Overhead and tower cranes are the go-to types of machinery for countless manufacturing and construction companies looking to lift and transport heavy and fragile materials. Undoubtedly, they make operations a lot easier and convenient for various industries.
However, their satisfactory performance relies on adequate installation and deployment of crane safety systems. While unreliable lifting methods lead to fatalities, project delays, and property damage, they also increase the risks of crane accidents. In fact, the number of crane accidents in 2003 escalated by 58.3% due to increased negligence during operations.
Therefore, workers and crane operators must recognize specific hazards and make wise choices to monitor crane safety, and follow the crucial safety procedure to avoid such dangers.
Here are three ways to get started.
Safe Speed Maintenance near Power Lines
OSHA states that 50% of crane accidents result from the crane’s collision with an electricity source during lifting procedures. If any metal part of the crane accidentally touches a high-voltage power line, it results in a sudden electric shock, leading to death or severe injuries.
Power line contact is common when cranes are operational with moving materials or under power lines. When the boom tip or hoist line inadvertently touches the power supply, it ultimately electrocutes the whole machine, the person operating it, and everyone else in the vicinity.
According to the OSHA Reduction Act, all overhead crane operators must take necessary precautions when working near power lines. It applies to all crane operators working at a 10-foot radius or closer to the power lines. Maintaining a safe speed under energized lines and wearing protective attire is crucial to ensure safety during operations.
Avoid Crane Upsets
Research by OSHA indicates that exceeding a crane’s load weight capacity has led to around 80% of structural failures during lifting processes. Overloading a crane with excessive amounts of heavy materials can cause severe damage to the crane’s structure. As a result, it can swing or drop the load due to its defective components.
A crane’s hoist can’t hold a load beyond capacity. Therefore, all operators must go over the crane load limits before making a lift.
Moreover, formal training for all crane operators is necessary, especially if they intend to lift materials weighing more than 2000 pounds. OSHA strictly prohibits unqualified employees from operating cranes without certification.
Proper Load Security
While crane accidents significantly endanger a crane’s integrity, falling materials are also a concern when using overhead cranes. Negligence, blind spots, lack of signaling, slipping, overloading, two-blocking, and operator incompetency lead to severe property damage if materials are not adequately secured.
OSHA mandates operators to make pre-lift crane and load shackle inspections to ensure that the shackle’s pins are correctly tightened, and the objects can’t slip out, tip, or crash into the ground below.
You can now ensure optimum crane safety by buying the load shackles and other crane safety systems like load indicator and overload systems from us at Crane Warning Systems Atlanta. We’re a leading distributor of RaycoWylie products in America, offering a broad range of crane safety supplies across the country. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about Wind Speed Indicator!