By understanding and evaluating the equipment and the ground, crane operators can effectively choose the most effective and safest combination of outrigger pads, cribbing blocks and mats.
access routes, work areas and laydown zones are not properly established, site conditions may not provide the consistency or support required for equipment to perform as intended.
Site access is fundamental in crane operations, supported by industry standards that call for adequate ground conditions and supporting materials to safely support equipment. The challenge is not recognizing the need, it’ s determining how to match the right solution to the equipment, the ground conditions and how the site will be used.
Site Access
The terms ground protection and site access are often used interchangeably when it comes to mats, but they serve different purposes:
• Ground protection mats are typically used to minimize surface damage when working in established residential and commercial sites. They are usually smaller, lighter and deployed by hand.
• Site access mats are used to create a stable temporary roadway and / or
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