Culture Archives - Bigfoot Crane Company

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Zone Control

Becoming Compliant with New Anti-Collision Regulations for Tower Cranes in BC

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Introduction

According to WorkSafeBC, as of March 2023, all tower cranes that work in proximity to another tower crane or to electrical power must be equipped with anti-collision/zoning systems. Due to the huge demand that these regulations are putting on the industry, there is a general understanding that the process of compliance will take weeks, months, and maybe even years for some companies. However, WorkSafeBC needs to see that companies are taking these new regulations seriously and taking the initiative to become compliant. As a leader in the BC tower crane industry, we offer comprehensive help to companies that need to become compliant with these new regulations. See below for a simple outline of the services that Bigfoot is providing.

First Step: Communication with the Manufacturer (OEM)

Once you determine that your company has a tower crane in need of compliance, you will need to acquire certain information from the crane’s manufacturer. As a free service, Bigfoot is currently offering to communicate with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of your crane to determine next steps in the process to compliance.

Second Step: Electrical Panel Inspection

The most important factor in determining whether your crane is ready for a new zone control system is the state of the electrical panel. For a flat fee, Bigfoot will perform a preliminary inspection of the panel in order to assess what the next steps would be. Once you book and pay for this service from Bigfoot, you will receive a certificate that can be shown to WorkSafeBC, assuring them that you have initiated the process and will be taking the necessary steps to become fully compliant. anti-collision panel engineering

Third Step: Numerous Options

There are several possible outcomes of the panel inspection, which will require more or less work. Regardless, Bigfoot is prepared and ready to help you navigate the procedure toward compliance that makes the most sense to you.

We provide any of the following services after the initial assessment:

  • Installation of an aftermarket zoning/anti-collision system
  • Providing a new interface for an aftermarket anti-collision/zoning system
  • Creating new electrical schematics to match OEM
  • Electrical engineer’s review and approval of new schematics

Conclusion

At Bigfoot Crane, we envision a successful and safe construction industry in BC with ample tower cranes working in full compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations. We understand that companies are facing challenges with the timeline, the process, and the cost. We’re here to help. Call us today and talk to an expert about the new anti-
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2024 CCRA Safety Award

Bigfoot Crane Company Awarded Safety Honor by Canadian Crane Rental Association

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Recognition for Excellence in Safety 

Bigfoot Crane Company Inc. is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious 2024 CCRA Safety Award from the Canadian Crane Rental Association (CCRA-ACLG). This recognition is awarded to companies that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to health and safety within their operations. Joining the ranks of fourteen other esteemed organizations in the CCRA-ACLG’s Safety Hall of Fame, this achievement underscores Bigfoot Crane Company’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and ensuring the well-being of its employees at all levels.

CCRA Award 2024

Commitment to Safety Leadership 

Safety leadership is not just about meeting standards; it’s about setting new ones. We are deeply committed to fostering a culture of safety that protects our team and sets an example for the industry. Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire staff, and especially our health and safety team. The CCRA-ACLG has encouraged Bigfoot Crane Company to continue its efforts in striving for excellence in safety practices. As part of its ongoing commitment, the Bigfoot Crane Company continuously works on enhancing its safety protocols and training programs, ensuring that every team member is equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to operate safely.

A Responsibility to Enhance Safety 

This recognition from the CCRA-ACLG is not just an award; it’s a reminder of the responsibility we carry every day. Safety is at the core of everything we do, and we remain dedicated to enhancing our safety culture in every possible way. Bigfoot Crane Company invites all its employees to share in the celebration of this significant achievement. It is through their diligent efforts and unwavering commitment to safety that Bigfoot Crane Company has earned this accolade. Bigfoot Crane Company also extends its gratitude to the CCRA-ACLG for recognizing its dedication to safety.

Continued Dedication to Workplace Safety 

We encourage other companies to make safety a priority, not only because it is essential for the protection of employees but because it is the right thing to do. Let’s all continue to work together to make our workplaces and sites safer for everyone. For more information about Bigfoot Crane Company, please visit bigfootcrane.com.

