Safety is very important for the daily operation of crane trucks and there are several essential features that must be taken into consideration when it comes to the safe operation of this vehicle. For example, companies should be aware of any recent revisions released by OSHA; this set of rules and other similar guidelines outline safety and health in the operation of lifting equipment such as crane trucks. It is important how business owners perceive this risk from both the manufacturer’s and the operator’s viewpoints.

Manufacturer’s Role

All safety regarding a crane, such as the physical components, originates from the builder of the equipment. Manufacturers must provide information on all directives for safety and health from authorized agencies to include procedures that evaluate if hazards and risks are being properly identified and then supply all paperwork to document compliance with such directives. In addition, manufacturers must be properly informed, current on all revisions, and comply with the equipment’s technical solutions and safety features.

• Variable Stability Limit - There are numerous technological solutions and new features that have been implemented in order for crane trucks to be more effective on the job while eliminating safety risks. Stability is one of the features that manufacturers have been examining for new equipment. There are new models that have been built with creative features such as ‘variable stability limit’ (VSL). This feature functions as a regulator for the capacity of the vehicle in relation to its stability. It protects crane operators, as well as workers within the work site vicinity, by making sure that the load is stable while being handled.

• Technical Solutions - To answer the need for user safety, manufacturers have added technical solution features to their newer trucks. For example, a system was designed to determine the equipment status and relay this information to the crane operator. Such systems have gone through extensive laboratory testing to ensure they pass the quality requirements.

Operator’s Primary Role

Manufacturers and dealers of articulated crane trucks have taken the necessary steps to help crane owners and managers provide accredited training to operators. Most of the training courses that have been developed are offered to improve the skills and knowledge of the operator to make lift tasks easier and safer, which also helps to prolong the serviceable life of the equipment.

• Significance of Daily Checks - Becoming completely familiar with the crane truck is very important for the safety of its performance. Operators must know the features and characteristics of the equipment while functioning. Prior to each and every use, the truck should first undergo a pre-operational examination. It is also equally important to survey the work site surroundings, the loads to be handled, the overhead clearance, and surrounding conditions. Completing all of this before any operation ensures safety, optimum performance; and productivity as well as extending the serviceable life of the equipment.

• Follow Safety Instructions - Operators must follow safe operating guidelines for these vehicles such as manufacturer’s directions for loading and unloading, material handling, preventive maintenance and regular inspections. Preventative maintenance can provide high quality performance of the equipment with every task as well as extending its service life. Equipping the crane truck with safety devices such as a radio remote control is helpful as well. This accessory gives the operator the ability to manipulate the equipment while getting into a more secure location and position.

The implementation of crane truck safety is essential for every business that operates this type of vehicle. Companies should purchase their equipment from reputable dealers and manufacturers. It is vitally important to hire well-trained operators. The experience of such a person will save money for a company by reducing the possibility of personal injury to workers and physical damage to the vehicle. The role of manufacturers and operators in crane truck safety are very equal and very important in order to use the equipment in the most efficient and productive method!