Situations You Should Be Prepared For
Safety on construction sites is crucial, particularly when using cranes or other heavy machinery. Cranes play a vital role in construction projects, however there are a number of hazards associated with cranes that must be considered before use.
The operation and maintenance of cranes in the UK is subject to the guidelines laid out in the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). This legislation must be strictly adhered to to ensure that safety standards are upheld, and anyone working with cranes should be aware that work should be stopped in dangerous conditions to protect the on-site team.
Working with cranes requires a combination of meticulous preparation, organisation and awareness to ensure safe and successful lifting operations. In this article we’ll examine some of the hazards that most commonly affect crane operation, as well as providing some helpful guidance in avoiding accidents. If you would like to speak to a professional crane hire service who keep safety at the heart of everything they do, speak to Emerson today.
What is a hazard in construction?
Hazards are situations that pose a threat to people or property. Due to the nature of construction, hazards are common and must be taken into account and planned for.
Have you considered all the potential risks?
There are some hazards that are commonly associated with crane operation. If you are planning on working with a crane on your site, it’s worth considering the following risk checklist to ensure the safest project outcome for everyone involved.
Risk Checklist
- Overhead Cables
One of the most significant dangers for construction sites using cranes is overhead cables. Crane booms or jibs coming into contact with power lines poses a serious risk of electrocution.
Before you begin construction, make sure you know exactly where overhead power cables are located on your work site. When planning your work schedule, factor in how to avoid them, and inform all crane operators.
- Falling Loads
A load falling from a crane has the potential to cause serious harm to people and property. Loads must be securely fastened before they are lifted. Ensure that checks are in place and that your crane operators are fully trained.
- Overloading
Overloading is one of the main causes of cranes tipping or suffering damage. This is very dangerous for everyone on the site. Always adhere strictly to the load limits detailed in a crane’s load chart.
- Extreme Weather
Most construction sites are outdoors, which inevitably means they are susceptible to being impacted by the weather. It is unrealistic to assume that every day of your schedule will present ideal weather conditions. Understanding how the weather will impact crane safety will help you mitigate risks.
- High winds: If strong winds are forecast, it may be best to pause work, particularly if winds surpass 35mph. Check the operator’s manual for guidance on what the crane can withstand. Be aware that even if the crane remains standing, loads may be blown by gusts of wind, which can be potentially fatal.
- Heat: Extreme heat can impact your crane’s hydraulic system. Intense temperatures can also lead to dehydration and difficulty concentrating for workers.
- Torrential rain: Torrential rain can be extremely hazardous as it affects load weight, visibility and ground stability. In most cases, work would be halted in these conditions.
- Cold, Ice and Snow: Cold weather and ice present their own set of challenges. Ice can make surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of slips and falls. When temperatures drop too low, a crane’s hydraulic system can experience slower operation due to hydraulic fluid thickening, which reduces its flow.
Ice and snow can gather on the crane or its load, increasing their weight and destabilising the crane.
- Lightning: If lightning strikes a crane, it will cause considerable damage. There is a risk of total power failure, electrocution and death.
Preparing for Potential Hazards
Risk Assessments
Before starting any crane work, conduct thorough risk assessments. Identify all potential hazards and devise strategies to handle them. This will help you prepare for any issues that might arise and ensure you have a plan to keep everyone safe.
Be Aware Of Your Site
Understanding your construction site is key to safe crane operations. Familiarise yourself with the layout, including the locations of overhead cables, nearby buildings and other obstacles.
Train Workers on Safety
Safety training for all workers is essential. Regular training sessions help reinforce these safety practices and ensure that all workers are prepared to handle any situation that arises.
Obtain Reliable Weather Forecast Data
Stay up-to-date with weather forecasts to plan crane operations. Use reliable weather services to get accurate information about upcoming conditions. Flexibility in your schedule is important when dealing with unpredictable weather. Be prepared to rearrange operations if the forecast predicts bad weather. Delaying work and ensuring safety is better than pushing ahead and risking accidents.
Make the Right Call
Making the right decision is key to keeping your construction site safe. Always prioritise safety over deadlines. If conditions are unsafe, don’t hesitate to stop work.
Looking For Reliable Crane Hire?
Here at Emerson, we provide reliable crane hire supported by extensive experience. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your project safely and effectively. Call today on 020 8548 3900.
