Overhead cranes are important equipment for lifting materials during construction. If you run a construction company, an overhead crane is among the machinery that you will have to facilitate the construction activities. When overhead cranes are installed and operated correctly, they result in safer and easier operations. However, to achieve this, you need to prevent risks and disasters associated with the crane operations so that you find solutions to the disaster. Falling materials are among the major concerns of overhead crane activities. It is important for workers to work in a safe environment. Therefore, to prevent hazards from falling materials, here are a few measures you can consider implementing.
Careful Operation of the Crane and Hoist
The only way to ensure that the cranes are operated carefully is to have qualified and well trained personnel to manage and handle the hoist. Cranes that are moved too quickly, or the hoist jerked when it is bearing heavy loads, can be dangerous to the workers nearby or the crane operators. You can offer employee training to enable them develop their skills in hoist operation.
Daily Crane Inspections
Daily crane inspections can help identify possible mechanical issues that may arise. For instance, one of the major causes of accidents related to hoists and overhead cranes is improper load or sling securing. When the sling or load that is holding the load is secured improperly, the materials can easily slip out and fall to the ground. Mechanical issues can also lead to malfunction in the machinery, causing it to drop heavy loads without warning.
Protective Gear and Equipment
Get your workers protective gear, including eye, head, foot, and hand protection. Ensure safety by making it possible for all the workers to easily identify their surroundings. To achieve this, consider installing as many warning signs (such as "hoist danger" signs) as possible around the working site to inform the workers that they are working below a hoist. You can also ensure that construction sites are marked to allow different groups of workers to operate in specified locations.
Regular Hoist Maintenance
Regular load testing maintenance of the hoists ensures that the amount of weight that the hoist can handle is determined. Regular maintenance will also ensure that the crane as well as the hoist remains in a good working condition to prevent serious injuries in the event that a moving part of the overhead crane breaks the hoist.
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