3 Tips to Remember When You First Operate an Overhead Crane
Overhead cranes are essential for lifting heavy items in warehouses. However, if you have not operated this kind of crane before, there are some things to keep in mind. Use the following tips to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Remember to Inspect the Crane before Every Use
It is important to inspect the overhead crane on a daily basis in order to prevent any injuries or accidents. Check the rope to make sure it is not damaged in any way, and ensure that the rope is in its track and untangled. Look at the metal components of the crane to make sure that there are no signs of rust or corrosion.
Avoid Doing Side Pulls
Overhead cranes work best when you lift a load straight up and bring it down straight as well. However, you may be tempted to pull from the side when you're only picking up one or two pieces from an adjoining bay or when you just aren't paying that much attention. That can be a mistake.
Side pulling may put extra pressure on the rope you're lifting the load with; the rope might move out of its track and rub against the drum, causing it to fray. Not only that, but lifting sideways might even cause the bridge beam to fail because there is too much pressure from lifting at the wrong angle.
To avoid these problems, stick with vertical lifts.
Stay Aware of Load Limits
Overloading an overhead crane can lead to a number of problems. For one thing, if you overload the crane, the bridge beam may buckle and come crashing down on the work area below. That can be very dangerous for any employees in the area. The load itself can also suffer damage, which can lead to a delay in production and the spending of a lot of money to replace the items.
That is why it is so important to know and respect load limits. The information should be etched into the crane itself, but if you are unaware of the load limits for the crane you're using, contact the manufacturer. To make sure that the load you are lifting doesn't exceed the limit, you might consider keeping an industrial scale in the work area to weigh the load before attempting a lift.
Now that you understand some of the things to keep in mind while working with overhead cranes, remember the tips in this article. Doing so will allow you to operate the crane properly and remain safe while on your work site. To rent equipment for a project, look for crane rental in Springfield, Il.