When it comes to construction sites, tower cranes are the giants that hold everything together. They’re responsible for lifting and moving heavy loads with ease, making what would normally be impossible tasks possible. Professional crane hire Gold Coast can ensure you get the best crane without compromising any safety standards.
But as much as we trust these towering machines, they can still fail catastrophically if not treated with caution and care. In this post, we’ll explore deep down into some of the most common causes of tower crane failures and offer essential safety tips every construction worker should know – let’s get started.
Improper Crane Assembly
Tower cranes are complex machines with many parts, and improper assembly can lead to serious safety issues. The major component of a tower crane is the mast, which must be erected according to manufacturer specifications. If assembled incorrectly, masts can collapse or topple over under pressure.
Crane assembly should always be overseen by a qualified supervisor who has experience with assembling similar cranes. They need to ensure that all bolts and connections are tightened correctly and that all components are in good working order.
Improper Use of Slew Bearings
Slew bearings are an essential component of tower cranes. They enable the crane’s slewing platform to rotate horizontally, allowing heavy loads to be lifted and transported around a construction site.
However, improper use of these bearings can lead to critical failures and accidents on site. One common issue is overloading the slew bearing beyond its maximum capacity – this puts excessive stress on the bearing, leading to more risks of failure.
Lack of Required Maintenance
As one of the critical factors that lead to tower crane failures, lack of required maintenance can easily be avoided. This is because every component of a crane has a major role in its operation, and if any part fails to function correctly, it can cause severe damage.
Without proper maintenance, several components, such as wire ropes, hydraulic systems, and brakes, may malfunction or wear out quickly due to constant use. For example, failure or breakage of wire ropes can cause the load being lifted to fall suddenly, leading to significant accidents.
Wire Failure
Wire failure is another significant problem in tower crane operations that can lead to catastrophic accidents. Wires are under immense tension and wear and tear, which makes them prone to breaking if they’re not regularly inspected and maintained.
One of the main reasons wire failures occur is the overloading or excessive weight being lifted. When this happens, wires can snap under pressure, which puts everyone on-site at risk. It can also happen as the effects of damage or corrosion caused by exposure to weather elements such as rain, wind, snow, and saltwater spray.
Tower Crane Safety Tips: Conclusion
Tower cranes are essential in the construction industry, just like vans are in the transport industry, but they can be a source of horror accidents if not properly maintained and operated. To prevent these critical failures, follow standard safety procedures when operating tower cranes. This includes regular inspections by trained professionals and ensuring that crane operators have proper certification.…
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