When you pass a large construction job on the side of the road, you probably notice the heavy construction equipment and all of the workers. You might also notice the part of the road closed off and the detour that is suggested. You are unlikely to notice all of the additional construction parts that are necessary to the completion of the job. These parts are also necessary for safety of both the construction workers and the residents passing by. These additional tools might include things like crane pads, crane outrigger pads, and steel crane mats. These items require special care and proper maintenance.

The purpose of crane pads

Before you can fully understand the importance of crane pads, you first need to understand the purpose of them. Construction equipment is very heavy and large and can weight multiple tons of pounds. The land that the equipment is stored on cannot be controlled, meaning it can be bumpy, unsecure, or not even. All of these factors can make it dangerous to use the larger construction equipment on.

The ground mats, either made of crane mats or steel outrigger pads flatten the ground and provide a smooth surface that is safer. ASME states that outrigger blocker or cribbing must have sufficient strength to prevent crushing, bending, or shear failure. It also needs to be of such thickness, width, and length as to completely support the float, transmit the load to the supporting surface, and prevent shifting, toppling, or excessive settlement under the load (ASME B30.5, 2011).

Proper cleaning of crane pads

Because outrigger pads and crane pads are so important for safety reasons, they need to be regularly and properly cleaned. If they are not properly cleaned, stored debris and dirt can uneven the crane pads, taking away the needed flat surface. Over time, the crane pads tend to get very dirty, especially when used in construction purposes. The crane pads should be cleaned daily, removing any excess debris from around the construction equipment. As the entire job is moved to another location, all of the outrigger pads and crane pads should be thoroughly cleaned and replaced, if needed.

Maintenance of crane pads

Crane pads and outrigger pads also require regular maintenance. Although the cost of crane pads is nowhere near that of repair of a heavy piece of construction equipment, they can also be expensive to replace. They are made of higher grade materials for optimal safety and may require repairs from time to time. In the U.S., OSHA states that cranes must be assembled on ground that is firm, drained, and graded sufficiently, in conjunction with supporting materials, such as blocking, cribbing, pads, mads, to provide adequate support and levelness (OSHA 1926.1402). Without proper maintenance of crane pads, the construction equipment will not follow set standards by OSHA.

Alternate uses for outrigger pads

The most common use of outrigger and crane pads is in the construction industry. However, they may also be used in other industries and for other household purposes. Recreational travel often involves travel with a heavier than average item, recreational vehicles. Another commonality is that travelers with an RV cannot control the land they camp on. They may have little in choice and may require an object, such as crane mats, to level the land for proper storage of their RV.

Today?s typical RV owner is 48 years old, married, with an annual household income of $62,000, higher than the median for all households, according to the Michigan study. RV owners are likely to own their homes and spend disposable income on traveling, an average of three weeks annually, Recreational Vehicle Industry Association research shows. These types of travelers are also more likely to protect their RV investment, something that crane pads are important for.

Construction jobs require a lot of different materials and accessories. Some of these accessories are for functionality, whereas others are for safety. Some, like crane pads, are for both. Crane pads provide level ground conditions to properly place heavier construction equipment on. They need to be properly cleaned and maintained for safe use. They may also be used in other industries, such as in camping.