Jib Crane Safety Check List

Jib cranes offer a number of benefits for people; however have to be treated with respect as they lift a range of heavy and so, possibly hazardous items. However, there are a number of things that can be done and looked out for on a jib crane to ensure that you have a safe use of your crane.

Before using a jib crane, it is of optimum importance to check it over once and keep an eye out for a number of issues. Checking the crane out for defects and ensuring there are none that can make the difference between a safe experience and a dangerous one.

We recommend that one of the major things to ensure is that the jib crane is positioned directly and over whatever is lifted. Making sure the block hook is placed over the item, ensures the centre of gravity is where it should be and the crane or load doesn’t swing from side to side – which can be obviously very dangerous. When lifting the load make sure you do so slowly and don’t give the load a shock leap, which may cause safety issues, or may damage the crane.

Ensure that the load path for the item you are lifting is clear and without obstruction. You should also ensure that no one should pass under the suspended loads as this may leave people in a dangerous situation and should be definitely avoided.

You should also ensure that you, or no one else places a ladder against the jib, as it may topple, may be on wheels and is a dangerous and ill-advised action.

Ensuring a jib is suitably stable and has the proper foundation and supports is very important. There are a number of ways to balance a jib crane. A jib crane must be securely bolted to a solid structure or foundations which must be capable of taking the strain of lifting the loads. Ensure it is safe and strong and steady before usage.

Jib cranes should be checked and maintained at regular intervals and this should be checked by a qualified engineer. Maintenance can be done, while you also have another piece of lifting equipment serviced.

On a regular basis between maintenance, you should ensure the jib is lubricated properly and that all pivot points and bolts and fixings are tight. This will eradicate most problems and is easily done.

The running track is also another very important part of the jib crane and should be cleared of debris and the track kept clean. This ensures the crane can run freely and should be regularly inspected.

Structural defects and damage or distortion to the crane means it should never be used and you should consult a qualified person to check this out and if necessary repair it. Missing bolts, cracked welds, loose or missing bolts and other issues should be treated with the upmost seriousness and the crane should not be used until seen by a professional.

Finally, if you have performed all the checks and believe that there may be an issue, don’t use it and stop using the jib crane until it is checked.

By: Charlotte Ananda

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Lifting Gear and Jib Crane products are supplied by Lifting Equipment Ltd.