An essential part of ensuring everyone is safe while the crane is in use, is the performance of the crane operator. If the crane operator isn't committed to safety, this puts everyone in the area at risk. If the person who will be operating your rental crane doesn't use a crane on a regular basis, it's a good idea to perform a quick safety refresher course. Here are some of the helpful reminders you want to pass on to the crane operator to ensure everyone's safety.

Land Survey

The first step should be a land survey. The condition of the land will determine whether or not it is safe to operate the crane. If terrain in the area where the crane will be operated is too rigid, operating the crane could pose a serious safety hazard.

In terms of a rigid surface, such as a rocky area, this could cause the crane to sway frequently. Depending on the weight of the item being moved by the crane, this swaying motion could increase the risk of the object detaching from the crane and falling down below. If the land condition isn't safe, don't proceed.

Review Load Limits

Your crane operator should also be reviewing the load. This involves a two-step process. The first thing to do is confirm the weight of the load you plan to move with the crane. The crane operator can then take this information to the crane rental company so that they can assist with selecting an appropriate crane.

The second part of this process involves confirming this information. Once at the job site, the operator should review the load's weight and the load limit of the crane to double-check that the crane is appropriately sized to accommodate the load.

Crane Inspection

Once this information has been verified, the operator should then perform a detailed, mechanical crane inspection. First, test the hydraulic outriggers to ensure they properly rotate from an idle position to a locking position. The next thing to do is check the hook extension mechanism.

Ensure the hook can be lowered or raised with ease. Finally, check the condition of the wheels. The wheels should be hard to touch without any sign of flange wear. If the tires doesn't meet these requirements, it can have an effect on the stability of the crane.

While completing the project is the overall goal, doing so safely is equally important, especially with rental equipment from a company like Ontario Crane Rentals. Performing a quick safety refresher course with your crane operator can give greater confidence that everyone is safe.