June 2013
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
60
The successful execution of a
heavy lift is based on a number
of core elements. According
to Peter Yaman, general
manager of Johnson Crane
Hire’s Heavy Lift Division, the
basis of a safe lifting operation
is determined by careful,
systematic planning.
equipment
JOHNSON CRANE HIRE
leverages its ex-
tensive experience in the lifting industry
and provides clients with access to the
largest crane fleet in South Africa,
operated by a strategically trained team of
skilled crane operators.
Planning
Proactive planning and a clear pre-emptive
understanding of the nature of the lift, the
risks involved, and any limitations is critical
to the success of a heavy lift.
“The planning begins with a site inspec-
tion followed by amore intensive on-site visit
by Johnson Crane Hire’s technical heavy lift
team to verify measurements and dimen-
sions. Once the details are acquired, a CAD
rigging study, in 2D or 3D, is undertaken.
A 3D rendering provides us with the capac-
ity to view different angles, thus allowing us
obtain the correct perspective of the site.
It also ensures that we are able to immedi-
ately see any obstructions with the boomand
the load, which are not always visible on the
2D drawings,”Yaman explains.
Awell-executed drawing also enables the
team to determine whether a crane will fit
within the confines of the site and whether
the crane’s tail swing is clear of any obstruc-
tion.“We are able to ascertain these factors by
adding all the lifting tackle, slings and other
ancillary equipment into the drawing.We are
then able to check that the boom length and
hook height are sufficient and that the physi-
cal dimensions of the unit do not impact the
surrounding plant,”Yaman continues.
By interpolating all of this important
information prior to the lift, Johnson Crane
Hire is able to select the crane best suited
to the application. The next step involves
determination of the required load bearing
capacity. This information is relayed to the
client who can then ensure that the site is
prepared to accommodate the high loadings
generated by cranes.
Safety
Safety underpins every action undertaken
by the Johnson Crane Hire team.“The nature
of our operational environment, with lifts of
high tonnage being commonpractice, means
that we ascribe to the highest levels of health
and safety,”says Yaman.
Once the rigging study is completed, a
method statement and risk assessment is un-
dertaken.This confirms the entire lift process
and forms part of Johnson Crane Hire’s oper-
ating parameters, in linewith good corporate
governance and safety file compliance.
“Johnson Crane Hire has extensive expe-
rience in a myriad different lifts undertaken
in varying circumstances. This allows us to
assess any potential risk associated with the
lifting operation. Much of the risk is associ-
ated with moving the crane into its required
position for the lift and assembling it in this
position on site,”explains Yaman.
Superior fleet
Over the years Johnson Crane Hire has built
up an extensive fleet of cranes of varying
capacities. “Flexibility and availability of
cranes is important to our clients. Similarly,
because we do not compromise on safety or
quality, our fleet is continually upgraded to
provide a comprehensivemixture of techno-
logical offerings,”says Yaman.
A well-equipped workshop manned by
a mechanical team with strong technical
knowledge of cranes guarantees a well-
maintained fleet. “Our larger cranes are
Key factors for successful heavy lifts
serviced by the oems. Suppliers like Liebherr
provide technical backup and complement
the maintenance offering available at each
branch from our mobile service technicians.
Liebherrmaintains an extensive stockholding
of the necessary consumables required to
keep our large cranes in excellent condition,”
adds Yaman.
Skilled, trained operators
Potential crane operators receive a solid
grounding at the company’s training school
in Vanderbijlpark.
“Because we have a large pool of opera-
tors to choose from, we insist that each of
our operators is certified and permitted to
only operate specific crane models on which
they have been trained and certified. This
ensures that the operator is fully versed on
the complete operation of his specific crane,”
says Yaman.
“Based on the size of our fleet and its
utilisation in terms of the number of lifts done
in the last year we have increased our market
penetration. This is a clear indication that
Johnson CraneHire has not been complacent
in its position as the crane hire of choice. We
continue to deliver on our promises to clients
to provide themwith a safe, carefully planned
heavy lift,”Yaman concludes.
●
LEFT:
Proactive planning by Johnson Crane Hire ensures the success of all lifts.
RIGHT:
Johnson Crane Hire has extensive experience
in a myriad of different lifts undertaken in varying circumstances.
Johnson Crane Hire is able to select the most
appropriate crane for each lifting application due
to its fleet size.
