Whether you are the operator of an overhead crane system, or someone that is in charge of its installation, you need to learn as much as you can about the system itself. Part of that training will be related to safety, and by understanding what needs to be done in case of emergencies, operators can protect themselves when incidents occur. In the same way, those that are installing these systems need to be aware of how dangerous it is working with all of the components of these enormous systems. Let’s go over a few of the most important safety aspects that must be understood, and the procedures that must be examined, when either installing or utilizing these systems.
How Overhead Cranes Work
To understand why having knowledge of lifting crane systems is so important, you must first have a basic understanding of why they can be dangerous. This is primarily due to how they are constructed, and the amount of weight that they are responsible for moving. For example, when a top running overhead crane is being installed, rails need to be mounted. This is typically attached to a runway beam. Whether it is attached to existing columns, or ones are specifically made for this apparatus, this all needs to be properly welded together. The same is true for under running, single girder, and double girder overhead cranes, and is definitely true for gantry cranes which can lift so much more weight. They work by simply using the hoist to lift the objects that will be moved, sliding a crossed the crane bridge from one location to another. If any of this is not constructed properly, it is possible that it could collapse, particularly if too much weight is being lifted at one time. Those that are operators, as well as workers that are at the facility, need to know the safety procedures to follow when things go wrong.
Understanding How It Operates
From the perspective of the operator, they need to know how the entire crane system works. It’s not enough to understand the controls. For example, if you have accidentally lifted too much weight, you need to know that the system could be compromised, and could cause not only damage at the facility but injuries. If the crane does not stop in time, and if the operator is in line with the moving material, this could be a resulting crash that could cause injuries. The operator needs to know how to deal with this type of situation, not only protecting themselves, but warning others of what is happening.
It is only by understanding how overhead cranes work, how they are put together, and how they are utilized from the operator’s booth, that you can prepare for accidents that may occur. Although it is rare accidents to occur regularly, you only need one to happen in order to be harmed in some way. All workers should understand how it is put together, and what actions to take if problems do arise. This will help keep everyone safe in case of emergencies, all because people learned a little more about overhead cranes that they are working around on a daily basis.
