If your next project will require the use of overhead cranes, you'll need to take steps to protect your crew. Overhead cranes require additional safety measures, especially during operation. That's because the cranes will be moving along a system of tracks that are suspended in the air. That means you'll have heady equipment moving over your ground-level workspace throughout the day. Here are four tips that will help you ensure the safety of your crew when using overhead cranes.
Insist on Daily Inspections
If you're going to be using overhead cranes, it's crucial that you conduct daily inspections on your equipment. You may think that you can limit your inspections to the days when your overhead cranes will be in use, but that's not the case. For maximum protection, you'll need to inspect your cranes each and every day, regardless of use. Pay close attention to the fasteners that are holding the track system in place, as well as to the hoists. Any problems should be addressed immediately.
Clear the Overhead Space
When working with overhead cranes, it's important to remember that they'll need plenty of unobstructed space. Any obstructions could cause your overhead crane to collapse. Not only that, but the hoists could get caught on the obstructions, causing your load to fall to the ground below. To avoid those potentially deadly accidents, be sure to clear the overhead space prior to operating your crane.
Adhere to Weight Restrictions
When it comes to operating your overhead crane, you'll need to adhere to specific weight restrictions. There are limits to the amount of weight that your overhead cranes can carry with each load. Trying to overload your cranes to speed up the process could have catastrophic results. To avoid accidents and injuries, maintain proper weight restrictions throughout the operation of your overhead crane.
Avoid Unnecessary Distractions
While your crane is in operation, heavy loads will be moving through the air, suspended on tracks that span the distance between each side of your worksite. Because of that, it's important that you avoid unnecessary distractions on the worksite. One way to reduce distractions is to prohibit the use of headphones and musical devices during work hours. This way, your workers will be able to hear when the crane is in operation. Your workers will need to be able to hear when it's time to clear the area; which is every time the crane is moving along the tracks.