unevenness in the ground can create great instability when the basket is raised. In the worst case scenario, you can create a “catapult effect” and be thrown out of the basket.

8. Forgetting to use common sense

Lifts are practical aids, which are safe in normal and sensible use. Following the lift’s instructions and using common sense will get you far (and high!).

9. Modify the lift

Some creative souls modify the lift, change settings and build on the lift. This should never be done! Even small changes can create major challenges to the stability and safety of the lift.

10. You think the lift can be used for everything

• The lift is not a staircase
• The lift is not a scaffold
• The lift is not a crane

… and it should not be used as such! Always make sure you use the correct work equipment for the job you are doing.

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