What is a crane operator?

A crane operator, or crane driver, is an individual who operates lifting machinery on construction, quarrying or mining sites, at ports and in warehouses.

How can I become a crane driver?

There are several ways and routes you can follow to become a crane operator or crane driver. This includes taking a college course, doing an apprenticeship or working your ways towards this role.

College course

If you are looking to go through education, you can take a college course in Plant Operations; this level 2 certification is usually carried out in conjunction with on the job training. 

Apprenticeship

If you are looking for an apprenticeship you can get into this job role through applying to a lifting technician intermediate apprenticeship.

Work

Another way in which you can become a crane operator is through starting work as a construction site labourer. When you have built up more experience of using heavy machinery such as excavators, then you can move onto crane operation.

What skills do I need to become a crane operator?

These are some of the main skills that a crane operator needs in order to be successful in the role.

• Good physical skills such as movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• Pay attention to details and be thorough
• Patient with the ability to stay calm under stressful situations
• Able to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• Able to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• Understanding and sensitivity
• Ability to safely operate and control equipment
• Basic computer skills to carry out tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What are the daily tasks and responsibilities?

Some of the day-to-day tasks include setting up cranes and carrying out safety checks; loading and unloading lorries; shifting loads around the site; monitoring sensors that measure load weights, crane stability and wind speed; and carrying out minor repairs to the machinery.

In addition to these tasks, it is important to also report any problems to the crane supervisor and keep thorough records of the materials that you’ve moved.

Typically, crane operators work on a construction site; this means that the working environment can be noisy and at height. Furthermore, you’ll also need to wear protective clothing.

Contact NMT Crane Hire

If you’re interested in hiring cranes or lifting equipment, we pride ourselves on building customer relationships and providing an excellent service. Here at NMT Crane Hire, we have over 40 years of experience within this industry so we are able to provide knowledgeable advice on equipment and crane safety. You can get in touch with our team by calling 0800 026 6985 or you can fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly.

The post How to Become a Crane Operator appeared first on NMT Crane Hire Ltd.

The difference between crane hire and contract lift hire

Standard crane hire is simple; if you don’t require the services of a crane operator or appointed person then you can just hire the crane. However, this means that the crane will be your responsibility whilst on your site.

Whereas contract lift hire is when you hire a crane with the assistance of a crane operator and fully-qualified appointed person. This means that all aspects of the lift are the responsibility of the crane hire company rather than the customer. The appointed person uses their expertise to draw comprehensive lift plans and guides you through where to rig the pedestrian crane or mobile crane. The crane operator ensures that it is safe to carry out the lift.

What does an appointed person/ crane operator do?

Typically with contract lift hire, an appointed person will take care of a number of different things. Firstly, they will ensure that the mobile or tower crane has been maintained, services, tested and certified. They will also look after any additional lifting equipment and carry out a thorough site survey. 

A crane operator can offer expert advice and recommendations both before and during the lift, as well as drawing up a detailed plan of action. Alongside this, they will conduct a full site ground assessment to enable the crane is rigged safely.

Furthermore, if the lift requires road closures they will be the ones in communication with the police, as well as taking care of risk assessments.

What are the advantages of contract lift hire?

The crane hire company will take on these responsibilities:

• Plans the lift with a suitable crane and designated an appointed person to supervise the lift
• They take on the majority of risks and responsibility, including legal liability in the event of an injury to the driver or property damage that could occur front the lifting operation 

What are the advantages of crane hire?

You are responsible for how you handle the lift, selecting the most appropriate model of crane for the lift as well as responsible for arranging any signalling. Alongside this, you are also responsible for supervising the lift while it’s in operation. It is important to provide an experienced and trained Appointed Person during the process.

Contact

If you’re interested in crane hire services we have a wide range here at NMT Crane Hire, please contact our team by calling us on 0800 026 6985, or filling out our online enquiry form.

The post What’s the Difference Between Crane Hire & Contract Lift Hire? appeared first on NMT Crane Hire Ltd.

1. Understand crane operations and limitations

When a signaller understands what crane operations, limitations and results may occur when certain signals are given to direct a crane operator, then they can use this information to carry out tasks and direction more effectively. For example, if a crane is about to be put into an overload condition then a signal person needs to signal the gain or loss of capacity to the crane operator quickly and clearly.

2. Special assignments as a signal person

As a signal person, it is important to understand each of the different signals and what they mean. For example, the ‘blind pick’ relay signal is assigned to lifts being made in a prohibited zone, or during lifting activity that uses a suspended personnel platform.

3. Present the hand signals correctly

When signalling the movements must be standardised and performed clearly so that they are easily understood. This is key so there is no room for misinterpretation. No allowance should be made for lazy hand signals.

4. Give voice signals in the correct format

When carrying out signals there is a set format that must be followed: function and direction; distance or speed; function and stop.

