This guide has been verified by our Engineering Compliance Team to align with current OSHA 1910.179 and ASME B30.2 standards. It was last reviewed for technical accuracy on July 31, 2019.
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Shock loading can occur in any situation where the load on the crane suddenly increases. The crane and accessories are designed to take up the weight of loads gradually and steadily. They are not designed to withstand sudden increases or decreases in the apparent weight of the load. Some examples of how shock loading can occur are shown below.
Why is it important to know about shock loading?
Operators and equipment owners should be aware of the causes and potential dangers of shock loading. Because the equipment is being used in a way that it is not designed for, shock loading can lead to damaging the equipment, the facility, or injuring personnel. Understanding the causes of shock loading will help to prepare operators to safely and accurately operate the equipment.
How can I avoid shock loading in my facility?
Skilled operators are a company's first defense against shock loading. Lifting and lowering should always be done in slow speed until all slack has been taken out of the wire rope and any below the hook devices. Additionally, operators should be aware of their surroundings, making sure that the load they are lifting is not likely to snag on other pieces of machinery or the building itself. When lifting or lowering the load, operators should be careful to make sure the load is not bouncing as they operate the hoist. Additionally, operators should ensure that their loads are secure and well balanced[1].
Beyond operator training and best practices, features such as the HoistMonitor® assist operators in preventing shock loads. The HoistMonitor ensures that starting and stopping is initiated in slow speed, which helps prevent a jumping motion of the load. Sudden load supervision, also a standard feature of the HoistMonitor, prevents the hoist from continuing the hoisting motion when a load increase is suddenly detected, like if the load snagged on another item.
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At R&M Materials Handling, Inc., our content is created to support end users and distributors with practical insights rooted in real-world applications. Each article is developed by the R&M Materials Handling team and shaped by the expertise of our engineers, product specialists and customer support professionals. Our goal is to answer common industry questions, share best practices and help readers get the most out of their lifting and materials handling systems.
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