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Bigfoot’s Year in Review: Celebrating Growth, Retirements, and Community Spirit

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Bigfoot’s Year in Review: Celebrating Growth, Retirements, and Community Spirit” on Bigfoot Crane’s website reflects on the company’s significant accomplishments in 2023. It highlights their expansion and milestones, including the retirement of key team members and their active involvement in community projects. The post encapsulates a year marked by both growth and transition, emphasizing Bigfoot Crane’s commitment to maintaining strong community ties and delivering top-quality service in the construction industry.

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Bigfoot Crane Valentine's Day

Free Crane Valentine’s Day Cards

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This Year, You’re Our Valentine! Have you ever struggled to find crane-specific Valentine’s Day cards for your significant other? Or just to share with your friends? Well this year, Bigfoot wants to give back with a fun & free set of downloadable and printable valentines…

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Kid stealing a cookie from cookie jar

The Magnificent Seven Aspects of Integrity

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We decided to share this post for two reasons:

First, it’s thesaurus day! Never knew it was a day and we want to share the meaning and explanation of a word “integrity” (which is one of our Core Values at Bigfoot). Second, we found this amazing article by the Smart Company based in Australia. For us at Bigfoot…

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Women in Industry

Women In Industry: Part 2, Jen Mutas, Safety Officer

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We celebrate the women who have worked with Bigfoot and who have demonstrated a strong work ethic, great skills, and grit. On the right in the photo above is Safety Officer, Jen Mutas (In Part 1, we interviewed the woman on the left, Sandra Allard, Crane Technician). We sat down…

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The Rossland Rescue and Bigfoot’s Core Values

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“We had a concrete pour scheduled for Friday before the long weekend,” said Justin Tanguay, of DJM Contracting in Rossland, B.C., “but our crane was down.”

Justin and his team were well aware that concrete was in high demand at the time. So, rescheduling a pour could completely mess up project planning. “There was something wrong with the slew motor on our…

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Bigfoot construction employee delivering a recycling bag out of a closed road to the garbage pick-up truck.Photo courtesy of Sandra Allard

Bigfoot Gives Back Through Recycling

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 Bigfoot construction employtee delivering a recycling bag out of a closed road to the garbage pick-up truck.

When we say we support the community we live in, we mean it!

Since this North Vancouver street was closed for the mobilization of our San Marco SMT 460 unit, our lead technician James Fujita took the initiative to make sure recycling day wasn’t missed. Living out our values by taking care of our neighbours is Legendary Service, thank you James!

Photo credit: Bigfoot Technician, Sandra Allard

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Bigfoot Sign in Sign Post Forest

Bigfoot Sighted in the Sign Post Forest

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Bigfoot Sign in Sign Post Forest

Bigfoot is now proudly represented in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory (YT)’s Sign Post Forest. The landmark is located at Kilometer 980 of the Alaska Highway and has collected over 77,000 signs form around the world. The Sign Post Forest originated in 1942, when recovering U.S. soldier Carl K. Lindley was repairing the directional signs on the highway and decided to add one pointing to his hometown of Danville, Illinois. Since then, visitors from all over the world have brought signs that are significant to them to add to the forest, including our own Ralf Notheis.

When he’s not running Bigfoot’s Crane and Hoist Academy, Ralf is a motorcycle enthusiast. He’s done several solo long-distance trips, and last summer took his longest trip to date yet Tuktoyaktuk, YT, clocking in at about 10,000km. He brought one of Bigfoot’s signs with him to hang in the Sign Post Forest, so we sat down with him to hear more about his trip and what taking a Bigfoot sign means to him.

