subject: Overhead Crane Safety Precautions [print this page] Cranes are used to lift heavy loads from many years. Cranes has made the construction work and transportation work easy to perform. Cranes are able to lift loads weighing tons, and move them from one place to another. According to the requirement of the different kinds of work various types of cranes were introduced in market for some specific requirement. Some these types are overhead cranes, truck mounted crane, side lift crane, crawler crane, tower crane, jib crane, etc. These cranes are categorized in three: fixed cranes, mobile crane and overhead crane. The efficiency, capacity and applications of each crane is different.
Overhead cranes are mostly used in manufacturing and transportation companies. Overhead cranes in manufacturing and production companies are used to move tons of heavy loads. The use of overhead cranes in many cases can be out of sight. All the workers who work are going to work around the crane should be trained on crane hazards and its operations. The most important thing is to remember the safety issues near the crane.
The crane operator controls the movement of the crane. The operator of the crane should be well trained and certified to operate. The operator should know how to inspect the crane for any possible error or any fault in the parts of the crane. The cranes equipped with audible warning devices are more safer. The workers around the crane need to know the warning signal of the crane so that they can act accordingly.
Many crane accident happens due to the lifting loads which are above the limits of the cranes. The crane operators often try to lift heavy loads which are slightly more than the limits of the crane, which must be avoided. The operator should know the limits of the crane to lift and move loads. While moving the loads the path for the crane must be cleared, for the safety of others. It also provides a clear view to the operator and operator can easily choose the path. The loads which exceeds the limit of the crane must be avoided in any case.
Operators must be familiar with the crane and never be operated without the equipped safety features. Operating overhead crane requires and emergency response preparedness. Power failure, mechanical failure or any electrical failure are some common situations, these situations can be easily handled with a proper planning.
The best way to avoid the accidents caused by overhead cranes or any other type of crane is to take all the necessary precautions. Checking for faults or errors and training workers for such possible accidents can minimize the damage.
