Introduction

All industries, whether large or small, require lifting equipment (mostly cranes) to lift their heavy loads. Now the overhead crane failure must be handled with proper care and training because unlike the usual vehicle, they are huge and not just yours but a lot of other people’s life rests on their efficient handling. Now, it would seem obvious that people handle a crane well but the statistics suggest otherwise. According to the labour statistics, it is estimated that around 44 people were injured and blown to death almost every year between 2011 and 2015 due to overhead crane failures.

It is, therefore, necessary to understand the hazards that are caused by overhead cranes and what measures and guidelines can be adopted to ensure the safety by overhead cranes and avoid failure.

Reasons behind overhead crane failure

Let’s discuss some failures and risks attached to overhead cranes, to begin with.

Some Common reasons behind overhead crane failure

• One of the most common hazards that takes place is the crane overload. This is caused due to putting excessive load on the crane than it’s defined capacity. This will cause severe damage not only to the machinery but also hamper the lives of the people.
• Another common hazard is the risk of falling materials. The reasons may be varied like mishandling by the crane operator, mechanical failure, slippage, etc. but any of this will lead to accidents and injuries which might be fatal for the workers.
• Another common hazard that takes place is an electrical failure. Most of the accidents take place due to the metal surface coming in contact with the electricity, which causes a threat to the workers working in that area and leads to other injuries as well.
• Another risk involved is the use of secondary and primary brakes. In case of power failure, the cranes have primary and secondary brakes. If the brakes fail, then it might lead to severe injuries and accidents.

With so many risks and hazards attached to an overhead crane, it is essential that preventive measures be taken to prevent overhead crane failures and ensure the safety of the workers at the workplace. Let’s now discuss certain overhead crane operation safety tips to reduce the risk of overhead crane failure.

Prevention of overhead crane failure

• It is important that the cranes should be inspected thoroughly by the technicians in compliance with CMAA Specifications. Excellent quality and standard equipments must be used for inspection. It should also be observed that cranes should not be overloaded or exceed their capacity. Therefore checks must be done at regular intervals and adequate tracking of the issues and problems that might be encountered be done.
• It is important to consider the environment while designing the crane for your industry. The environment plays a significant role. Factors like heat, chemicals, steam, dust, humidity or moisture can lead to rusting of the metal parts of the cranes. So, it is important to take into account such factors to enhance the life of the cranes.
• Taking note of and complying with the instructions given by the manufacturer and supplier of the cranes is also mandatory. The service suggestions given by the manufacturer will help in maintaining the crane for the long term.
• Proper training should be provided to the operators and personnel. The operators should be given formal training in their field. They should be given adequate information about the crane terminology and parts of the crane, ; it’s uses and risks associated with it. They should understand the functioning of the cranes and tell about the maintenance procedure of the cranes. They should also be taught about the common hand signals used while operating cranes. Training them with necessary skills of electricity handling, wiring and machinery practices is also important. A well equipped and trained staff will prevent crane failure and injuries or accidents related to it.
• Also, it must be ensured that the employees stay active and alert while lifting the weights. Using necessary hand signals, warning lights, and radios will ensure that proper instructions are followed and understood by the employees. Also, it is essential that the workers are communicative and attentive while handling the cranes. This will prevent any kind of mishandling or accident.
• It should also be seen who will manage the pre-job safety planning when the crane arrives on- site. It should also be ensured that the employees are wearing proper attire like PPE kit, foot and eye protectant yo avoid any mishappening.

Conclusion

Investing in overhead crane is an important decision for a firm as it involves a hefty amount that will be paid. But at the same time, it increases productivity and efficiency at the workplace while ensuring the safety of the employees. Adhering to the safety measures and knowing about all the possible hazards will help you in taking the right decision the next time when you plan to invest in such lifting equipment. Not only will this help with the preliminary checks but will also prevent any major overhead crane failure.