A crane operator does all kinds of hoisting services and construction- or demolition-related jobs. In the course of his or her work, there is great potential for harm. Because the crane operator and/or his/her construction boss could be sued for these damages and injuries, the crane operator takes certain special precautions to keep everyone safe. If you need to hire a crane operator for any one reason, you should know what these precautions are.

Marking off the Territory

The very first precaution a crane operator takes is to mark off a work territory around the crane. The size of the work area depends on the crane attachment the operator is using that day. For instance, if he/she is using a wrecking ball, the arc of the swing on a wrecking ball determines the work territory. These massive stone or steel balls can demolish buildings in seconds, and squash a human like a fly under a fly swatter. Ergo, the arc and the swing area around the crane and the wrecking ball needs to be blocked off from both the public and other construction/demolition employees until the job is complete.

Avoiding Metal Objects When Applicable

Cranes are frequently used to "grab" large piles of metal using a magnetic attachment. If this applies to any job you want the crane operator to do, he/she will first request that everything metal in the vicinity of the job be moved out of range. An example of this job is picking up a ton of metal shed debris and dropping it in a dumpster. If your car is parked too close, the magnet will grab that by accident, and the only way to let go of it is to drop it by cutting off the magnet's power. Damage to your car is the result, so it is important to remove such objects before the crane operator begins.

Taking in the Full Scope of the Work Zone Before Getting into the Crane

Cranes are very loud machines. For that very reason, the crane operator has to keep his/her eyes wide open. He/she will scope out the entire work zone before getting into the cab of the crane to make sure there is nothing and no one around. If there is, the object or person has to be moved or move before the crane operator even starts the crane.

If someone enters the crane operator's work zone, even on the very edge of it, the crane operator is forced to stop work until that person leaves the work zone. Being conscientious of people and the surrounding area is a major part of job safety for a crane operator. In protecting others, the crane operator is also protecting him/herself from losing a job and losing his/her crane operator's license.

Posting Signs 

If you need the crane operator for an extended period of time on a large job, he/she will likely want to post signs that say, "Hard Hat Area ONLY." This reminds everyone within several feet of the crane that stuff can fall on them and hurt or kill them. Such signs are often mandatory if there is any chance that such injuries or fatalities could occur. If the crane operator wants to do this, and requests to do it, by all means let him/her!

Locking the Doors to the Crane When It Is Not in Use

Pranksters target cranes because the cranes look like a lot of fun to operate. A crane that is left unlocked is a major risk on a number of levels. It could even be considered negligence on the part of the crane operator if someone gets hurt! Hence, crane operators will lock the doors of a crane and take the keys with him/her at the end of a shift. If the crane needs to be moved during work hours, the crane operator has to be the one to do it.

For more information, contact companies like A C Jones Trucking Inc.