Crane and outrigger pads play a crucial role as a safety tool in maintaining stability and preventing accidents during crane operations. They provide support and distribute the load, minimizing the risk of tipping or collapse. Understanding the importance of proper outrigger and crane pad usage is essential for ensuring a safe working environment.
Below are important safety tips listed that anyone working in the lifting and rigging industry should follow when using outrigger and crane pads.
Outrigger pads are essential tools used in any lifting and rigging setup. They are flat objects that come in a variety of different sizes, thickness, and materials to accommodate the equipment's weight and points of contact.
Also known as crane pads, these tools sit underneath the outrigger (known as a shoe, foot, arm, or flat) and provide a flat surface that distributes the pressure more evenly across the ground. Because the point of contact between the outrigger and the ground is small, too much pressure can cause the ground underneath to shift and crumble. These products help alleviate this pressure to keep equipment like cranes stable during lifting jobs.
Like any lifting and rigging equipment, safe usage ensures that personnel and equipment stay safe during operations. When it comes to using outrigger pads, follow these tips to make sure everything runs nice and safely during the job.
Prior to any crane operations, conduct a thorough site assessment to identify potential hazards. This includes factors like the positioning of your equipment, underground utilities, available space, environmental conditions, and obstructions. Be sure to check for any specific regulations or permits required for crane operations in the area. Always comply with local safety standards and guidelines to avoid any potential legal issues. This includes not only outrigger systems, but any other equipment involved like lifting slings, lifting beams and spreader bars, and any rigging hardware used.
Part of the site assessment also includes evaluating ground conditions. Ground stability, which involves soil type, compaction, slope, and underground utilities, helps determine the appropriate size and type of outrigger and crane pad needed for the specific conditions. According to OSHA's standards on ground conditions, outrigger pads "must not be assembled or used unless ground conditions are firm, drained, and graded to a sufficient extent..." (.(b)). Ensure that conditions meet the necessary safety requirements to use cranes and other equipment on before taking on the task.
Secondly, be aware of your crane's load capacity and the maximum load it can handle with fully extended outriggers. Exceeding the load capacity or misjudging the load distribution leads to outrigger failure or crane instability. Also, not calculating additional weight components like counterweights used to lessen the pressure on outrigger pads leads to the same problems. Refer to the crane manufacturer's specifications and consult with an engineer if necessary.
Selecting the correct outriggers and crane pads is crucial for maintaining stability. Use outriggers specifically designed for the crane model and ensure they are in good working condition. Crane pads should be large enough to distribute the load evenly and prevent too much ground pressure. Use load-bearing calculation tools or consult with experts to determine the appropriate size and type of outriggers and crane pads for your specific application.
Keep these tips in mind when setting up the outrigger system:
Cribbing blocks can be used to support the outriggers, especially on slopes or uneven ground, further enhancing stability.
Additionally, make sure to regularly inspect and maintain outriggers and crane pads so that they are in proper working condition. Check for signs of damage, corrosion, or wear, and address any issues quickly. Regular inspections help identify potential problems before they compromise safety. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and conduct load testing when required.
Lastly, ensure that crane operators are adequately trained and experienced in outrigger and crane pad setup. They should have a clear understanding of load capacities, setup procedures, and safety protocols. Establish effective communication channels between the crane operator, signal person, and other personnel involved in the operation to ensure everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities.
Safety is paramount when working with outriggers and crane pads. That's why US Cargo Control offers high-quality outrigger pads from DICA®. Designed with an engineered thermoplastic material, these products are made to be unbreakable, flexible, and withstanding of high pressure, temperature, moisture, and other corrosives. DICA® outrigger perform well compared to other competitors and handle a variety of applications, all while having an ergonomic design for safe and easy usage.
These products come in two different varieties:
By following these essential safety tips, you can help ensure stability, prevent accidents, and create a secure work environment. Remember, a well-prepared and knowledgeable team is key to successful and safe crane operations.
