A mobile crane is a cable-controlled equipment. They are used in carrying different types of loads and cargo. Some are made up of rubber-tired carriers, whereas some are mounted on crawlers. The crane has a boom. The wire is attached to the boom that suspends a hook. The use of a mobile crane can result in accidents when the lifting operation team does not take adequate precautions. For the safe operation of a mobile crane in a workplace, below is the list of precautions to take.
Precautions for the safe use of a mobile crane.
- Do not lift a load directly under a person’s head. In case of an emergency, the load may fall on top of a person. So it’s advisable to make sure that no one is seen under a lifting load.
- Use of PPE such as hard hats, safety boots, and hand gloves should be made mandatory during a lifting operation.
- Ensure that all outriggers in the mobile are deployed accurately and effectively before the lifting operation.
- Weather conditions must be ascertained before the start of any rigging activities. Use of crane should avoided during rain or snow or under a bad wind speed.
- Ensure that all safety devices in the mobile crane system are functional. For example, Overload devices will assist the operator in knowing when the overload has happened in the crane.
- Engage the use of a banksman in the lifting operation. Banksman is responsible for ensuring a safe crane movement process together with the driver and that no collision happens during a crane movement.
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- Plan all lifts and make sure that the lifting team understands what they’re to do at every given time.
- Only competent and trained operators are authorized to use the mobile crane.
- Ensure that the crane is always supervised, maintained, and serviced regularly. The maintenance records and certification should be documented, too.
- Sit the crane on an even and stable ground and in a location where there are no adjoining overhead hazards.
- Do not exceed the safe lifting capacity of the mobile crane.
- The lifting accessories attached to the mobile crane should also be inspected and maintained properly. Those items such as wire ropes, chains,
- Eye bolts, shackles, and nylon slings.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