5. Understand what to do when there’s a failure in the communication process

All signals are continuous, whether that be via hand or voice, therefore this means that when an unplanned event occurs to the signal person they should give a ‘stop’ or ‘emergency stop’ signal. This allowed for the event to be sorted and the load moved on without causing an incident. There may be times when the operator cannot see or hear the signals, suspecting an unplanned loss of contact has occurred. At this point, they should stop moving the crane and load until they regain communication and the situation rectified. It is integral that a signal person also knows what to do during an unplanned event.

Contact

If you would like any more information on crane safety, or you would be interested in learning more about the services NMT Crane Hire provides, please get in touch with one of our friendly team members by calling us on 0800 026 6985, or fill out one of our online enquiry forms.

The post 5 Tips for Crane Hand and Voice Signals appeared first on NMT Crane Hire Ltd.

In our latest blog, we outline the three most hazards. It is important to be aware of crane hazards and the ways in which you can avoid them.

3 Most Common Crane Hazards

Falling loads

This is one of the most common hazards when working with cranes. A falling load can result in serious injury, fatality or structural damage to a building or property, leading to significant time and money costs. There are a number of reasons why a load can fall from an overhead crane – operator incompetency, slipping, mechanical failure, and two blocking.

Electrical hazards

A large number of crane-related accidents involve the metal part of the overhead crane coming into contact with a power source (such as a high-voltage power line). This means an increased risk of the crane’s hoist line and boom touch in energised power lines – anyone who is directly touching them is most likely to be electrocuted. This can result in multiple deaths and injuries. It is crucial that a risk assessment is carried out before starting work.

Crane overload 

A large majority of crane failures also occur as a result of somebody overloading the crane. If you exceed a crane’s operational capacity, then you will likely subject it to structural stresses that cause irreversible damage. Ways in which you can overload a crane include: swinging or suddenly dropping loads; hoist loads beyond the cranes capacity; using defective components; dragging loads; side-loading a boom.

Contact

If you’re interested in hiring cranes or lifting equipment, we pride ourselves on building customer relationships and providing an excellent service. With over 40 years of experience within this industry so we are able to provide knowledgeable advice on equipment and crane safety. Get in touch by calling 0800 026 6985 or you can fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly.

The post What Are the Most Common Crane Hazards? appeared first on NMT Crane Hire Ltd.

The post NMT Crane Hire Ltd. is “OPEN FOR BUSINESS” as usual, as we have been as a family run business since the 1950’s 24/7 throughout the year appeared first on NMT Crane Hire Ltd.

10 Facts About Construction Cranes:

1. Cranes were built by the Ancient Greeks

The first human-made crane was built by the Ancient Greeks around 500BC. It looked very different to the modern cranes we have today, instead of steel or metal they were made out of wood. Human or animal power was used to pull heavy objects up – but these early crane designs helped build some of the most recognisable and beautiful structures of the ancient world.

2. The crane arm (“jib”) was added in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the “jib”, or crane arm, was able to move both horizontally and vertically – mainly because it was used to unload cargo ships in a harbour.

3. Steam engine technology was added to cranes in the 19th Century

With the invention of the steam engine in the 19th Century, the new technology was also applied to provide cranes with power, which eliminated the need for humans and animals used as a source of power.

4. The first mobile crane was manufactured in the 1950s

In the course of the 1950s, there was a significant change in the material used to manufacture cranes. Strong steel was used and also placed on the back of trucks, which saw the introduction of ‘mobile cranes’.

5. 200,000 cranes are estimated to be in use around the world

Around the world, there are over 200,000 cranes in use, of which 125,000 cranes are used in the construction industry and between 80,000 – 100,000 cranes are used in general and maritime industries.

6. Tallest crane in the world is a Liebherr type 357 HC-L

The tallest crane in the world is the Liebherr type 357 HC-L and it can lift up to 18 tons at 44 metres a minute. This crane was used in the construction of the world’s tallest building: Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia.

7. Cranes are dangerous, leading to 42 deaths each year in the UK

There are around 42 crane-related deaths each year.

8. Only 11% of crane accidents are caused by mechanical failure

Out of all the crane-related accidents that occur on a construction site, only 11% are due to mechanical failure. If these failures are spotted early, then further damage can be prevented, which is why cranes are inspected daily and yearly.

9. There are over 20+ types of crane types

Like many other products and machinery, there is a wide variety of different types for an array of purposes or to be used for specific projects. Some of the main crane types include tower cranes, mobile cranes, truck-mounted cranes, and rough terrain cranes.

10. Cranes share their name with a bird

We previously discussed our 5 most interesting facts about cranes, but construction cranes share their name with the tallest flying bird in the world.

