Staying Safe Around Construction Equipment

Need A Crane For Your Next Construction Project? 4 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before You Rent One

When you run a construction business, you never know when you're going to need a crane. That can make purchasing a crane seem like an unsound investment. The best way to get around that problem is to rent a crane whenever the need arises. However, before you rent a crane, you need to make sure that you're prepared for the responsibility. Because cranes are heavy equipment, you need to take the right precautions. Before you rent your crane, here are four questions you should ask yourself.

Do You Have Enough Clearance?

Before you rent a crane, you need to make sure that you have enough clearance. You may have enough room to place the crane, but that doesn't mean you have sufficient overhead clearance. It also doesn't mean that you have enough clearance for the arm to swing properly. Make sure you have sufficient clearance before you have the crane delivered. It might be necessary for you to make some adjustments to the worksite before you rent the crane.

Do You Have a Licensed Crane Operator?

If you're going to rent a crane, you'll need someone who can operate it legally. Make sure that you have a licensed crane operator on hand when the crane is delivered. If no one on your crew is licensed to operate a crane, you'll need to hire someone for the job. Be sure to have them bring their license with them. You'll need to provide proper documentation should the building inspector show up when you're using the crane.

Have You Obtained the Necessary Permits?

If you've never needed to rent a crane before, you might not realize that there are specific permit requirements. Before you rent your crane, be sure to stop by the city planners office and pick up the paperwork for your permits. You'll need to have the permits signed and on hand before you have the crane delivered. Failure to obtain the proper permits could result in fines and penalties. Not only that, but the city could shut down your construction project until you have all the proper permits. You can avoid that by obtaining your permits first.

Have You Trained Your Crew on Safety Standards?

If you've got crew members who have never worked around a crane before, it's time to have a training day. Your crew will need to be trained in proper safety procedures, especially if you want to ensure their safety. It's a good idea to include your entire crew in the safety training, even if they've already been trained. The session can serve as a refresher course.

To learn more about renting cranes, contact a business such as PMM Cranes


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