Crane Operator Safety

Date: 11/11/2021

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Operator Safety: Daily Checks

Operators are required to make daily checks to ensure their hoist is safe to operate. Catching problems early minimizes down time and potential accidents. Proper operation and maintenance are imperative to overall safety, and before operating any equipment, the authorized personnel should know all the controls. It is the responsibility of the operator to read and understand product instruction manuals. Operating products under poor or abnormal conditions can cause injury or damage to the equipment.

 

Carrying out these simple checks every day before use will ensure that the product is in good condition and ready to operate.

 

  • Check the Environment
    • Are there hazards in the operating environment? Is there machinery obstructing safe movement of the crane? Take time to assess your environment before operating the equipment, and remove hazards and obstructions when possible.
  • Oil Leaks
    • Check whether there are any oil leaks from the product and make repairs where necessary.
  • Damage to Equipment
    • Look for rope damage, such as broken wires or strands.
    • The ropes should sit in their proper grooves in the rope drum, and the reeving and shouldn’t be twisted.
    • Inspect the hook for significant nicks, gouges or stretch.
    • Test the safety latch and make sure the hook’s rotation is smooth. Ensure the hook safety latch is in good condition and closes automatically.
  • Safety Precautions
    • Ensure that safety guards are in place and warning signs are displayed with full visibility.
  • Maintenance and Lock Out / Tag Out
    • Make sure the product is not currently under maintenance work.
    • Check that the product is not locked out or tagged out.
  • Emergency Stop Test
    • Before operation, press the emergency stop button to ensure it is functioning properly.
    • While the emergency stop button is engaged, turn on the main power isolation switch and ensure that the equipment does not move in any direction when the directional controls are used. Test hoist trolley, and bridge motions.
    • With the emergency stop button still engaged, check that each button on the pendant or radio controller works smoothly and without sticking.
  • Control Check
    • Release the emergency stop button and turn on the product.
    • Check that all warning signals are working correctly.
    • Make sure all movements correspond to the controller labels and move at correct speeds.
    • Test brake functionality in all directions. The brake will engage automatically. For motions with inverter controls, the inverter will automatically accelerate or decelerate the crane before the brake engages to reduce load swing and brake wear. Do not use the emergency stop button for braking in non-emergency situations.
    • Check that the rotary limit switch activates when the hook is raised upward. Do not use the hoisting limits as a method for braking in the up and down directions.
    • If your crane is equipped with travel limits for trolley and/or bridge motions, check that the limit switch activates when the crane or trolley travel past the limit spot.

 

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For more inspection instructions and safety tips, reference your Owner’s Manuals and General Safety Instructions included with your order.