Understanding how you should use cranes as well as how not to use them is critical to safety. Myths surround overload, daily inspections, side pull, and limit switches in the workplace. Read on to learn more about each of these myths and learn the importance of paying attention to overhead crane safety.
1.Overload
Myth: You never have to worry about overloading of the crane since the manufacturer has built in a huge safety margin into the crane design.
Reality: This is probably one of the most dangerous myths surrounding crane operation. Even though some cranes have a built-in safety factor, it simply is not true for the entire crane system. In addition, the crane is usually attached to a building without the same safety structures.
Guarantee the safety of your workplace by ensuring that you never overload your cranes. This is the only way you can ensure that no nasty incident ever happens.
2.Side Pull
Myth: So long as the hoist has ample rope, you can pull a small piece of steel out of the adjoining bay with no problems especially if you are picking up a piece well below capacity.
Reality: This is another common mistake associated with overhead crane operation. Cranes and hoists are designed for only lifting objects and loads straight up and lowering them straight down.
Using equipment in the right way is the only way to ensure that you never witness any unwanted incidents. Therefore, only use the crane in the prescribed manner.
3.Upper Limit Switch
Myth: When you require lift, you require all the height you can get, therefore you need to lift until you hit the upper limit switch.
Reality: While this might seem like common sense, it is simply wrong. The upper limit switch is for ensuring that the hook assembly doesn’t collide with the drum. It is thus a safety device rather than an operational one. If you experience failure of the upper limit switch, the drum, and hook block will collide and the wire will most likely fail thereby dropping the load.
Avoid using the upper limit switch in ways it was not intended and you will be safe.
4.Daily Inspections
Myth: The crane was in perfect working order yesterday so it should be in working today too.
Reality: Daily inspection is probably one of the most overlooked rules of crane operation. While OSHA demands it, few companies comply. Inspection does not even require maintenance personnel, just some common sense. The inspection should take the operator about a minute at the start of every work shift.
In conclusion, the four myths discussed in this article represent only a tiny fraction of all the issues involved in crane safety. However, the four comprise the overwhelming majority of all crane breakdowns and accidents. To ensure that your workplace remains safe for all and that your equipment does not fail constantly, it is important for everyone in the workplace to understand these four topics. Chances are that you will not witness any nasty accidents and incidents. Ellsen Company, a famous crane supplier in China, provides types of cranes with safety protection devices. For more choices, you can visit http://ellsenoverheadcrane.com/.