Avoiding Common Mistakes With Industrial Equipment

Hazards do exist when you are using all types of cranes and in all aspects of crane operation. That is why safety should always be your number-one priority when you are operating cranes for your industrial applications. A significant number of companies in the construction and manufacturing fields use overhead cranes to lift and move heavy objects and materials.

Here is a look at a couple of safety risks that you should watch out for when you are using overhead cranes as your primary material-handling equipment.

Excessive loading

Overhead cranes come in different capacities depending on the material-handling requirements of your application. A considerable number of cases involving crane failure can be linked to overloading. When the rated capacity of an overhead crane is exceeded, the equipment is exposed to structural stresses that may result in permanent damage and cause work-related accidents.

Avoiding hoisting a load that is beyond the rated capacity of your crane as that will lead to overloading. If the hoist equipment on your overhead cranes does not have an overload detection mechanism that can provide protection against lifting that is in excess of the rated capacity of the equipment, you should never use the crane to lift a load before checking its weight.

Electrical accidents

Most movable components (including the boom and hoist equipment) of overhead cranes are made up of metal material. If these components happen to come into contact with a high-voltage external power source, they will lead to electrocution. Typically, the individual who gets shocked with electricity is touching the crane by the time it comes into contact with the power source. The risk of electrocution is, however, not just limited to the equipment operator; it can extend to all persons within the facility.

Electrical hazards can occur because of poor safety planning. You should make sure that adequate preventative measures have been taken before delivering any cranes to a work station. For example, areas with power lines should be marked as danger zones and crane operators should be made aware so that they can maintain a safe speed and distance when working near a power source.

Dropping loads

Another hazard that can arise when you are using an overhead crane is loads falling due to poor securement. If the load is not properly secured to the hook or sling on the hoist carrying the load, the content can slip out and hurt those on the ground below. Aside from ensuring that all loads are properly secured, make sure overhead hoist is in good shape and won't fall off when it is lifting loads.

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