Normally, forklift equipment is used in narrow aisles within enclosed warehouses and construction sites. However, certain limitations don't allow project operators to use forklifts for various applications.
This is when a crane comes into play. A crane's agility, sturdiness, and improved balance make it more efficient and productive equipment for narrow aisle load management. Crane operators need to take result-driven steps to mitigate the risks of operating a crane in narrow spaces.
In this blog, we'll tell you all about managing crane operation in smaller areas.
Manage the Cube Capacity of Your Worksite
It's important to manage an area's cube capacity since we're talking about moving, navigating, and controlling a crane in warehouses and indoor construction worksites.
The cube capacity refers to a walled space's volume and surface area. It's the complete measure of height, width, and length. Knowing this measurement allows crane managers to choose the right size and type of crane for the right task.
Find Out the Potential Causes of Accidents
The next thing crane operators must do when operating a crane in a narrow space is to identify the potential risks and concerns. Most of the time, in small spaces, cranes are vulnerable to collisions and material overloading.
If you're stacking load using a crane, don't forget to install a crane load limiting indicator and a rated capacity indicator to prevent overhauling.
The common types of risks crane operators must assess include:
Structural failure causes
Mechanical malfunctions
Overturn causing risks
A holistic risk management strategy allows crane operators to implement the right risk controls for timely action.
Reduce Narrow Space Hazards
Eliminating the risks associated with crane operations in narrow space also require operators to:
Improve their field of vision by strategically placing the cabin at the right height
Include complete risk management assessment along with proper crane safety products installation
Take help from engineering manuals and troubleshoot all kinds of problems without delays
Implement FOPS, short for Falling Objects Protective Structure, to save the operator from getting hit by a falling object
Implement administrative controls to inform other employees about a crane operation
Follow Crane Protocols
This step is necessary for all types of cranes. However, when using a crane in smaller areas, you need to be extra vigilant.
Use load charts to follow the correct marking figures. Each crane comes with a rated capacity chart, which tells you about its load capacity, lifting limits, and radius scope. Moreover, you should also ensure proper safe work zone protocols, rigging extensions, and auxiliary tools.
To improve the overall crane safety, invest in quality crane safety and limiting devices that help in complying with the OSHA 1926.1415 regulation.
Buy High-Quality Safety Products for Telescopic Boom Crane at Crane Warning Systems Atlanta
Mobile cranes and telescopic boom cranes are highly useful. They're used for numerous material movement uses, including sliding, moving, rigging, and elevating. However, if you're using a smaller crane, you need to pay close attention to preventing crane accidents.
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta has been offering reliable crane safety products since 2001. Our versatile and in-depth awareness makes us one of the best crane safety equipment providers in the US.
Invest in crane safety equipment such as the RaycoWylie crane LMI and RCI systems, and the i4000 multi-purpose crane overload system for improved safety.
Contact us for more details.