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Picking the right crane for your specific application is essential to maintaining safe and efficient operation. No two projects are the same. Understanding the exact specification you need can help to prevent large crane hire mistakes, ensuring you make the right decision the first time.
Picking the wrong crane may seem like a minor inconvenience for your project, requiring workarounds or different methods to achieve your goal. But beyond delays to your project, the wrong large crane can also be a direct risk to workers on-site, with the possibility of injuries or fatalities substantially increasing for unsuitable cranes in comparison to those that are an ideal fit for your job.
The most serious risks of choosing the wrong crane include injury or fatality for operators and on-site workers. Using a crane that is not fit for a specific purpose, whether through overloading or operation on uneven, unsuitable ground, can cause dropped loads, mechanical damage and even crane collapse in some cases.
Beyond the threat to staff, the wrong large crane can also significantly delay projects or require the hiring of additional equipment at an extra cost. Paying close attention to the specific requirements of your project can help to prevent ‘mis-spec’ issues, helping you comply with health and safety requirements for the operation of lifting equipment.
Avoiding these mistakes can be an effective way to choose the right large crane for your specific application:
Tailoring your crane hire to your specific project is one of the easiest methods to ensure your site runs smoothly. Your initial planning stage should cover the specific requirements of your project, making it easy to hire a suitable large crane to lift and move required loads. If you’re unsure of the right crane, speaking to an experienced crane specialist can provide the insight needed to make the right choice.
Working with an operator that doesn’t have the necessary experience or qualifications to work with a large crane may save costs in the short run, but the risks can be significant. An unqualified operator is not in compliance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and places your project at risk.
Failing to follow the recommended steps for health and safety on-site is a serious error. The HSE recommends that you follow the BS 7121-1:2016 code of practice for the safe use of temporary and permanent cranes. Not adhering to compliance requirements can result in the shutdown of your site and may lead to significant fines when serious breaches occur.
Equipment that is poorly maintained or not regularly inspected can pose a serious risk to your project. Large cranes need to lift heavy loads, and a failure of any part of the machinery can lead to serious harm or structural damage. Working with a crane hire company that takes safety seriously with regular inspections and repairs is always the best choice.
A method statement is a key part of compliance, helping to reduce risk by providing a clear, logical process for installing and operating machinery on-site – including cranes. Failing to plan for installation and assess your site can mean you choose a large crane that is unsuitable for your application, causing significant delays.
Weather can be a serious risk to crane operation. Inclement weather, including snow, heavy fog or storms, all reduce visibility and can have a significant effect on the operation of the crane. High levels of wind can cause heavy loads to sway and can potentially lead to slippage and load drops. Paying attention to the weather forecast can reduce the risk of injury or damage.
While price is an important factor in every project, safety and reliability should be your core concerns when hiring a crane. For example, if you require a crane for a longer-term project, picking one that is suitable for short-term applications will likely cost more in the long run and lead to a higher degree of risk on-site.
Having processes in place to take action during an emergency is invaluable to resolving hazards as swiftly and safely as possible. Your on-site risk assessment for your large crane should include all potential risks and the steps to take if a problem occurs, such as damage to the crane or a dropped load.
Picking the right company to hire a large crane for your project can make a significant difference to your efficiency and compliance when managing complex lifting operations. Some tips for choosing a suitable crane hire company include:
Ainscough is highly experienced in large crane hire, with 50 years of industry knowledge. Our expert team ensures our fleet of heavy cranes is well-maintained and ready for operation, with nationwide delivery and a wide range of sizes and types of cranes to meet your requirements.
If you require a large crane for your upcoming project, contact our team directly. Send us an email now or call us on 0800 272 637 to discuss your requirements.
