Operating a crane can seem like a straightforward task, but there may be some mistakes you are making that you are unaware of. Mistakes can lead to accidents, as well as damage to equipment and property. Here are three mistakes you may be making when you operate a crane.

Thinking the Crane Works Properly

You may assume that the crane is fully functional, especially if it has been working well since your project began. However, if you have not done a visual inspection of the crane yourself, it is critical to do so, even if the crane was just used the day before. Inspecting the crane can stop you from operating a crane with brittle ropes and cracked hooks which can cause a problem. A visual inspection will also ensure that attachments are securely attached.

In addition to a visual inspection, it's also a good idea to move the crane around to make sure that movements are smooth and the directional buttons are functioning properly. You can also listen for strange sounds that may indicate that there is a problem.

Not Worrying about Overloading

You might think that the crane is equipped with safety features that will prevent you from overloading your crane. However, not all cranes are equipped with safety features. Check with the manufacturer so that you know how much weight the crane can handle safely. You may also enlist the help of load-monitoring systems so you can prevent overloading the crane.

Another factor to consider is the stability of the ground or structure beneath the crane. Even if your crane can handle the load you put on it, you need to make sure that the surface you are traveling on can support the weight too. Consider loading less than the maximum allowed, so you can put less weight on the surface you'll be traveling over.

Pulling from the Side

If you only want to carry a piece of steel, for instance, you may think it is not necessary for the crane to lift it vertically, and so you try to lift at an angle or from the side. However, side pulls can cause the load to swing back and forth, which can injure someone or damage something in the vicinity.  Only lift and lower loads in a straight up and down fashion.

Now you're ready to check out a site like http://amquipinc.com/ to browse their selection of cranes. If you use the information in this article, you can make sure that the crane is safe to operate and you'll reduce the likelihood of accidents at your work site. Be sure to use the suggestions above, and the crane will pose no problems for your industrial project.