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Site Planning: A Key Aspect of Smart Crane Operations

In construction projects today, few elements are as important as construction planning and preparation. The success of a construction project can be determined by planning, preparation, and site management.

This becomes more crucial when crane operations are employed on a construction site because the logistics are increased.

Cranes are versatile pieces of machinery used across many construction sites. From Remote Controlled Potain Self-Erecting Tower Cranes to Top Slewing City Cranes, the use of these machines can improve a site’s efficiency and productivity.

However, this requires good planning and supervision.

The importance of site planning

The absence of a logistical plan when using cranes has a significant impact on a construction project. Poor logistics can contribute to bottlenecks, creating severe delays which can keep a project in a stranglehold. Having no logistical plan in place can also increase the risk of injury, or worse, the loss of life.

Despite advances in technology and new approaches to crane training, crane accidents can still happen. Better crane planning results in a safer job and work environment. Using appropriate control measures can reduce crane accidents.

It can also ensure crane operations are managed in a controlled manner.

As the leading crane hire company in Melbourne, Sydney, and throughout Australia, Active Crane Hire regards site planning as the most important step in smart crane operations. Our years of experience have enabled us to identify the factors that affect critical lift planning.

Below, we outline our established site planning criteria for safer and more effortless crane operations.

1. Surveying the site

Prior to the installation of cranes, a site survey must be conducted. Sites must be surveyed for the successful control of lifting operations. A site survey eliminates assumptions regarding site conditions.

A site survey will establish the following:

The right crane type required

The load to be lifted (load description, weight, contents, etc.)

Grounds conditions

Crane positioning on site

Access and egress routes for assembly and disassembly for transport

This aspect of the pre-construction process will increase the efficiency and productivity of construction operations. It will also protect against the likelihood of crane accidents.

2. Assessing risks

With the site survey completed, a risk assessment can be carried out. The purpose of a risk assessment is to evaluate hazards and minimise their risk levels. Risk assessments prevent accidents and injuries that may occur during lifting operations.

Once potential hazards have been identified, reasonable control measures are implemented to ensure these hazards can be reduced as much as possible. Examples of potential hazards include obstructive overhead structures, narrow access points, and nearby collision hazards.

Risk assessments must be periodically carried out during lifting operations as site conditions may change.

3. Classifying crane requirements

As a full-service crane hire company, we understand the importance of the crane selection process. We employ only the best to ensure proper assessment is made of operational requirements and lifting conditions.

We set up your required cranes according to pre-lift plans performed during the site survey and risk assessment procedures.

The team at Active Crane Hire strictly follows the crane manufacturers’ specifications and processes. This guarantees that the provided crane is fit for use under any load or requirement.

As part of our full-service approach, we manage all crane maintenance and service needs. We service our cranes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This keeps downtime to a minimum and keeps everything in optimal operational condition.

We provide all the details a project requires regarding its preferred crane(s). These details will include the Method Statement and a Crane Logbook. These details will confirm that crane operations comply fully with all OHS Rules & Regulations and responsibilities.

From the correct crane type and crane position to council permits and traffic management, we organise and manage the whole crane establishment process.

4. Understanding roles and responsibilities

Only appropriate personnel can safely direct crane operations. There are considerable responsibilities associated with lifting operations. Any personnel involved with the lifting operation must have the competency and training required to use or assist with the lifting operation.

Key personnel involved in the organizing, planning, and operation of lifting equipment will include:

Operations manager

Project manager

Engineering consultants

Supervisors

Operators

Riggers

Signalperson

The appropriate appointment holders for the lifting operation will be determined by the project requirements. All personnel must have certified evidence of proof that they have been trained and that they carry the relevant qualifications and certifications.

Any personnel involved in the lifting operation must be competent in their respective role and responsibilities. All personnel involved must know their limitations. They must also take care never to undertake unfamiliar tasks. This ensures lift operations are carried out without incident.

As part of the site planning process, there must always be sufficient numbers in manpower resources. Failure to meet this operational requirement can result in undue pressure. This can lead to unsafe working conditions.

Site planning with Active Crane Hire

Cranes are the centerpiece of production in today’s typical construction projects. Site planning is integral in carrying out a successful lifting operation. Our listed site planning process is a professional approach to any lifting activity.

If any of these critical elements are overlooked, major setbacks can occur. This can include operational delays, increased costs, and more accidents resulting in injury. Use of our site planning process above gives assurance that all considerations have been covered.

At Active Crane Hire, we take crane operations seriously. We consider all conditions and aspects of a project and plan accordingly. We offer a full-service approach to your crane hire needs to guarantee a safe, smooth, and effortless lifting operation.

Ready to lift with success? Contact Active Crane Hire today.