They’re some of a construction company’s most dependable workers. They help move and lift heavy loads, tear down buildings, and shift heavy objects around. A construction business couldn’t imagine doing business without these “workers” – their cranes – but they could become enemies if not cared for properly.
Research shows that nearly 300 crane-related fatalities occurred between 2011 and 2017. That’s more than 40 yearly. Crane deaths and injuries may happen due to unsafe crane operation or defective machines.
How can companies operate overhead cranes properly? Let’s explore how to use and maintain an overhead bridge crane safely.
Operation Tips For Overhead Cranes
Inspect a crane’s wire rope, lifting hook, and brake before using the machine. Hire a mechanic to address any abnormalities right away.
Suppose a machine appears to be in excellent condition. Encourage staff members to use signal commands when communicating with the crane operator from the ground.
Workers should extend their arms with their palms down and swing their arms to tell the crane operator to stop due to an emergency. Their arms should touch their chest and then go to their sides. Workers should use just one arm to perform these motions to indicate a regular stop.
Does a crane operator need to turn down the equipment’s power supply? Make sure no one is around.
An individual may become electrocuted if they touch the crane’s power supply. The crane’s load might also swing or fall when the equipment loses power, posing a risk of injury to anyone below.
Never leave the crane’s power supply on when performing machine maintenance (more on care next). Post a sign in the area indicating that maintenance is being performed. This will warn others to steer clear of the maintenance area to avoid electrocution or being struck by the crane’s load.
Add corners to the parts of a crane where chains or ropes pass through. This will protect the chains and ropes from damage, friction, and abrasion, extending their life.
Maintenance Tips For Overhead Cranes
An overhead crane might become misaligned after being used for an extended period. This might cause the equipment to lean, placing extra tension on it.
Consult a reliable crane repair company as soon as possible if a crane looks or feels misaligned. Misalignment may lead to excessive wear on the machine’s components, including the brakes, motors, gears, and wheels. The crane may fail, derail, or collapse if not fixed.
Ensure each crane’s hook is in good condition daily. It shouldn’t feature any bends or cracks since it lifts heavy loads.
Inspecting connections and chains in the crane hoist is another crucial maintenance step. The hoist lowers and lifts bulky or heavy loads using a wheel or drum with a wire rope or chain. Hoists should last for years but might need replacing if they develop rust, damage, or wear over time.
How We Can Help With Crane Parts
Operating overhead cranes safely requires using proper hand signals and not turning down the machine’s power supply when people are nearby. Examining cranes’ hooks and hoists as part of a company’s regular maintenance process can help ensure they’re in excellent condition.
Kor-Pak is a leading overhead crane supplier. We’re passionate about keeping cranes running with our overhead crane parts from brands like Stromag and Johnson. Request a free quote today!