What Should a Crane Operator Watch Out for at a Jobsite?
Crane operators have more responsibility on a jobsite than just operating the crane. An article from Equipment Today, What Should a Crane Operator Watch Out for at a Jobsite? outlines seven critical areas. One of these relates to ground conditions and crane setup.
While the controlling entity is ultimately responsible for the ground conditions, crane operators and lift directors should check the ground conditions. Ideal ground conditions are those with known properties and characteristics and that can fully support the load and the pressures being imposed. The crane should be set up on compacted, drained, flat and level surfaces. The article advises to be aware of changing ground conditions due to rain or runoff.
It is recommended to always use crane pads under crane floats to distribute pressure. DICA’s FiberMax Crane Pads have crush ratings up to 1,000 psi and capacities up to 400,000 LBS, for mobile cranes with lifting capacities up to 500 tons. Always place outrigger floats in the center of outrigger pads or crane pads. Never use outrigger pads or crane pads to span depressions or voids, which provide inadequate supporting
Read about other crane operation awareness tips on ForConstructionPros.com.