Before you think about hiring a crane, you will need to ensure you fully understand all aspects of the hire – including who is liable in the event of any accidents. A crane can potentially be very dangerous. Generally, a crane hire company will also send a crane operator/supervisor who will be responsible for all aspects of the crane’s use, meaning you won’t be liable if something goes wrong, but it is important to be sure. The hire company should be insured for loss or damage of the crane equipment in an accident, however, unless the operator was negligent, damage to your property may not be covered – check this when hiring.
Be certain that you read all small print as generally you will be required to ensure that the ground is stable and suitable for a crane, and that all information about what you are lifting, and where you are lifting it to is correct – the provided crane operator will not perform any lifts which he deems unsafe or too much of a risk to either the public or the crane hire equipment.
Any lift with a crane comes with its risks, ensure you have planned out the lift in the best possible way to ensure that the lift(s) go without any issues or unnecessary risks – if you identify any potential risks, either resolve them, try to find another alternative method to perform the lift, or in the worst case, ensure you are insured against any damage or loss caused by the lift.
Ensure there is good access to your site for the crane, as many crane hire contracts will state that you are responsible for the crane and related equipment once it leaves the main road and joins part of your site, whether that be your access road or the building site itself.
You should plan well in advance and do a full risk assesment on all aspects of the lifts you need completed, and be sure to follow all of the latest guidelines and standards. If you’re hiring from a reputable company such as ldncranehire.co.uk they will be able to advise you on the latest standards and guidelines and provide relevant advice where required. Remember, if you do not adhere to the required standards then the crane hire operator is highly unlikely to carry out the lift for you.
Be sure to make enquiries if you’re unsure about the type of crane required, the crane hire company won’t be liable if you order the wrong equipment to the site, and you will likely still have to pay at least part of the fee.
A good hire company will be able to assess your needs and advise on the best machine for your requirements if you give them detailed information over the phone, otherwise it may be worth having an on-site survey performed – it’s better to pay a little extra to get the right machinery, than pay out for something which will not suit your needs.