The Importance of Crane Safety Requirements
What is Crane Safety?
Emerson Cranes is a leading crane hire company, with a wide variety of cranes in our fleet. As reliable and experienced suppliers of high quality lifting solutions, the health and safety of our customers and the general public is of paramount importance to us.
We are proud to share our expertise in relation to crane safety requirements and offer a number of mobile crane training programmes, sharing our insight into the safe operation of lifting equipment.
What is Crane Safety and How Important is it?
Onsite safety is crucially important – even more so, when heavy machinery is a fixture of the workplace. Operating a crane comes with a number of associated hazards – four of the main risks include:
- Collision with other cranes or buildings
- Overloading – leading to mechanical/structural failure of the crane
- Contact with overhead electrical power sources
- Dropping loads
Should any of these incidents happen, possible results could include significant damage to property or equipment, as well as major injury or even loss of life.
Given the seriousness of what could occur, adhering to crane safety requirements is essential. When planned, installed and operated by qualified people, cranes are safe, easy to use, and a very efficient asset on site.
Current UK Crane Safety Requirements
The British Standard Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Cranes (BS 7121) was created in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
BS 7121 details the best practice for the safe use of cranes within a work environment and how to comply with Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998.
LOLER is an approved code of practice and guidance for the safe use of lifting equipment. It relates to all of those who work with and operate lifting equipment, including cranes, gin wheels, and hoists, as well as lifting accessories like slings.
LOLER’s crane safety requirements can be broken down into a four stage process:
- Planning lifting operations
All lifts should be planned so they are carried out safely with full risk assessment.
- Safe systems of work
A method statement is created for the lifting operation and all on site, to ensure appropriate competencies.
- Supervision of lifting
An appointed crane supervisor should direct the lifting operation in accordance with the method statement.
- Thorough examination
Lifting equipment must be regularly examined by a specialist. The examination is typically organised by the crane hire company, but it is the responsibility of the crane hirer to ensure that all examinations are carried out and reports are in order.
LOLER is supported by the Safe use of lifting equipment: Approved Code of Practice (ACOP).
For more information about LOLER 1998, please visit the HSE website.
Crane Safety Requirements and our Contract Lifting Service
Crane operator training is a legal requirement in the UK and it is designed to mitigate the health and safety risks.
Under standard crane hire terms, the responsibility for planning, supervising and carrying out lifting operations sits with the hiring party. This is the case unless these responsibilities have been taken on by the crane hire company as part of a ‘contract lift’ service.
In situations where our customers require a crane, but their staff lack the necessary competencies and training for safe operation, we also offer the option of contract lifting services.
All of our crane operators are competent, with theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience. Rigorous tower and mobile crane training will boost workplace safety, reducing the risk of injury, accidents, and general damage.
Fully compliant with all health and safety legislation, contract lift is in addition to us supplying high quality lifting equipment. We provide a crane that is well maintained, tested, and certificated, along with a qualified and competent crane operator.
Crane Safety Requirements and the CPCS
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) was launched with the aim of recognising the skills of employees working within the plant sector/construction industry.
The card scheme provides clarity to employers, by indicating employees’ plant operation capabilities in order to comply with industry regulations, including crane safety.
Emerson Crane Training
As experts in our field, we are proud to offer a range of Emerson crane training courses for safe and efficient crane operation:
- CPCS Training Courses
As mentioned, the CPCS is the most widely recognised card scheme for plant operators and users in the UK construction sector.
- Emerson NOCN Accredited SiteRight Courses
- ALLMI Training Courses
Designed to ensure that lorry loader operators are able to use a lorry loader in a safe and efficient manner.
- National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) / Red to Blue CPCS cards
Based in East London, we have four dedicated classrooms plus a practical area with onsite cranes and equipment. If you are searching for crane operator training courses from a reputable company, you have come to the right place. Click to find out more about Emerson crane training programmes.
Contact Emerson – Experts in Mobile Crane Safety
Regardless of your project – big or small – we are certain to have a crane for you. We provide crane hire throughout Essex and London and some of our machines are available nationwide.
For all enquiries regarding our crane hire services – including mobile crane training and UK crane safety requirements – get in touch with us on 020 8059 2577 today. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to help.
