As the summer season ushers in a bustling calendar of events, ensuring the safety of all involved becomes paramount. Crane operations, often integral to event setups, require meticulous planning and execution. Here’s a guide to crane safety for event organisation, highlighting the expertise of Total Lifting Services and the advantages of our versatile crane fleet.
Understanding Crane Safety
Crane safety is crucial in any setting but especially during events where public safety is a priority. The risks associated with crane operations include equipment failure, human error and environmental conditions. Understanding these risks is the first step toward mitigating them.
Summer-Specific Safety Challenges
Summer events present distinct challenges to crane operations that require careful consideration and planning to ensure safety and efficiency. Here are some of the key challenges and the technical measures necessary to address them:
1. High Temperatures and Equipment Performance
- Heat Stress on Equipment: High temperatures can affect the performance and longevity of crane components. Hydraulic systems in particular may overheat, leading to potential failures. It’s crucial to monitor equipment temperatures and ensure proper cooling systems are in place.
- Lubrication and Fluid Management: Heat increases the rate of evaporation and degradation of lubricants and hydraulic fluids. Regular checks and timely replacements are essential to maintain optimal equipment performance.
2. Operator Heat Stress
- Operator Safety: High temperatures pose a risk of heat stress to crane operators which can impair judgement and reaction times. Implementing mandatory breaks, providing shaded areas and ensuring proper hydration are vital measures. For more information view HSE’s Heat Stress guidelines.
- Monitoring Systems: Utilising wearable technology to monitor body temperature and heart rate can help ensure operator well-being and prevent heat-related incidents.
3. Unpredictable Weather Patterns
- Sudden Storms and High Winds: Summer weather can be unpredictable with sudden storms or gusts of wind posing serious risks. Wind speed sensors and anemometers should be used to monitor conditions in real-time with operations halted if wind speeds exceed safe limits.
- Lightning Safety: Cranes are particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes. Implementing lightning detection systems and adhering to safety protocols during thunderstorms is crucial.
4. Increased Foot Traffic and Public Safety
- Crowd Management: Events typically bring increased foot traffic necessitating robust crowd control measures. Erecting barriers and clear signage around crane operations can prevent unauthorised access and enhance safety.
- Visibility and Communication: High-visibility clothing for operators and ground crew along with clear communication protocols using radios or headsets ensure everyone is aware of ongoing operations and any potential hazards.
5. Soil Conditions and Ground Stability
- Ground Stability: High temperatures can lead to soil drying and cracking affecting ground stability. Conducting thorough geotechnical assessments prior to crane setup helps in determining appropriate ground stabilisation measures such as matting or additional supports.
- Load Distribution: Ensuring proper load distribution through the use of outriggers and spreader plates is critical to maintaining stability on potentially uneven or shifting ground surfaces.
By addressing these summer-specific challenges with technical precision and thorough planning Total Lifting Services ensures that every crane operation is conducted safely and effectively even in the most demanding conditions.
Total Lifting’s Commitment to Safety
At Total Lifting Services safety is more than a requirement: it’s a commitment. As an accredited Alcumus SafeContractor we adhere to rigorous safety standards and provide top-notch training for our operators. This dedication ensures that every lifting operation is executed with the utmost care and professionalism.
Our Crane Fleet – A Great Choice for Events
Our diverse and robust crane fleet is perfectly equipped to meet the varying demands of event setups ensuring both safety and efficiency. Here’s a closer look at some key cranes in our fleet:
Böcker AK36/4000
The Böcker AK36/4000 is a powerhouse of performance and reliability boasting an impressive payload capacity of up to 4 tons. This crane is designed to combine agility with strength making it perfect for event applications that require huge working loads and maximum efficiency. With a maximum jib length of 36 metres the AK36/4000 offers unrivalled performance ensuring your event setup is both smooth and safe.
Böcker AK46/6000
For projects requiring mobile crane hire with extended reach capabilities the Böcker AK46/6000 is an ideal choice. Its design allows easy access to the rear sides of roofs or buildings. Despite its powerful capabilities this 6-ton crane maintains a comparatively low body weight and can be mounted on an 18 or 26-ton truck. On-site this crane can achieve a reach of up to 39 metres with a 250 kg load and 26 metres with a 1,000 kg load maintaining an almost circular radius for enhanced versatility.
Böcker AK52/12000
Setting new standards in the 32-ton class of 4-axle mobile cranes, the Böcker AK52 can lift 3,000 kg to a remarkable radius of 17 metres at a height of 31 metres making it one of the strongest and most versatile options available. This crane is well-suited for complex and heavy-duty event setups offering unparalleled strength and reach.
Liebherr LTM 1060 3.1
Our fleet also features the brand new Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 which brings an impressive lift capacity of 60 tons and a maximum boom length of 48 metres. This crane is equipped with a special ballast plate configuration that allows this crane to handle a wide range of driving conditions, making it a versatile choice for various event environments.
Each crane in our fleet is maintained to the highest standards ensuring optimal performance and safety. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in choosing the right crane for your event needs providing solutions that combine efficiency with peace of mind.
Speak to Total Lifting Services for Event Crane Hire Solutions
Safety in crane operations is crucial to the success of any event. By partnering with experienced and accredited services like Total Lifting event organisers can ensure that their lifting needs are met safely and professionally.
For those seeking professional crane hire and lifting services contact Total Lifting today. Call us today on 0208 226 4000 and speak to our team. Let us help you ensure your event runs smoothly with our expert solutions and state-of-the-art equipment.