Ralf Notheis at Arctic Circle

Bigfoot’s Ralf Notheis in the Arctic Circle

  1. How long was the entire trip?
    I was gone for 13 days. The first few days I was riding pretty hard because I just wanted to get up to the Yukon, and then really take my time from there.
  2. What were the unique challenges of this trip? What made it interesting?
    The weather and the clay roads were definitely a challenge.  From Dawson City to Tuktoyaktuk is 1,000km of loose gravel and clay; it’s like riding on grease and many people on 2 wheels end up getting flown out from bad crashes. The Robert Campbell Highway from Watson Lake was also really challenging, and a lot of people told me not to do it. There’s only one place to fuel up on that road, but I had just enough gas to get to that station, fuel up, and keep going.I left equipped with a sensible plan and great gear that includes my BMW motorcycle. I was happy to finally drink the Sourtoe Cocktail in Dawson City, along with riding the Dempster Hwy to the Arctic Ocean, it’s been on my to-do list for a long time. If you don’t know what the Sourtoe Cocktail is, click here to learn about this true Candian tradition.

    Drinking the Sour Toe Cocktail in Dawson City

  3. Biking is a big passion of yours. How many trips like this have you taken by yourself?
    Tuktoyaktuk was for sure the longest one but I’ve been all over BC, Alberta and through the Western United States. I plan to be in Ushuaia, Argentina in 2023 for my 50th Birthday and ride home from there.
  4. How did you find out about the Sign Post Forest?
    I was researching the places I had planned on camping and stumbled across the story about it. Watson Lake, YT is not famous for too many things but the history of this landmark is pretty amazing.
  5. What made you want to put a sign up there?
    I think it’s great advertising since thousands of people visit this site annually from all over the world and I didn’t see even one other sign from a competitor.

    Ralf’s BMW bike with the Bigfoot sign safely packed

  6. Tell me about the sign you put up there. How big was it?
    It had about an 18 inch diameter and I was able to wrap it and tuck it between my luggage.  We’ve had this sign laying in the operations office since I started in 2015 so it was finally put to good use. I got there at night and camped nearby so I just walked over with the sign. It took me almost an hour to find a good spot for it but I’m really happy with where it is, I think it looks really cool.
  7. Why did you decide to take one of Bigfoot’s signs up there and not one from your hometown or an old motorcycle plate?
    The Bigfoot logo is way cooler and more personal to me than any other sign I can think of. Sure, I could have taken any other random sign up with me, but the Bigfoot branding just looks so cool! My only concern is that it’s so nice that someone will steal it!

Ralf Notheis in Tuktoyaktuk, YT

Ralf at his destination: Tuktoyaktuk, YT

The tenacity and dedication that Ralf needed to complete this trip to the Arctic Circle are the same values that drive Bigfoot’s Crane and Hoist Academy and have earned it awards across North America. Click here to discover how combining industry-leading practices with lived-out values make our academy the premier choice for crane and hoist operation training.

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Hand Signals For Tower Crane Operators

Tower Crane Hand Signals

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If you’re going to work with tower cranes, you better know your hand signals. Clear communication is essential for staying safe on the job site.

A crane operator should always use a signaler, and they should communicate according to the established code of signals. Hand signals are preferred and commonly used. In certain cases, a signaler may be required by law, especially if the operator’s view of the intended path of travel is obstructed in any way.

Here are six essential rules for crane operators and signalers:

  1. Only a qualified person can be a signaler. They must be trained to give hand signals to a crane operator.
  2. Only one designated signaler should be assigned for each crane operation. If one signaler ever needs to be replaced by another, the one in charge should wear a clearly visible badge of authority. There should never be two active signalers.
  3. The crane signaler must be in clear view of the crane operator.
  4. The crane signaler must have a clear view of the load.
  5. The crane operator and signaler must both keep other persons outside of the crane operating area and never direct a load over a person.
  6. A crane operator must obey STOP signals no matter who gives it.

Importantly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that anyone designated as a signal person must meet certain qualifications and be evaluated by a qualified individual. These regulations, in addition to a commitment to standardized signals, have helped reshape the landscape of crane safety, with crane-related deaths falling to their lowest recorded level in 2017 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Below, we have a visual guide to basic crane hand signals, including a few signals that are particular to telescopic, crawler and tower cranes. In any case, crane hand signals are an essential part of operating a crane, whether using a small carry deck crane or a larger all-terrain crane. These basic signals are even used with the largest cranes in the world. Some crane rentals also include operators and a signal person in the cost.

Download our new “Tower Crane Hand Signals” chart here: Bigfoot Hand Signals

 

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