Tips For Safely Opearting An Overheard Crane

Not everyone is able to go out and buy expensive pieces of operating equipment such as overhead cranes. In many cases, however, these types of equipment are necessary to get a job done. If you're doing a construction project and need help lifting items, for example, or if your warehouse is suddenly handling heavier merchandise than usual, you may find yourself in need of one of these cranes. Fortunately, you can always go out and rent an overhead crane for temporary or even long-term use. However, if you're new to operating cranes, you might not realize how dangerous these all-important pieces of machinery can be if not operated properly. If you are new to crane operation, make sure you understand a few basic safety tips before you rent.

Give It Your Full Attention

First things first, absolutely make sure that you give your full and undivided attention to the job at hand. This goes for anyone who is operating an overhead crane, but it's an especially important rule for beginners. All it takes is one second looking down, and not forward, or one push of the wrong button to cause a serious or even deadly accident or injury.

Avoid using your cell phone when operating the crane. It's also best not to listen to music or have other distractions around. You may even wish to clear the room or space of other people when operating your rented crane.

Abide by the "Rated Load" Code

Every overhead crane should have a sticker on its side clearly listing the "rated load." This is a measure of how much weight the crane is capable of safely carrying at a given time. It is absolutely imperative that you abide by what that sticker says. Weigh each load and don't lift any load that's even a tiny bit over the allowed amount.

If you get a crane without a sticker, do not operate it. For that matter, never operate any crane unless you are absolutely certain of its rated load and of the fact that you are not going over it.

Clear the Load

When an overhead crane is in operation, it is very important that no one be allowed to work near the carried load. It is especially important that no one work or stand underneath the carried load.

Many people believe that because overhead cranes have secondary brakes, which are designed to stop a load from falling, it's safe to work in the vicinity of or underneath a load. This is absolutely not true. While most cranes do have secondary brakes, nothing is foolproof, and it's always best to exercise caution.

As the old saying goes, it's better to be safe than sorry. That's a very good rule of thumb to use when operating a rented overhead crane. Contact a company like Ontario Crane Rentals for more tips or to rent a crane.