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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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Mastering the Craft: Elevate Your Career with Level 1 Rigging Certification

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Gain essential skills with Bigfoot Crane Academy’s Level 1 Rigging Certification, blending classroom theory with practical training for a safe, skilled career in rigging.

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Your Essential Guide to Overhead Crane Safety

Overhead crane safety is crucial to prevent accidents. Key practices include avoiding overloading, daily inspections, and adhering to safety guidelines.

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Enhancing Crane Operations A Comprehensive Guide to Crane Underhook Accessories for Safety and Efficiency

Enhancing Crane Operations: A Comprehensive Guide to Crane Underhook Accessories for Safety and Efficiency

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Explore how underhook accessories enhance crane safety and efficiency. Discover Bigfoot Crane’s robust and advanced lifting solutions.

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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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Liebherr 81 K.1 Ready For Service

Bigfoot Just Got Twin Liebherr 81 K.1 Self Erecting Tower Cranes

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We are pleased to announce the addition of two new cranes to our fleet! Bigfoot has just acquired two of Liebherr’s 81 K.1 Fast-Erect self-erecting tower cranes. These cranes have been carefully selected to meet the growing demand of the mid-rise building…

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Civil Rigging: Rigging Hitches - Choosing the Best Hitch for Your Lead

Rigging Hitches: Choosing the Best Hitch For Your Load | Civil Rigging

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Civil Rigging: Rigging Hitches - Choosing the Best Hitch for Your Lead

Riggers need to be aware of various types of hitches, so that they can determine which configuration is best for the particular load they are lifting.

The four main categories of hitches are:

  1. Vertical hitch
  2. Bridle hitch
  3. Basket hitch
  4. Choker hitch

According to Ralf Notheis, Manager of Bigfoot Crane Academy, choosing the best hitch for a load is about ensuring stability. “When it comes to lifting loose material, long material, or anything else that’s difficult to balance,” says Notheis, “the rigger needs to be able to decide the best hitch to keep that load intact and secure.”

Within each category of hitches, there are variations that provide flexibility regarding the size and shape of the load. For example, certain hitches include multiple slings, which can be configured to maximize stability and minimize slipping or tilting.

For certain loads, especially those with loose bundles of objects such as pipes, particular hitches are required. Riggers need to know these requirements, so that they can quickly and confidently determine what hitch is needed in any given situation.

In cases when riggers are actively using multiple slings to lift loads, it is also very important to secure all unused sling legs when changing hitch configurations.

In Bigfoot’s Civil Rigging Course, riggers become familiar with the various types of hitches, and they are given practice in choosing the best configuration in a variety of scenarios.

The goal of Bigfoot’s training is to help riggers work safely and efficiently. Rigging hitches is just one of the many areas that riggers are educated about, so that they can bring confidence and professionalism to their job sites.

To learn more about how to choose the best hitches for your loads, enroll in our Civil Rigging Course by clicking the button below.

 

Sign Up Now

 

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Civil Rigging: Inspecting your Rigging - Checking Equipment with Confidence

Inspecting Your Rigging: Checking Equipment with Confidence | Civil Rigging

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Inspecting Civil Rigging – Keys to Safety

Inspecting Civil Rigging: Inspecting your Rigging - Checking Equipment with Confidence

Inspecting civil rigging should be something every rigger nows how to do. They also need to be able to check their equipment with confidence to determine whether it is safe and ready to use or it is unsafe and in need of removal.

According to Ralf Notheis, Manager of Bigfoot Crane Academy, there are basic standards for every piece of equipment that riggers use on a regular basis. “It’s essential for riggers to know the rejection criteria for hooks, shackles, and slings,” says Notheis. “If they don’t, then they’re putting themselves and others at risk of using damaged and dangerous rigging equipment.”

Most rigging hardware comes with the manufacturer’s name and specifications on it and should not be used if this information cannot be found or if the condition of the hardware does not meet the specifications. There are dependable ways to check for wear, cracks, corrosion, and deformation, so that unreliable equipment can be discarded.

In Bigfoot’s Civil Rigging Course, every rigger is taught how to identify not only if their equipment meets the basic standards of use, but also if it’s being used in the proper way. “Using the right hardware incorrectly,” says Notheis, “is as dangerous as using damaged equipment.”

An educated and equipped rigger is able to spot sling angles and hook connections that are incorrect. They are also able to identify makeshift fitting when they see it, so they can either avoid its use or determine whether it has been certified by a professional engineer.

Once again, the point of Bigfoot’s training is to keep riggers safe on the job. Defective equipment is the most common cause of accident and injury when performing lifts. However, using the right hardware in the right way makes rigging safe and efficient.

To learn more about inspecting civil rigging with confidence, enroll in our Civil Rigging Course by clicking the button below.

 

Sign Up Now

 

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Civil Rigging: Centre of Gravity - Balancing Loads Properly

Centre of Gravity: Balancing Loads Properly | Civil Rigging

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After a rigger determines the weight of a load, the next critical step in planning a safe and successful lift is determining the centre of gravity (COG). If the COG is not directly below the hook, the result will be an unstable…

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Civil Rigging: Determining Weight: The Key to a Safe and Successful Lift

Determining Weight: The Key to a Safe and Successful Lift | Civil Rigging

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Determining Weight for Civil Rigging

Civil Rigging: Determining Weight: The Key to a Safe and Successful Lift

One of the rigger’s most important tasks is determining weight for civil rigging, specifically the weight of the load. This is the first critical step in planning a successful and safe lift.

Do you know the three basic ways that riggers determine weight?

According to Ralf Notheis, Manager of Bigfoot Crane Academy, only the third way requires math skills. “Sometimes the weight of loads is already supplied to the rigger,” says Notheis, “either marked on the load itself or in the paperwork, such as blueprints, spec sheets, or manuals.”

However, every rigger must have the skill to measure a load by simple math, whether in cubic feet (Ft3), square feet (Ft2), or linear feet (Lf).

Of course, different materials, such as concrete, steel, or wood, are weighted differently and must be calculated accordingly.

Calculating the weight of unique objects such as concrete pipes provides a unique challenge, which emphasizes that the well trained rigger must be fluent in the necessary equations.

As with all civil rigging training, the emphasis is on being practical and staying safe. Everything a rigger needs to learn about determining weight is provided in a way that makes sense on the job. The trainers help to create a good environment for learning so that the rigger can grow in confidence and be ready for the challenges of their work.

To learn more about how determining weight for civil rigging, so that you can confidently lift them, enroll in our Civil Rigging Course by clicking the button below.

 

Sign Up Now

 

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