Tragedy struck the Port Authority of Guam recently when a worker was killed in a crane-related accident, according to a report by the US Department of Labor. It thrust crane safety into the limelight and spurred the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to urge companies to recheck their safety measure compliance.
Fortunately, there are several devices to improve crane safety, helping with calculating optimal boom angles for load-lifting and preventing loads from swaying in high winds. If you’re keen to know more about the types and uses of important crane safety equipment, read on!
1.Anti-Two Block Alarms
Anti-two block alarms (also known as wireless a2b devices) are among the most important types of crane safety equipment. They’re linked to sensors that detect whether the ball at the end of a boom is too close to the boom tip. If the proximity is closer than a pre-determined limit, crane operators and site staff are notified through an audible alarm.
As the name suggests, anti-two-block alarms prevent two-blocking situations that arise from the ball at the end of the boom hitting the tip. Without wireless a2b devices, the ball would collide with the tip and send dangerous shockwaves through the crane. In other words, these devices protect crane operators from getting injured in the cockpit and ensure other staff members aren’t damaged in the event a load falls.
2.Load Moment Indicators
Load moment indicators (LMIs) provide live updates of the various forces acting on cranes and the loads they’re carrying. Crane operators use this information to comply with safety regulations like lifting no more than the maximum weight the crane is designed for depending on factors like the boom and line length.
A crane LMI consists of multiple sensors that measure things like the extension length of the boom (for telescope cranes), the angle of the boom, the radius of the boom, the weight of the load being lifted, and the capacity of the crane at that radius. If these measurements exceed safety regulations, the crane operator is notified immediately so that appropriate adjustments can be made.
3.Wind Speed Indicators
Wind speed indicators (also known as crane anemometers) measure wind speed and in some cases wind direction. They’re a vital piece of crane safety equipment because they help crane operators understand the effect of wind speeds on load stability.
Here’s an example by the American National Standards Institute to illustrate the importance of wind speed indicators: Suppose you’re operating a crane under wind speeds of 12 miles an hour. If the wind speed doubles, you’ll feel a load resistance four times as high. If you don’t have a wireless crane anemometer installed, this excess resistance might cause the load to fall and seriously injure someone.
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta is One of the Leading Suppliers of Rayco Wylie Crane Safety Equipment in the Country
Looking for top-of-the-line crane safety devices to take your operations to the next level? It’s time to get in touch with our team at Crane Warning Systems Atlanta.
We’ve supplied wind speed indicators, wireless a2b devices, load moment indicators, and more to countless clients for over 20 years. We also offer current and old manuals, troubleshooting services, and wiring diagrams for all our devices through our 24/7 support team.
Drop us a message on our website now or dial 770-888-8083 to request a quote for your desired crane safety equipment, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.