Personal attitude is perhaps the greatest factor affecting safe crane operations. Regulations and policies abound, but attitude underlies the choices we make on a regular basis.

Montana Crane Service is dedicated to establishing and adhering to practices which ensure safe job sites and safe crane related operations.  We accomplish this by employing highly experienced operators, utilizing modern equipment, and actively participating in safety and accident prevention programs.  Our operators and equipment meet or exceed industry and government requirements and standards.

In addition to our in house safety training and programs, our operators and riggers have up to date safety training from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These programs not only address crane related operations, but include valuable training in First Aid and CPR.

Even with all of the safety training and accident prevention practices, the hazards associated with construction and industry still exist.  We have listed a few tips you should keep in mind prior to scheduling a lift, and during the lift, to help minimize the risk of accidents.  Our operators are very safety conscious, however, they are human and they can overlook things.  If you see a safety concern, please bring it to their attention, also call our office and let us know!

Safe Crane Access to the Jobsite

• Make sure there is enough room onsite to maneuver and set up the crane as well as position the loads
• Ensure access roads are firm and wide enough for a crane
• If traffic or parking may be an issue, arrange traffic control ahead of time to avoid incidents and delays
• If cranes must drive down tight passages ensure there is a spotter available to advise of side and overhead obstacles
• Keep in mind that cranes can damage sidewalks and landscaping by crossing and setting up on them

Montana Crane Service will evaluate most job sites at no charge to the customer and will size the crane and suggest site modifications as required. We also have the equipment and personnel to prepare the site for the crane.

Crane Set-up for Safety

• Cranes should always be setup on Firm and Level ground, notify us if you have concerns about the ground conditions and we can take the necessary precautions
• Follow the proper set back distance from shoring, excavations, trenches, underground utilities and foundations
• Avoid setting up on poorly compacted soil
• Ensure cranes are not to be setup under the minimum power line setbacks – 10’ for lines up to 50,000 volts, then add one additional foot for every 30,000 volts or less
• Provide for adequate space for crane footprint and tail swing (minimum of 2' clearance to all obstacles)
• Any lifting over public street or sidewalk requires closure of area to public and traffic

Montana Crane Service has the equipment and training to handle most traffic control requirements.

Rigging Requirements

• Evaluate rigging requirements based on load and let us know ahead of time
• Let us know if slings will contact sharp edges
• Let us know if spreader bars will be required
• Know the weight of the load and the center of gravity of load prior to rigging

• Inspect all rigging - nylon straps, steel slings and shackles.  Notify the operator if you have any questions or concerns.
• Ensure any lifting eyes to be used are not damaged and adequate for the weight of the load.
• Double check all attachments and rigging once load has been applied by the crane, before the load is suspended
• Check balance and rigging by suspending the load a few inches

Lift Planning and Execution

• Know the weight of load, wall heights, and reaches prior to scheduling a crane
• Any critical lift (more than 85% of the crane’s load chart) requires a pre-lift meeting and a dry run prior to lifting the load
• Never walk or reach under a suspended load!
• Use tag lines to control rotational movement of the load
• Know the standard Crane Operator Hand Signals

Montana Crane Service can complete sophisticated lift plans to minimize the risk of accidents and delays, also to satisfy any company regulations.