Contact

We hope you have enjoyed our list of 10 most construction crane facts. To find out more about our crane hire services here at NMT Crane Hire, please contact our team by calling us on 0800 026 6985, or filling out our online enquiry form.

The post Top 10 Construction Crane Facts appeared first on NMT Crane Hire Ltd.

Varied Capacities of City Cranes

City cranes come in a wide range of sizes and capacities.  NMT Crane hire offers 13-70 ton city crane hire meaning that you can rest assured we have something suitable for your job.

Boom Extension

City cranes have a large telescopic boom length, such as Lieberr’s (LTC 1050.3.1) 50 Ton City Crane, which has an 8.2-36 metre reach.  This means that they can extend to different lengths depending on your job’s needs. Some cranes, such as the one above also have a folding jib, or an adjustable erection jib, meaning you have complete flexibility with your job.

Mobility 

City cranes are known for their compact size, incredible strength and easy manoeuvrability. They can access awkward areas and have significantly lower install and dismantle times compared to tower cranes.

Another benefit is that City Cranes are able to move goods and heavy loads, as they have wheels, while tower cranes are fixed to one spot.

Benefits of City Crane Hire

If you are not needing a crane for the entirety of your construction, then hiring one from NMT Crane Hire can reduce costs significantly and allow you to cut down the time of your construction project.  NMT Crane Hire have accreditations from SSIP Worksafe Contractors, Achilles Registered, and Driver Agency Accreditation Scheme meaning you have complete peace of mind, knowing that we are high-quality service providers.

Contact

If you would like to speak more about an opportunity to hire one of our City Cranes, give us a call on 08000 266 985, we’d love to help. Alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form.

The post City Cranes and their Benefits appeared first on NMT Crane Hire Ltd.

Here, we take a closer look at the world of mobile cranes and explain in four, clear points exactly why they have proven to be so useful over the years.

1) Mobility

Let’s start with the most obvious point from our list. While tower cranes are fixed to the ground after they’ve been assembled, mobile cranes can be moved around even after their setup.

The vast majority of construction sites benefit from this greater degree of manoeuvrability, too. For projects spanning multiple locations, the same crane can be used at both sites without batting an eyelid, while heavy materials can often be transported on these units to save the further use of time and resources. This ability to easily move cranes between sites should not be underestimated; it increases the speed and efficiency of projects beyond measure.

2) Versatility and precision

Our second point may sound like a rehash of our previous one, but there’s an important difference here. The added versatility of a mobile crane allows them to be used for far more than just lifting. 

For example, more tailored lifts can be carried out by cranes that are not restricted to a fixed point on the ground. If a project requires it, mobile cranes can sometimes be moved inside larger buildings to offer a precise, controlled lift. Assembling a tower crane inside a structure would be almost impossible, but that’s exactly what you’re able to do with their mobile cousins. At the other end of the spectrum, smaller units can also be used to move small features – even furniture – with ease.

3) Setting up

The setup time for a mobile crane is significantly lower than it is for a fixed unit. In fact, a number of mobile cranes require virtually no setting up at all; their compact nature and logical design allows them to get to work pretty much as soon as they’ve arrived on site.

It goes without saying that large tower cranes require significant labour before they’ve been put to good use. Hours, even days, can be invested by multiple people before the crane is ready – all of those wasted resources can be saved by using mobile cranes, significantly reducing labour costs and saving you invaluable time.

4) Size

The comparative size of a mobile crane makes it far more suitable for a much wider range of building sites. In some heavily populated cities and on certain restrictive sites, it can actually be impossible to set up some larger cranes. If an entire project is based on the use of a crane, this issue can prove to be extremely damaging.

Mobile cranes fit into smaller spaces and require far less in terms of special arrangements. This particular advantage will vary in its significance depending on exactly how large the required mobile cranes are, but it can also prove to be the difference between a successful project and one that falls flat.

NMT Crane Hire

Clearly, there is plenty to be said for seriously considering a mobile crane for a number of construction projects. In some instances, you will require a more heavy-duty tower crane, but you’d be surprised at just how powerful some mobile units can prove to be. 

If you’re in any doubt whatsoever about the type of crane that would be suitable for your project, we would recommend that you get in touch with the team here at NMT Crane Hire. You can call us on 0800 026 6985 or fill out one of our online contact forms. 

The post Four Advantages of Mobile Cranes appeared first on NMT Crane Hire Ltd.

1. Risk assessment

A risk assessment should be carried out before any work commences to ensure there are no foreseeable hazards. The assessment should be carried out by a person who is qualified to do so and can verify that all work will be carried out safely. The legal responsibility for the safe operation of cranes is shared between the crane hirer, who ensures the crane is safe to use when delivered, and the crane user, who makes sure the crane is used safely once it’s on their premises. If there isn’t a qualified person to carry out a risk assessment, you must ask the crane hire company for a ‘Contract Lift’, which means they will carry out the appropriate safety measures and supervise the work. 

