The Importance Of Maintaining Cranes

The Importance Of Maintaining Cranes

Over the last 20 years in the UK, 90% of serious crane accidents have been caused by poor crane maintenance, inadequately trained operators or mechanics, or both. In all of these scenarios, crane maintenance had been compromised, leading to equipment failure and the resulting accidents.

25 years building an enviable reputation

Here at Emerson Crane Hire, since our launch over 25 years ago, safety has been of the highest priory on our list of company values. Not just for ourselves and equipment, but for the companies we work with and their employees and for the general public who may pass by, or live close to, our operating area.

Environmental awareness also plays a large part in our day to day operations. All our vehicles and machinery are bought new, and run on the latest biodegradable oils using the newest environmental technology and cutting edge safety features. All designed to provide you with a safe, premier service, while helping us to reduce our carbon footprint.

LOLER and PUWER crane maintenance procedures

In the world of heavy lifting; inspection, servicing, crane maintenance and crane safety go hand in glove. At our main premises in Essex, Emerson has comprehensive crane maintenance and servicing facilities for our fleet of vehicles and equipment.

On return from a job, our cranes are checked over for leaks, or any concerns the crane operator might have noticed during the lift. Before being deployed to a new project, they are fully serviced by one of our mechanical engineers and if required any preventive maintenance is undertaken.

Staffed by fully trained professional fitters and engineers, all Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) can be undertaken in our workshops, to ensure full documentation and maximum compliance with current health and safety law. This includes full crane maintenance and the checking and servicing of fibre or rope slings, chains, hooks, eyebolts, spreader beams and other heavy lifting accessories.

When the machine arrives onsite, liaising with the site lift manager, our operator will check for any possible safety issues, and ensure all personnel are fully aware of their part in the lifting process. He also has a crane maintenance checklist to tick off to comply with LOLER, including checking operating pressures, fail-safe switches and emergency stop buttons.

At Emerson Crane Hire we take pride in the fact we don’t just comply with legal requirements but go above and beyond, to ensure you have hired the most reliable and safest vehicle to undertake the job at hand. That doesn’t just mean our cranes and equipment are scrupulously maintained and serviced. It includes working alongside the main contractor, site visits, lift planning and ensuring the lifting crew are fully trained in all aspects of slinging and signalling.

A crane for all reasons

Emerson Cranes have, over the years, worked in virtually every sector of the UK construction industry. From general construction site work to complicated high lifts, to railway maintenance, track laying and bridge installation, we’ve been involved in them all. We are also actively involved in general haulage and construction waste collection/disposal.

In our continuous drive for business excellence in all sectors, we have been awarded, or are members of:

  • bsi Environmental Management System – ISO 14001:2015
  • bsi Occupational Health and Safety Management System – OHSAS 45001: 2018
  • bsi Quality Management System – ISO 9001:2015
  • Achilles certificate of audit
  • Member of the Freight Transport Association
  • Member of the Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme
  • Environment Agency registered waste carrier certification
  • Registered member of Ciras
  • Certified member of the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS)
  • Member of UVDB supply chain assurance
  • Member of Avetta Safety Schemes in Procurement
  • Awarded Silver accreditation by the Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme

Choosing the best service for your needs

To help with your lift requirements, Emerson offers two types of lifting contract.

CPA Hire: This puts the onus of organisation, documentation, insurance cover and safety aspects on the shoulders of the main contractor or site management. Emerson’s obligation is to supply a fully serviced crane fit for purpose, and a crane operator.

A Full Contract Lifting Service: This is the favoured option of the majority of our clients, especially when complex, or out of the ordinary lifts are involved.

Under our full contract service, working with you, we take full responsibility for all site documentation, certification and insurance. We supply the crane, operator and any additional fully trained personnel as required. We will also supply an overall lift supervisor, who will liaise with you prior to, and during lifting operations.

If you would like to know a little more about jobs we have been involved in, our crane maintenance, or would like more information about our CPA or Full Contract Services, please call 020 8059 2567 and speak to one of our contract managers.

T: +44 (0)20 8548 3900