Cranes are often used in construction sites, industrial areas, and shipyards. They help lift and move heavy materials with ease. However, as helpful as they are, cranes can also be dangerous if not handled carefully. One small mistake or careless act can lead to a serious accident, injury, or even death. To avoid such instances, we will discuss the best crane safety precautions, but before that, shedding light on common crane hazards is important.
List of common crane hazards
Here are some common crane lifting hazards you should be aware of as a crane operator:
- When the crane boom or load comes too close to overhead power lines, there is a serious risk of electrocution. If the person operating the crane or a passerby comes into contact with any part of the crane, the current can pass through their body, causing fatal injury.
- If the crane lifts more weight than its rated capacity, the stress on the boom and wire ropes may lead to mechanical failure and collapse, which can result in crushing anything in its path, including property or workers.
- If the crane is set up on soft, uneven, or loose soil, it might sink or shift during operation. This instability causes the crane to lean or tip over when lifting loads.
- Some accidents involve workers falling off the crane due to a lack of safety gear or a harness.
- When multiple cranes are working in the same area, the risk of collision increases. This is because of possible interference between booms, cables, and loads.
Key measures to ensure safety
To prevent accidents, follow these crane lifting safety tips:
- Before each use, inspect the crane for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Check if the cables, hooks, and load chains are in optimal condition.
- Identify all overhead lines before starting and mark danger zones with flags or warning tape. De-energise power lines whenever possible.
- Avoid lifting in high winds. They can negatively affect the crane's stability, making it difficult to control the load.
- When lifting, never jerk the load off the ground. This sudden action can shock-load the crane and momentarily exceed its capacity.
- If you are carrying out crane operations at night, make sure you first illuminate the crane path and the load area. You can use floodlights on the crane and portable tower lights on the site.
Conclusion
If you own and operate a crane, prioritising safety is paramount to prevent accidents. Conduct regular inspections to identify any mechanical issues. When operating, beware of power lines, as coming into contact with them can cause fatal injuries. You must also illuminate work areas when operating at night. However, carrying out crane operations in adverse weather is a big no-no. It is further recommended to obtain engineering insurance to cover financial losses resulting from crane hazards.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.