2. Planning

Not only is it safer to plan work in advance, but it also makes financial sense as you will be able to book equipment in advance and avoid paying a premium for late bookings. The exact process of how each piece of equipment is going to be used should be outlined for all workers to see and understand to further lessen the possibility of risks. It should also be taken into consideration which employees are trained to work with which equipment, or if any training courses need to be scheduled. 

3. Staying safe at height

Legally, all workers must be trained on how to safely work at height if they need to, especially if also dealing with a crane. The most common injuries are falls from individuals who are either distracted or fall victim to unsafe railings or flooring. Therefore, regular training is imperative so that all employees are aware of potential hazards and are able to follow safety regulations effectively. The government have put together some guidelines to help you stay safe whilst working at height. 

Crane safety with NMT Crane Hire

Here at NMT Crane Hire, we pride ourselves on building customer relationships and providing an excellent service. We have over 40 years of experience within this industry so we are able to provide knowledgeable advice on equipment and crane safety. If you would like to discuss hiring from us, please get in touch by calling 0800 026 6985 or you can fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly. 

The post Three Important Points For Crane Safety appeared first on NMT Crane Hire Ltd.

So you’ve made the decision that you would like to work within heavy construction. But it can be overwhelming knowing that there are a few different options out there for you to now explore. NMT Crane Hire help break down the different options available, to ensure you can make an informed decision on fulfilling the right career path within the crane industry.

Crane Operator

There is a lot more to this job title than what it suggests. As a crane operator, you are responsible for carrying out four main components, which consists of equipment maintenance, equipment set-up & dismantle, risk assessment, and lifting.

• Equipment maintenance consists of regular check-ups and inspections to ensure all fluid levels are as they should be and everything is running smoothly.
• Crane set-up and dismantle is one of the most crucial and important aspects of the crane operators role. Cranes work on a theory of balance and counterbalance, so it is critical that the crane is set up accordingly to ensure there aren’t any unbalances that could cause serious injury.
• Risk assessment is an on-going activity that should be carried out prior to starting the job, assessing factors such as the loads that need lifting, the weight of the load and any environmental factors.
• Following the other steps and making sure they are carried out efficiently and correctly, should mean that the lift is straight-forward.

Crane operators play an important role that involves patience, accuracy and great attention to detail that all contribute to playing a crucial part within working on a construction site.

Crane Inspector

Crane inspection is a serious responsibility to protect you and the safety of others within the worksite. As your role as a crane inspector, you have the responsibility of having the final word and approve of the last checks before giving the go-ahead. Other aspects of the job role consist of, detecting any signs of damage, defects or risk factors that could put workers in danger. Other responsibilities include visual and operational inspection of booms, gears, drums, sheaves, blocks, hooks, rigging, hydraulics as well as testing, interpretation of test results, and record keeping. In order to be an efficient crane inspector, you must have good sight and hearing and be free from any physical impairments as this could affect the ability to inspect in a safe way.

Crane Buyer/ Purchasing Agent

A buyers role or purchasing agent within the crane industry consists of the responsibility of the purchase of appropriate equipment for the job, whilst maximising productivity, ensuring good quality and complying with all safety regulations. Other duties within this job role consist of supervising the transport, storage and maintenance of all obtained equipment. The responsibility of a team is to provide excellent service in terms of the purchase of the products and services.

Cranes Salesperson/ Industrial Sales

Cranes sales and industrial sales represent and have the responsibility to cultivate and maintain good client relationships that promote business and prophet within the crane industry. The position is important for ensuring customer satisfaction and providing information to clients. It’s crucial that you are equipped with solid interpersonal skills and have the ability to connect with people as a sales representative is the companies public face.

Crane Engineer

In the crane industry, there are many pathways that fall under engineering. Some of which consist of, electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering, these roles tend to be more of the design and product development elements of crane engineer work, ensuring that the products produced are versatile and durable, powerful and safe to use. Field engineers within the crane industry typically oversee the construction and assembling of the equipment on site. Project engineers tend to project manage by budgeting, scheduling and planning ahead for big-scale projects.

Quality Assurance Manager 

Maintaining standards and good quality machinery is just as important as designing and buying. Keeping conditions safe and following regulations is an important role that comes with plenty of responsibility. Continuing to carry-out good quality standards is crucial to any manufacturer within the crane industry. This job role consists of carefully inspecting products and materials, looking out for any warning signs of damage or deviation that do not coincide with the manufacturer’s standards

Contact

If you have any further questions about jobs within the crane industry, or you are interested in any of the services we offer, please get in touch by filling out our online enquiry form or give us a call today on 0800 026 6985. 

The post Career Pathways Within the Crane Industry appeared first on NMT Crane Hire Ltd.