| A crane is a machine that used to lift heavy | | | | properly. These are examples are the many |
| loads, most often to move heavy materials on a | | | | different assessments an operator must take into |
| construction site. A fixed crane has a greater | | | | consideration to make sure the crane is safe for |
| weight capacity and can lift loads much higher | | | | operation. |
| because it does not have the mobility of other | | | | The operation of a tower crane does not solely |
| types of cranes. One type of fixed crane is the | | | | involve the one who is at the controls of this |
| tower crane. A tower crane is basically a balance | | | | machine. There is also a "rigger" or "swamper", |
| crane in its modern form. Tower cranes typically | | | | who is, in essence, a signaler to the operator. The |
| provide the most usefulness due to their | | | | operator and the rigger stay in contact through a |
| combination of lifting capacity and height, thus | | | | radio and also use hand signals. The rigger assists |
| making them a must have when constructing tall | | | | in the hooking and unhooking of loads. This person |
| buildings. | | | | is in charge of the schedule for lifting of the crane |
| However, with this great power of the tower | | | | as well as the safety of rigging and the loads. It is |
| crane also comes a great potential danger. When | | | | important that the rigger and the operator work |
| using such a crane on a construction site, or any | | | | well together to ensure the safety of all workers |
| other type of site, and a load drops from it, it is | | | | on the site. If one or the other are not paying |
| almost impossible to stop the load from hitting the | | | | close attention, disaster could strike leading to a |
| ground or anyone in its path. It's also quite difficult | | | | potentially catastrophic accident. |
| to issue a warning to workers below to move out | | | | Because a tower crane related accident could |
| of the way. Such an accident can lead to very | | | | result in serious bodily injury or even death, |
| serious injury or death. Approximately 90% of | | | | human error must be eliminated as much as |
| accidents involving cranes are the result of human | | | | possible. Most of these accents happen due to |
| error. As such, it is essential to fully and properly | | | | poor judgment, overconfidence, or simply lack of |
| train all crane operators and institute on site | | | | attention. Before operating this machinery, you |
| safety regulations and preparation. Simply by | | | | must be physically as well as mentally prepared to |
| ensuring that workers who are operating cranes | | | | take on this task. If you are on any medication, |
| on the job are fully educated in their safe | | | | make sure that it is safe for you to operate the |
| operation, most potential crane accidents can be | | | | crane while taking it. It is also important to wear |
| avoided. | | | | protective clothing and safety gear, such as |
| Before even commencing the operation of a | | | | safety glasses, a hard hat, and steel-toed shoes. |
| tower crane, it is important that the operator fully | | | | Remove all distractions and if you need to |
| assess its characteristics, such as the weight of | | | | address something, take a break and address it |
| the crane, the host rope's rating for the load, how | | | | at that time. |
| is the load being attached and is it being done | | | | |