Crane Terminology- 10 Industrial Crane Terms That You Should Know

Introduction

Cranes have made our lives a lot easier, especially people involved in the construction, design and automotive business. With the help of these, the heavy loads can be lifted with ease and efficiency. Lifting and handling different sorts of materials or machinery requires the use of lifting and handling equipment like cranes. In any factory or plant, the cranes are considered as an asset. The cranes are used to lift heavy weights or machines to make the work easier. It saves time and proves to be productive for the workplace. Lifting and handling such heavy things cannot be done by the workforce or employees present in the factory. For such purposes, the cranes are required, which makes the work easier. It also prevents injuries or accidents and the employees feel more secure. Injuries to the employees will lower the efficiency of the work and ruin the working environment.

It, therefore, becomes inevitable to know about some crane terminologies related to different industrial crane so that safety can be ensured at the workplace. It is essential for the employer and the employees to be well aware of the crane terms that are connected with the operation of cranes so that they have enough knowledge about the working of the cranes and thus ensure efficiency at the workplace and safety is maintained during crane operations.

Crane Terminology- 10 Most Common Industrial Crane Terms

Let’s understand some industrial crane terminologies to make your work convenient and hassle-free.

1. Counterweights- Counterweights prevent tipping of the crane. It helps in maintaining a balance of the weight being carried out by the crane. It is generally attached with a stick and automatically balances the weight of the lifted load. It helps in lifting the load with efficiency, saves energy and counterbalances the weight of the load taken up by the crane.
2. Boom- Boom is that part of the crane that is just like an arm of the crane. It helps in holding the load and adjusts the load by bringing it closer or away from the crane by lowering or raising the boom. It is like a telescopic and fixed arm used to move objects.
3. Load block- It refers to the collection of all the accessories of the crane-like hook, swivel, bearing, pins and frames, sheaves connected by the hoisting ropes. 
4. Lift- Lift is the maximum distance from the floor that can be safely moved by the hook or magnet.
5. Wheelbase- It is the distance from centre to centre wheels.
6. Signaller- It is one of the personnel’s present on the worksite that helps the operator of the crane by showing him the obstructions by signalling using specific signals. He communicates with the operator through certain signs and gestures used in the crane industry.
7. Slings- Slings are like the support system of the crane. They support the hook to hold heavy loads. They are made of different materials like wire rope, chain rope and synthetic material.
8. Explosion Proof crane- It prevents any kind of electric explosion or harm from electrical ignition. The crane is designed with such electrical components that prevent any blast from the elements. 
9. Critical load- This refers to the load which if moved or handled without proper care and instructions can cause risk to the safety of the crane system. It requires the feature of single failure proof in order to fix any possible failure without disturbing the rest of the load.
10. Outrigger- This provides the feature of stability to the crane by increasing the footprint of the crane so that the level of the crane can be maintained while operating. The organisation should not forget to leave space for outriggers whenever planning to install or hire a crane.

Conclusion

It is vital to ensure the safety of the workers at the workplace. Especially in such industries which use heavy lifting equipment like cranes. The more the information, the better it is to handle the crane. Apart from the crane terminology, the workers should also be educated about the standard crane hand signals to ensure maximum safety. Therefore, it is essential to have good knowledge of the industrial crane terms so that the functioning And operation of the cranes can be understood in a better way.