Contractors in the construction industry use cranes to move heavy structural materials and loads from one place to another. And to ensure that their projects are conducted optimally, they would often only select and maximise the right types of cranes.
Cranes often take advantage of cables and pulleys. These components allow them to hoist and lower loads whenever necessary. These components can often be found in most types of cranes, which include mobile, and tower cranes. Mobile cranes are cranes that can be positioned freely around the site thanks to their mobile platforms. Tower cranes, alternatively, are cranes fixed to the ground, making them useful in constructing tall buildings.
Many more cranes can be used by different contractors. But for these things to be effective, they should only be controlled and maintained by reputable crane operators, riggers, and other experts. Once experts are in, the following crane maintenance mistakes are avoided at all costs.
Overlook Pre-Inspection
One of the things experts carry out before operating the cranes is to inspect them thoroughly. Inspection is a vital process with cranes since they might boast some issues that require immediate repairs and replacements. Without pre-inspection, most existing faults and wear on the cranes might not be detected immediately. Once they are utilised, they might start to fail mid-operations. Worse, some parts may break, causing the loads to fall which can then damage structures and injure people.
Work in Bad Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions like heavy rainfall, severe lightning strikes, and strong winds can significantly affect the operations of the cranes. Heavy rainfall, for instance, can make the visibility of the area drop to zero. The water may also infiltrate the crane components, damaging them in the long run. Lightning can also cause issues with cranes once it strikes their core parts. Strong winds, ultimately, can ruin the balance of the cranes. Once experts are hired, they will only resume crane operations if the weather conditions have improved.
Overload the Crane
Cranes have recommended weight capacity when it comes to loading materials. This recommendation must be followed strictly since their components can only handle the said weight. Without following the intended capacity of the crane, its components may slowly attain damages that can be expensive to repair. The loaded materials may likewise fall to the ground, causing deadly and costly accidents on project sites. So, to avoid any unwanted accidents, project managers should only permit experts to handle crane operations.
Skip Hook Assessment
The hook part of a crane must be checked by a reputable rigger so that the load will be secured effectively. A reputable rigger and other experts in the field can verify if the hook is still intact. Once it boasts some bends and cracks, they have to replace it right away. Aside from its condition, they should check whether the crane uses the correct type of hook or not. This quality often depends on the load that is intended to be lifted. Attaching the wrong hook attachment, after all, may only damage the crane.
If you need some crane experts for your project, you must contact us at Allied Crane Hire Newcastle and Port Macquarie.