Typically, you can’t leave your construction as is before your crane rental arrives. Among other things, the terrain and layout on location might not be suitable. Instead, you need to prepare for both its arrival and the job that needs to be done.
To help you, we’ve set out this handy guide with the steps you can take to prepare your job site for the crane rental.
Complete the paperwork
Before the crane gets anywhere near your site, you need to complete all the necessary paperwork. All in all, this will mostly involve the agreements between you and the crane rental company.
First, you need to ensure that both of you have signed all the contracts that you need. Ideally, you should ask for or make a signed copy too.
Second, you should check that the company has all the appropriate permits to perform this kind of work in your locale. All the operators need certification from OSHA and other relevant bodies.
On top of this, you and the rental company should have insurance policies to protect from liabilities.
Ensuring access
In some cases, the chief obstacle is not getting the crane close enough to the load but to get it on-site at all. Remember, they are pieces of heavy-duty equipment and come with the bulk to match their roles.
Therefore, you need to check that there is a gate or other entrance which they can fit through. Ask your rental company for the precise dimensions. Keep in mind that bumps or rises in the road can also be an issue.
Depending on the specifics of the job and site, you might also need permission from the stakeholders to allow the crane rental onsite.
Preparing the terrain
One of the critical steps is to do all you can to adjust the terrain for the crane. You need to make sure that it can safely navigate around the site.
On your end, you should check whether there is space for the vehicle to move around and get close enough to the load.
Aside from this, you should pay attention to potential hazards, including these:
- Power lines
- Ditches or drop-offs
- Unstable ground
- Hidden obstacles
- Scaffolding
- Other overhanging objects like branches
If you can, take the appropriate steps to remedy the situation. Otherwise, warn all the personnel and clearly mark out the danger zones.
Secure the loads
Next, you have to secure the loads. Unfortunately, improper loading is one of the leading causes of accidents involving cranes. Make sure that nothing can come loose and that nothing is protruding unnecessarily.
We recommend that you have an experienced hand oversee this process. Plus, have the crane operators do one final check before they lift.
Put safety measures in place
Overall, one of your top priorities should be the safety of everyone on the job.
Typically, you should try to implement some or all of the following measures:
- Compile and distribute a safety plan for the whole crew.
- Watch the weather forecast for high winds or heavy rains.
- Ask the crane rental company for their safety records.
- Put up relevant warning signs.
- Work out safety checklists to review carefully beforehand and during the job.
- Make sure that everyone is wearing their protective gear.
- Minimize distractions on the job site.
- Complete a risk assessment.
Most significantly, be sure to optimize communication on location between all the personnel.
Clear up the details for the job
Another crucial step is to make sure you and the rental company are on the same page about the job details. Generally, this involves clearly communicating and checking the following information:
- Weight of the load
- Dimensions of the object
- Type of crane to be used
- Height to which it needs to be lifted
- Distance requirements
- Nature of the terrain
Usually, the rental company will ask you for a site plan that is accurate and up to date.
Remember that different types of cranes have different terrain, maximum load, and movement capabilities. For example, the Manitex TC 50155S has a lifting capacity of 50 tons and a boom that is 155 feet long. So double-check that you rented the right one for the job.
Pre-site inspection
Preferably, the crane rental company should send some of their experts to the site for a pre-job site inspection. Among other things, they will check the following:
- Weather conditions
- Ground stability conditions
- Access / egress
Plus, they will be able to tell you what you need to put in place or change. They will inspect the condition of the job site and advise you accordingly.
The rental company will use all of the information that you give them and that they gain from the inspection to work out a lift plan. In sum, this is a step-by-step and detailed plan that helps them to organize and streamline the process.
Put it on your calendar
One way to prepare your site for the crane is to work it into your schedule officially. Plan the times or days when it would be on-site around this. All the key stakeholders should be aware of the planned job and how this would affect them.
It is particularly important to try to keep as much of your personnel away from the load site and where the crane will be working and moving. Thereby, you can minimize safety risks.
Doing this also ensures that you don’t rush the job.
Start preparing early
Preparing the jobsite beforehand can help you streamline the whole process. There may be significant delays if the operators arrive but can’t access the location or find differences from what was planned. Even more importantly, adequate preparation can help you avoid accidents and damage to property.
A credible crane rental company can help you prepare for the job. So it makes sense that choosing the right company needs to be a top priority. Here’s what to look for when hiring a crane rental service.
