When you are using any heavy machinery, you need to take safety into account. Fortunately, there are a number of tips that you can use which will help ensure that you operate a 15-ton bridge crane safely. Of course, it is important to note that there are other safety tips that you might need depending on how you are going to use the crane.
Regular Maintenance
The key to safe crane operation is to have the crane regularly maintained. Load testing maintenance will also ensure that you know how many pounds the crane can safely hoist. Completing these maintenance tests will also ensure that your crane stays in good condition.
The regularity of the maintenance will vary depending on the amount of use and the loads you are moving. If you are frequently moving heavy loads, you will need to have your crane looked at more often. This is due to the fact that cranes have a number of moving parts that will wear and this wear will be faster when the crane is used often.
Ensure Attachments Are Secured Properly
One of the leading causes of accidents with overhead lifting equipment is the improper securing of attachments. If the attachments are not secured properly, the loads could slip or tip until they are off balance. This will cause the load to crash to the floor and this can cause major injuries.
If the crane hoist has a hook latch, you need to ensure that this is always completely closed before you start moving the load. The attachments will also need to be the correct size and sit securely in the hook saddle before any loads are moved. If this is not the case, the attachments could become disconnected and this will cause a lot of problems.
Ensure The Load Is Clear Of Obstructions
Bridge cranes will move the load overhead which increases the danger of use. Once the load has been hoisted, you need to check that there is nothing clinging to the underside of the load. If there are any objects which have become attached, they will add weight to the load and could cause an obstruction.
You also need to ensure that the loads are always hoisted high enough to clear any obstructions. If the load is not high enough, the obstruction will be knocked down and this could cause injury. If you cannot lift the load any higher, you will need to move the obstructions out of the path of the load.
Educate Your Employees
One of the best ways to ensure safety when a 15-ton bridge crane is used is to ensure that your employees have been correctly trained and educated. It is not only the employees who handle the crane that need to be educated. Any employee that will be around the crane should be made aware of the risks.
It is also important that you have procedures in place which ensure employee safety. These procedures should be part of any induction for new employees and you need to have refresher training with your other employees as well.