Many contractors underestimate the importance of hiring crane riggers. Unknown to them, crane riggers are just as crucial as the crane operator. This extract details why your construction site may want crane rigging services.
Crane operators experience a myriad of challenges at construction sites. Typically, it is difficult to operate the crane and communicate with workers simultaneously. It puts employees at risk since they could get hit by the crane as it swings. Given that the operator is unaware of the crane's blind spots, they could damage buildings and other installations located on the blind spots. Finally, the crane operator might not be aware of crane defects that could cause accidents at the site. For instance, the crane could be overloaded. Alternatively, conditions such as high wind speeds could affect the crane's operation.
Crane riggers work hand in hand with the crane operator to ensure crane safety at the site. Once you hire the crane, the rigger conducts a preliminary inspection to establish the site risks and any conditions that could interfere with how the crane works. For instance, it could be that the site has unstable soils or overhead power cables. The rigger also assesses the site work plans to determine the crane's weight and height limits. If the site is inaccessible, the rigger could recommend an articulating crane.
Once the crane arrives at the site, the rigger will help with the installation process. They also inspect the crane's mechanical, electrical and hydraulic system to ensure the equipment does break down during operation. The riggers also inform your site personnel how the crane works. For example, they will show them the crane's swing angle to prevent accidents at the site. The rigger also identifies a suitable location to pick and drop off the crane's loads.
The rigger directs the crane operator to ensure the crane moves along its designated route. Besides, they also attach loads to the crane and signal the operator when to lift or lower the loads. More often than not, the riggers use flags and walkie-talkies to communicate with the operator. They also keep an eye on the site conditions that could cause accidents. For example, a vehicle parked along the crane's operating route could get hit by the boom or attached load. Besides, heavy winds could prevent the crane from swinging.
If you wish to hire a crane rigger, conduct some due diligence to ensure that the professional has the training and experience needed to rig cranes. Moreover, assess the rigger's interpersonal skills since they will closely work with other workers at the site.
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