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. Johnson Crane Hire leverages its extensive 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 inspection followed by a more intensive on-site visit by Johnson Crane Hire’s technical heavy lift team to verify measurements and dimensions. Once the details are acquired, a CAD rigging study, in 2D or 3D, is undertaken. A 3D rendering provides us with the capacity to view different angles, thus allowing us obtain the correct perspective of the site. It also ensures that we are able to immediately see any obstructions with the boom and the load, which are not always visible on the 2D drawings,” Yaman explains.

A well-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 obstruction. “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 physical 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 common practice, 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 undertaken. This confirms the entire lift process and forms part of Johnson Crane Hire’s operating parameters, in line with good corporate governance and safety file compliance. “Johnson Crane Hire has extensive experience 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 associated 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 comprehensive mixture of technological 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 serviced by the oems. Suppliers like Liebherr provide technical backup and complement the maintenance offering available at each branch from our mobile service technicians. Liebherr maintains 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 operators 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 Crane Hire has not been complacent in its position as the crane hire of choice. We continue to deliver on our promises to clients to provide them with a safe, carefully planned heavy lift,” Yaman concludes.