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In a fabrication or assembly facility, there can be a host of material handling that occurs during the general nature of work. The delivery of steel plate, beam, tubing and other raw materials or equipment is often performed in a variety of ways.
Typically a forklift or tele handler will move material from a storage yard or building into a fabrication bay. The material often needs to be sorted for initial fit-up and assembly.
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Coordinating Multiple Cranes Safely
In fast-moving shop environments, having two cranes in operation, commonly called “dueling cranes,” can boost efficiency but also increase risk. Safe coordination requires the following strategies:
- Clear communication protocols. Ensure operators use standardized signals and radio procedures when working in each other’s zones.
- Defined lift zones. Create mapped overlap areas and movement buffers to reduce collision risk during overlapping operations.
- Synchronized lift planning. For shared loads or adjacent lifts, crews should sequence operations to avoid path interference.
- Dedicated spotters or supervisors. Assign a lookout to monitor crane trajectories, especially when swing paths cross.
Best Practices for Crew Alignment
Before any dueling crane activity, hold a joint briefing that covers loads, movement direction, and emergency stop plans. This builds mutual awareness and can prevent missteps. Recording and reviewing real-life near misses also helps crews learn collaboratively.
Why This Matters
With proper planning, dueling cranes can double output without doubling the danger. By integrating communication, site planning, and team awareness, you can maintain productivity while enhancing safety. These practices help create a culture of shared responsibility across operators and rigging teams.
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