| Cranes are undeniably helpful in the workplace. | | | | raised and lowered. This changes the "Boom |
| They can lift enormous amounts of weight and | | | | Angle". Special emphasis on the setup of Boom |
| make jobs quicker and more efficient. However, | | | | Cranes can greatly reduce accidents. The most |
| because of their enormous power they are also | | | | important thing about a Boom Crane is that it is |
| extremely dangerous. If a load drops there is | | | | level or it could cause severe structural damage |
| almost no way to stop it or warn other workers | | | | and even tip over. Many Boom Cranes have |
| to get out of the say. The resulting damage can | | | | outriggers (legs that extend and keep it level). |
| result in serious injury and even death. 90% of | | | | Make sure they are on solid ground and keep the |
| crane accidents involve human error, so the | | | | crane absolutely level. A bubble level on the base |
| proper preparation and training is crucial. By | | | | of the boom is a simple procedure to make sure |
| learning how to work Cranes safety, possible | | | | the crane is level. When setting up a lift with a |
| accidents can be greatly avoided. | | | | Boom Crane always use a load chart so you |
| Before operating a crane workers need to take | | | | know the weight capacities for all the lifting angles. |
| note of the Crane's characteristics including the | | | | Every Boom Crane has its own load chart. One |
| Crane's weight, is the Host Rope rated for the | | | | copy is attached to the crane and one copy is |
| load, is the load getting attached correctly? | | | | held by the supervisor. |
| Knowing this basic information gets the worker | | | | Jib Cranes such as a Wall Crane or a |
| prepared to operate the crane safely. | | | | Hammerhead Crane share many characteristics |
| There are many types of cranes but industrial | | | | with Boom Cranes. They also have an arm which |
| cranes are the most powerful and dangerous | | | | suspends the hoist Rope, Block and Hook. Jib |
| type of crane and the mental aspects of | | | | Cranes have an arm which suspends the Hoist |
| operating a crane cannot be ignored. 90% of | | | | Rope, Block and Hook. However, unlike most |
| Crane-related accidents are caused by human | | | | Boom Cranes, a Jib Crane can not be adjusted |
| error so the right attitude, hard work and basic | | | | for angle if it is locked in a horizontal position. |
| knowledge are essential. An accident could kill you | | | | Before starting a Jib Crane lift, inspect the Crane |
| or someone else, so the serious nature of | | | | for bent supports or misalignment. Make sure that |
| mentally preparing yourself cannot be overstated. | | | | you know the range of motion of the Jib Arm. Be |
| Most accidents that occur are caused by poor | | | | sure that you know where the Emergency Stop |
| judgment, lack of attention or overconfidence. | | | | Button and the Overload Indicators are located. |
| Run down a mental checklist before you begin. | | | | The third major type of Crane is the "Overhead |
| Ask yourself is you are physically and mentally | | | | Crane". An Overhead Crane, such as a Gantry |
| prepared to work with the machine. If you are | | | | Crane, carries its load along a bridge. It is attached |
| taking medication ask your doctor or pharmacist | | | | to a building's walls, or to supports running up |
| if it could affect your performance. Also, ask | | | | from the ground. Before using an Overhead |
| yourself if you are emotional prepared. Are you | | | | Crane, make sure that the "End Stops" and |
| angry, upset and more prone to make hasty | | | | "Bumpers" are secure and functioning properly. |
| decisions? | | | | These devices prevent the Crane from running |
| Being prepared also involves wearing protective | | | | off the end of its rails and reduce the impact |
| clothing and equipment including steel-toed safety | | | | when a Crane reaches its End Stops. You should |
| shoes, a hard hat and safety glasses to help | | | | also test the "Trolley" (the moving portion of the |
| protect against falling objects. A tucked in, long | | | | Crane). Make sure that it can travel the full |
| sleeve shirt is also essential. | | | | distance of the bridge without problems. Try the |
| Once you are physically and mentally ready for | | | | brakes to be sure that they work as well. |
| the job you need to inspect the Crane and the | | | | On any crane, the weight capacity limits should be |
| area where you will be working. Look for small | | | | checked before using and you should be aware of |
| leaks, clear the space away around the crane so | | | | the safety devices that all cranes have. There are |
| that nothing is in the way and check the crane | | | | two kinds of devices -general Safety Devices and |
| itself. Test the fluid levels, controls and brakes | | | | operational safety devices. General devices include |
| while listening for unusual noises. Also, it's very | | | | bells and warning lights. Operational Safety |
| important to check the Limit Switches that cut | | | | Devices monitor and control the handling capacity |
| off power at the end of a crane's range of | | | | of the Crane and include overload Indicators, |
| motion and the hook to make sure it's in perfect | | | | emergency stop buttons and limit switches. |
| working order and right for the job. | | | | Now you are ready to rig the load. |
| There are three basic categories of cranes and | | | | Being completely prepared mentally, physically and |
| each has its own characteristics. | | | | emotionally to operate a crane is essential. Before |
| Boom Cranes such as Tower Cranes and Truck | | | | you are ready to rig the load there are a number |
| Cranes are the most complicated and require | | | | of steps that need to be undertaken. Do you |
| rigorous training and qualification before using | | | | take these steps lightly - your own safety and |
| them. Boom Cranes have an arm which can be | | | | the safety of your co-workers depend on it. |