Overhead Cranes
An overhead crane is a valuable asset to the metal fabrication industry. They are capable of hoisting and transporting heavy or large tools, equipment and material throughout the shop. Overhead cranes have three main axes of directional travel: hoist, trolley and bridge. Prior to use, operators must familiarize themselves with the function of each crane. Each employee must also be trained in the hazards associated with the crane, proper set up and rigging prior to use.
Pre-Operation Check
Always wear proper eye protection (ANSI rated safety glasses with side shields or goggles).
Check to make sure the work area and travel pathways are free of hazards and obstructions (i.e. poor lighting/debris present/slippery surfaces, trip hazards, tools...).
Wear snug-fitting hand and arm protection when handling rough or sharp-edged stock.
Inspect for the following items on the crane daily or before use:
o Control Devices/Functions
o Brakes
o Hook
o Hook Latch
o Wire Rope
o Sheaves/Reeving
o Limit Switches
o Oil Leakage
o Unusual Sounds
o Warning/Safety Labels
o Exposed Electrical
o Loose Parts
o Any Obvious Damage
Do not use the crane and notify your supervisor immediately if any issues exist.
Familiarize yourself with the crane (i.e., capacity, controls, operating modes, motions, drift, hand signals...).
Read and obey all Danger, Warning, Caution, and Operating Instructions.
Select the proper size rigging and inspect it for damage before use.
Operational Safety Rules
Give the work your undivided attention.
Keep fingers, hands, arms, and all body parts away from moving material or machines. Position your body at an adequate distance from the material and control the crane using the pendant.
When operating the crane, the material should be moved smoothly and gradually. Avoid abrupt and jerky movements.
Center the crane over the load before hoisting to avoid swinging of the load.
Gradually remove any slack from the rigging while hoisting.
Wire ropes should be maintained in a vertical fashion. Cranes are not designed for side-loading or side-lifting.
Never lower the block to the point where less than two full wraps of rope remain on the hoist drum.
Prior to making a lift, notify everyone in the immediate area and remove them if necessary.
Never make lifts beyond the rated capacity of the crane or rigging.
Do not operate the crane if the limit switches are not functioning.
Check the load and see if it is hoisted to a sufficient height to ensure clearance of other objects when moving the bridge or trolley.
Never hoist a load over coworkers or bystanders.
Never leave a suspended load unattended.
Remove the rigging from the crane hook when not in use.
Never bypass any safety devices of the crane (i.e., limit switches, bumpers...)
Make sure that all controls are in the NEUTRAL position and the load is stopped before movement.
Never reverse a motor while in motion. Always come to a complete stop prior to changing direction.
When leaving the crane, the operator should
o Remove the load from the hook;
o Raise the hook to an intermediate position;
o Place the crane in a designated location; and
o Place the controls in the OFF position.