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Work sites pose some inherent risks and dangers to their workers. When heavy machinery is introduced, this danger is taken to the next level. Cranes and other tall machinery must be operated carefully as to ensure the safety of everyone on the job. Basic physics tells us that the taller an object is, the more likely small movements at its base can cause the entirety of the structure to tip over. In the event of a crane toppling over, not only is expensive equipment ruined, but lives and thousands of dollars could be lost. Outrigger pads would be the best option when it comes to safety.
Thus, part of the safety protocol when using machinery like that is placing it on a level surface. While the ground may seem flat, it has subtle imperfections that make it unreliable for withstanding the immense pressure caused by heavy machinery. Thousands of pounds of force press upon the dirt, causing it to shift or cave in, which would spell disaster for your crane.
Luckily, there is a simple tool workers can use to maximize stability for their heavy machinery. An Outrigger Pad is a large, strong surface placed under the base of a crane. With a solid outrigger crane pad, the weight from the machinery is distributed more evenly. It essentially creates a bigger footprint for your equipment. Would you rather place your heavy machinery on a solid, flat surface or trust loose dirt or gravel? I&#;d take the Outrigger Pad any day, and thousands of workers across the country agree. Let&#;s dive into what specifically makes Outrigger Pads so useful.
Some workers opt for using wooden outrigger pads. Wood is inexpensive, and very easily sourced. While using wooden pallets as an outrigger pad may seem like a great idea, it has objective drawbacks that should sway you away from using them at your work site.
Wood is just not as structurally sound as a synthetic material. To make matters worse, wood is porous and can easily absorb water and chemicals. This can weaken the structural integrity of the wood causing it to break apart quickly and become unreliable. Another drawback of wood&#;s porous nature is, as water is absorbed, the wood becomes much heavier, while offering less safety. The heavier your outrigger pad is the more likely someone is to injure themselves placing it, and the less likely it is that the pad will be used at all.
Mytee Products sells the safest outrigger Pads constructed from High Density Polyethylene, an extremely strong yet lightweight synthetic material. Crane pads made from HDP can absorb thousands of pounds of force, while only weighing in at around 30 pounds for a 2×2&#; pad. It is waterproof and chemical resistant, so it won&#;t swell up with water and become heavier. Additionally, High Density Polyethylene will stand the test of time and hold its own against harsh elements. One High Density Polyethylene pad may be more expensive than a wooden one, but it will last significantly longer and is far safer.
As stated above, an outrigger pads purpose is to absorb the weight of heavy machinery and to give a stable surface for it to rest upon. They create a bigger footprint for machinery, stabilizing them more effectively than the ground. While a crane may seem stable on normal dirt, small changes can dangerously affect their structural integrity. For example, the dirt may buckle and shift under the weight of the machinery. Small movements at the base of a crane equate to huge, dangerous movements at its peak.
Wind may also cause the machinery to shift and tip over if not on solid ground. Now with outrigger pads, you won&#;t need to worry about these issues. Mytee Products&#; Outrigger Pads can withstand a whopping 35,000 lbs of force from a 45 degree load or up to 60,000 lbs with a fully vertical load. It has a crush rating of 200 PSI. This massive load distribution capacity comes in a lightweight, water and chemical resistant pad. It is a great investment for any work site where heavy machinery is used.
Don&#;t minimize the amount of safety on your job site by using a wooden outrigger pad or none at all. We want to use cranes and lifters as tools to get the job done, and not let their immense weight make them a safety liability. A Mytee Products&#; one of auto towing accessories High Density Polyethylene Outrigger Pad will maximize safety and profits at your job site. It will help ensure your heavy machinery is stable and safe. Don&#;t cut corners and use wooden pads that are unsafe and require constant replacement. Get more idea about the outrigger pads with this video:
An investment in high quality Outrigger Pads from Mytee Products is an investment in safety and your financial future.
Head over to myteeproducts.com or call 1-888-705- to purchase your High Density Polyethylene Outrigger Pads
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