Cranes are large and heavy machinery, without which it would be very difficult for us to carry out loading and unloading of goods and to carry out the construction of structures, among many other functions.

But as in the use of all machinery, certain risks can endanger the operators who handle them as well as everything around the crane.

One of the most widely used models is the mobile crane, due to its versatility and ability to move. And if you want to have a state-of-the-art model, with all the mechanical checks carried out and the maximum safety guarantees, the best thing you can do is rent a mobile crane. In this way, you will not have to worry about anything else since you will simply have to use it.

What are mobile cranes?

Before talking about the risks that exist when working with mobile cranes, we have to know the characteristics of this type of crane and what differentiates them from the rest. Mobile cranes are those that are on a supporting vehicle, on wheels or tracks. They are equipped with their own propulsion and steering systems, which allows them to move independently.

They have hydraulic jacks or stabilizers, which are very important to prevent the crane from moving or overturning. They work by using telescopic arms that unfold hydraulically and have motor-driven cable systems which allow them to lift and move loads. In addition to moving loads from one place to another, they are also perfect for mounting other structures such as tower cranes.

Risks when using a mobile crane

As with practically any crane, there are several significant risks when using it. That is why they should only be used by people who are qualified to do so and have enough experience to use them correctly. Another important part of risk prevention is the maintenance of the mobile crane itself, which must undergo the relevant safety checks and be in perfect condition for operation.

Main risks

• Machine overturning: If the levelling is faulty, there is a failure or collapse of the ground, there is too much wind or the maximum load weight is exceeded, the mobile crane may overturn.
• Impact with the load: accidental impact is another of the main risks. This can occur due to a failure of the hydraulic circuit, improper stacking of loads or collision of the load with other obstacles.
• Running over: if you work on public roads, there are run over risks.
• Entrapment: swaying of the load can cause the load to become entrapped.
• Electrical contact: if working in proximity to power lines, extreme caution should be exercised.

If you want to avoid such risks, you should make sure to hire a crane from a reputable rental company like aphcranes.co.uk that knows more about the specific risks involved in a variety of working environments where mobile cranes are commonly deployed. They can offer an assessment of the main risks that exist when working with this type of machinery as well as recommendations for their prevention.

Joyce Laroche