Eager to start work on your next major construction project but don’t know where to start? One of the most important things to consider before undertaking any construction work involving cranes is what precautions you are going to put in place to ensure equipment is safe for use.
Crane rigging refers to the process of preparing your crane for operation and then executing your lift according to plan. To do this in the safest, most efficient manner, it’s important that you take the time to create a concise crane rigging inspection checklist.
Here, we offer our expert guidance on creating a crane rigging inspection checklist, from using the correct crane rigging equipment, to assessing the state of the area you’re working on.
At Emerson Cranes, we’re pleased to be able to lift the burden of conducting timely, complex crane rigging from our customers shoulders. When you choose us for your next crane hire, you’ll have added peace of mind that an extensive crane rigging safety assessment has been conducted by our experienced team before your crane hire has even arrived on site!
If you’d like to find out more about the superior crane hire services we offer, or would like to request details on the crane rigging systems we follow Emerson Cranes, please do get in touch. Call us on 020 8059 2560, and speak to one of our friendly team members today!
Assess the Surrounding Area
The first step to conducting effective crane rigging is by assessing the state of the surrounding environment. Firstly, measure the swing radius and note down any potential obstacles that may be in the way, like trees or other pieces of machinery.
If any adjustments need to be made, ensure they are carried out immediately.
Analyse the Load
Once your crane is positioned correctly and the project is almost ready to begin, you’ll need to take the time to analyse weight and dimensions of the load you are going to be lifting. Your crane rigging safety inspection should also consider everything you should know about your load, from how high it is being lifted, to how many people are involved in the operation.
Use the Correct Crane Rigging Equipment
Right – you’ve assessed your surroundings, analysed the load, now it’s time to ensure that you’re using the correct crane rigging equipment for the job at hand. Crane rigging equipment refers to any tool used to connect your load to the crane, these include wire ropes, slings, jacks, shackles and many more.
At Emerson, we offer a range of mobile cranes for hire, suitable for a variety of projects, lifting both heavy and lighter loads. All of our cranes are strong and efficient, offering a bespoke crane hire solution.
If you’d like to learn more about our extensive crane hire services, get in touch today.
Find the Right Angles
Picking up a heavy load and manoeuvring it across a construction site can be extremely extremely dangerous if done incorrectly, posing potential damage to the load and serious injuries to those on site. Your crane rigging inspection checklist should include assessing the angle of the lift in order to ensure the process runs safely.
According to HSE here, around a quarter of fatal workplace injuries which occured in 2021/22, were in the Construction sector. Prioritising implementing efficient crane rigging systems is crucial to maintaining a safe, secure working environment.
To find out more about the practices carried out by our experienced team members to ensure that all health and safety checks are completed to the highest of standards, please do get in touch.
Weather
We’re all aware of just how unpredictable the British weather can be. Heavy rain, intense winds and extreme heat can all have a profound effect on the crane rigging process. When working in difficult weather conditions, there are even more things you need to consider when it comes to your crane rigging inspection checklist. Cold weather can reduce cranes’ strength, making it more likely that a hoist may fail. It’s recommended that the maximum load of a crane is reduced by 25% when temperatures plummet below 0°C.
High temperatures can cause cranes to overheat, reducing the effectiveness of the machinery and increasing the risk of them becoming faulty.
No matter the temperature, it’s important that a crane rigging safety inspection is carried out to assess how the weather forecast may affect the running of your project and the success of the crane rigging process as a whole.
If you’d like to find out more about the crane rigging process, or would like to enquire about hiring one of our cranes, please do get in touch. Call us on 020 8059 2560, and one of our experienced team members will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
