My Life Monday What do you know about overhead crane safety? Overhead crane safety may not be relevant to all staff but dont you think it would be interesting to learn how equipment can be dangerous and harmful, if not operated carefully. Overhead cranes are found indoors to help move objects across the room, warehouse or vertically to a certain height. This might sound simple and you probably think that anyone can operate an overhead crane. But there is a lot more to it….

An overhead crane operators job is very important. The operator should be well trained, because he or she is responsible for any unsafe acts or accidents that might occur at the workplace. Who is responsible? An experienced operator, like myself: is capable of reducing the movements required in transferring a huge load. ensures that the crane is properly lubricated and maintained. will not exceed the cranes limitations. can easily identity the hazards and avoid any risks associated during operations. follows procedures and uses a safety checklist before operations. What kind of accidents could take place? Overhead crane accidents are commonly due to incorrect slinging procedures and unsafe lifting attachments.

Before operating an overhead crane…....what is the first and most important procedure? Take a few minutes to think about your answer and then click the mouse to find out if your answer is right…. The first and most important procedure is a pre-operation safety inspection, which checks if the crane and all working parts operate properly. A pre-job inspection should be carried out at the beginning of every shift. While inspecting the machinery, the operator should make sure that the area is free from hazards, materials, equipment and personnel.

Make sure all status lights are working and fused bulbs are replaced with new ones. Good housekeeping is required in order to operate a crane. Check if materials and objects are safely secured and does not obstruct crane operations. Make sure that all warning sounds are working and are loud enough to be heard by all co-workers in the area. To achieve maximum efficiency, the crane must be lubricated on a regular basis. Check the bridge, trolley and hoist. These components should be able to start and stop smoothly. Test the hoist limit switch. Remember this should be used during an emergency and not as a regular means of stopping the hoist. Closely examine all slings, wire ropes, load blocks and hooks, as well as other lifting devices that could be worn out or damaged. Make sure that a fire extinguisher is ready for use. What does the safety inspection include?

Respond to signals from an appointed personnel… Here are the standard signals Respond to signals from an appointed personnel… Here are the standard signals Hoist with forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up and move hand in small horizontal circles. Lower with arm extended downward, forefinger pointing down. Move hand in small horizontal circles Move slowly-use one hand to give any motion signals and place the other hand without moving it in front of the hand in motion

Here are the standard signals Stop-Arm extended, palm down and move arm back and forth. Trolley travel-Palm up, fingers closed, thumb pointing in direction of motion and jerk hand horizontally. Emergency stop- Arm extended, palms down, Move hand right and left rapidly.

General safety rules Do not attempt to lift loads beyond the specified capacity. Do not lift loads from an angle. Make sure the cable and hook is straight before lifting the load. Centre the load before hoisting, to avoid swinging motion. Do not operate the crane if the switches dont work and the cables are slightly defected. Follow signals from trained personnel, except when you are requested to stop operations. Make sure that nothing obstructs the movement of the load. Ensure that nothing links or catches on the load while lifting. Always place the load onto the ground before elevation. Do not pass the load over workers. Do not leave suspended loads unattended. Do not reverse the motor until movement has been stopped completely. Reversing a motor during movements is only permitted in an emergency or to avoid an accident.