In a literal sense, training means the process that someone goes through in order to be fully capable of carrying out their job duties. This can be anything from learning the company hand signals to becoming certified in crane operations.
Cranes are massive machines that require specialised training to operate. Thankfully, proper cranes training can help reduce accidents on the construction site and improve overall project timelines.
Safety First
Efficient safety training enhances productivity, reduces downtime due to accidents and promotes a culture of responsibility among workers. Using specialised training for crane operations also ensures workers are aware of unique challenges and safety considerations associated with this type of heavy machinery.
Crane operators must be able to understand the limitations of their equipment and be capable of determining when a crane is not safe to operate. They need to know what daily inspections are necessary, how to determine whether weather conditions could impact a lift, and the calculations involved in calculating maximum safe load capacities based on normal wear and tear and other factors.
Preparation Is Key
Cranes are massive pieces of equipment with the power to do serious damage if not operated properly. Things can go wrong in a number of ways, including hitting vehicles or other people, dropping loads, swinging the crane boom into objects, tipping the crane, and more.
To minimise the risk of these dangers, workers should take many steps to prepare for crane operations. This includes clearing the area of obstructions and removing anything that could obstruct the crane’s movement. It also means establishing a safe work zone and keeping everyone clear of it at all times.
Communication Is Key
Cranes are used in a variety of environments and industries. Job sites can be busy and noisy places. It is important for crane operators to be able to communicate clearly with one another.
Many crane accidents are caused by miscommunication. It is important that all workers on a job site understand and follow the safety protocols for crane use. This includes following standardised hand signals, maintaining proper equipment, and communicating effectively using radios or smartphones.
Although verbal communication can work, it is best to use standard crane hand signals for directing and controlling the movement of a load. This is safer because it eliminates the potential for misunderstandings that can occur when people speak verbally.
Follow The Rules
Most crane accidents can be prevented if safety measures are followed closely. This includes ensuring that ground conditions have been considered adequately, avoiding proximity to power lines, making sure the crane isn’t positioned too close to any existing facility, having a signal person present when working with cranes, and carefully following load charts and range diagrams when lifting a load.
Another important preventative measure is to ensure that unauthorised personnel are kept away from the crane’s operating area. This can be done by clearly marking the crane’s operating radius and closing off an area equal to this arc, so that unauthorised personnel don’t inadvertently enter the danger zone.
