Safety Tips to Observe When Transporting Heavy Construction Equipment
Construction projects require the use of heavy machinery and equipment that aid in loading and offloading materials, moving earth, digging foundations, and other tasks that cannot be carried out by human labor. These machinery and equipment have to be transported from the rental company to the site and from one part of the site to the other. The process of transporting heavy equipment is not an easy one, and it can lead to accidents and property damage if not planned correctly. This article will address some of the safety issues that should be observed when preparing for the transportation of heavy construction equipment.
Get the right transport vehicles
Equipment such as forklifts, excavators, crawler loaders, scrapers, motor graders, and others cannot be driven on roads – they have to be towed to the construction site. In this case, you have to get the right towing vehicle for the task. When choosing a transport truck, you need to pay attention to its size, weight limits, and configuration. For example, the type of truck used to transport a forklift may not be suitable for towing an excavator due to the size differences. Get the right truck or trailer for the task. Ensure that it can accommodate the weight of the equipment without posing safety concerns as well.
Beware of overhead clearance
Special care should be taken when transporting heavy equipment along roads with footbridges, flyovers, and other overhead structures. Some machinery such as forklifts, excavators, and concrete pumps have long booms and forks that can cause damage to overhead structures during transportation. With this in mind, you should ensure that there is adequate overhead clearance during transport. If you are unsure, choose a route that does not have overhead features or get the accurate height measurements from the local council before proceeding with the tow.
Get an experienced driver
Transporting heavy machinery is not the same as driving your SUV or saloon car. Towing requires special care, adhering to certain speed limits, slowing down around corners, engaging the right gears on sloping roads, and so on. Long trailers have particular requirements when negotiating corners to ensure that the flatbed doesn't veer off the road. Get a driver who is experienced in towing machinery and driving trailers and trucks. Remember, if an accident occurs, you may be partly liable for the damages that result from it.
Safety is paramount in all construction projects, and it begins from the moment you hire heavy equipment and machinery. Make sure that workers and operators are educated on how to operate and work around the equipment to avoid injuries and accidents on the site.
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