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Large cranes are a vital component in a wide range of different construction and remediation projects, offering the scale and capacity necessary to transport materials effectively. Following large crane safety standards is integral to meeting your legal obligations and protecting workers on-site.
In this guide, we cover the key safety considerations you will want to keep in mind when operating heavy cranes, including tips for maintaining safety around this type of large-scale machinery.
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Large cranes are capable of lifting heavy and difficult loads that can be extremely dangerous when not properly secured or managed. Maintaining proper safety standards and following consistent procedures ensure that everyone on-site is safe and protected from harm. In addition to having a larger capacity, these types of cranes may also be taller, which presents greater risk in comparison to a crane that is closer to the ground.
Paying attention to safety requirements ensures operations run smoothly on-site. Beyond reducing risk, safety processes, such as regular examinations as part of your method statement, can also provide the insight to prevent breakdowns and equipment damage, which in turn reduces delays in projects.
Crane safety in the UK is governed by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and is divided into two regulations: the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER):
The HSE recommends following the BS 7121-1:2016 code of practice for the safe use of cranes that are either permanently or temporarily installed, ensuring full compliance with both LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998.
There are several different factors that can result in a large crane becoming a safety hazard. These risks are far more likely to occur without proper training or adherence to legally required safety processes:
Overloading occurs when too heavy a load is moved with a crane, posing significant hazard to the structural stability of the crane itself. There is more than one way a crane can be overloaded – while hoisting a load that is too heavy is most common, swinging, dropping and dragging loads can also result in overloading.
Falling loads are one of the most common and high-risk hazards that can occur with large cranes. A load that falls from a crane can cause injuries, structural damage and even fatalities. Key causes of this type of safety issue include slippage, mechanical failures and incompetency from the operator of the crane.
Large cranes cannot be safely operated in inclement weather conditions. Beyond issues with slippage and swinging loads due to snow, heavy rain or strong winds, poor weather conditions can also directly impact visibility. Fog and heavy rainfall both restrict the viewing distance of the operator, greatly increasing risk.
Unstable ground can be a serious problem for cranes, leading to imbalance when lifting loads. Ground that isn’t solid and level can result in a large crane tipping or sinking due to the high level of pressure placed on a small area of ground. If this happens, damage or collapse poses a significant threat to people on-site.
Collisions can occur between two different cranes or with other objects in the surrounding environment, such as buildings or natural structures. A small bump may cause minor structural damage, whereas a larger impact can lead to significant damage and may result in dropped loads or the complete collapse of the crane.
Electric hazards are a serious concern for any crane operating in an urban area. Metal parts of the crane coming into contact with high-voltage power lines when moving loads can result in serious risk to the life of the operator and surrounding workers. A single accidental touch can cause harm to multiple individuals in a short space of time.
Following the necessary safety guidelines and ensuring competency can significantly reduce the danger of all of the hazards listed above. We cover key safety tips for large cranes below to help you comply with your legal obligations:
Safety planning ahead of works can ensure you adhere to all health and safety requirements as part of your method statement. This includes a logical sequence of operation to improve on-site safety.
Ensuring your site is ready for a crane to be operated is essential to maintaining health and safety standards. Confirming ground stability and ensuring underground utility lines do not run under the suggested site for operation ensures the process is as smooth as possible.
Adhering to the load chart provided for the specific large crane you are using ensures you do not overload your machinery. It’s important to consider the length of the boom in comparison to the loading capacity to ensure safe use.
Regularly assessing your crane’s condition is integral to preventing avoidable failures, allowing for swift repairs where needed. For hired cranes, an engineer will conduct all necessary checks on installation to ensure the crane is safe and ready for operation.
Checking weather forecasts and monitoring the condition of your site can improve safety by ensuring cranes are operated in safe environments. As forecasts can change rapidly, it’s important to keep monitoring and know when to call off operations due to incoming weather or poor visibility.
Providing clear walking zones and no-go zones under the path of moving loads is an essential way to prevent injury or fatalities if issues do occur. Workers should never walk under suspended loads to reduce risk.
Conducting regular inspections of the lifting accessories and centre of balance can help to ensure stability and prevent equipment failure. All gear should be inspected by a qualified professional who is experienced in identifying issues.
Lifting and movement of loads should be communicated clearly and effectively on-site, providing all workers with direct information to keep themselves safe. Clear signals should also be utilised in the case of problems or failures to allow for prompt and safe intervention.
Conducting comprehensive operational and safety training and refreshing knowledge regularly are some of the best ways to reduce risk. Many hazards can be worsened or directly caused by lack of competence and training. Ensuring operators are trained in line with LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998 standards is a must for all crane usage.
Ainscough supplies large cranes across the UK, with a commitment to minimising risk and maintaining the highest standards of on-site safety. We work with you to select the most suitable large crane for your project, reducing the risk of overloading, and ensure all of our cranes are thoroughly inspected ahead of usage.
Learn more about our commitment to Make the Safe Choice here, or call us on 0800 272 637 to get a quote for large crane hire today.
