Overhead traveling cranes like those from American Equipment Inc can bring a high-level of productivity to any site. They can swiftly transport heavy loads from one location to another faster and more efficiently than humans ever could. However, they do come with their fair share of dangers. Avoiding these problems is best accomplished by establishing a load checking procedure. A load checking procedure is a process that should be completed prior to the transport of each load.

Material Falling

Materials falling off of a crane poses a significant safety threat. This incident could lead to injuries or fatalities. This type of issue can be avoided by ensuring that all loads are properly secured. The load securing portion of your checking procedure should outline and detail a process by which all loads must be cleared before they are transported.

Requiring that load ties be doubled checked and inspecting the hoist for signs of malfunction are just a couple of the steps to include on this part of the list. It's best to have this procedure printed and posted near the crane loading site to ensure that each team member is adhering to it.

Excessively Heavy Loads

All overhead traveling cranes are designed with a load capacity. Transporting a load that exceeds this recommended weight limit could cause the load to swing or, in extreme cases, it could actually cause the entire load to drop from the crane and fall below. Make certain that a weight check is part of your load checking procedure.

Create a system that requires the weight limit to be checked at least two times. For instance, require that the weight be verified when the load is being scheduled for transport. Later, require that the weight of the load be verified after it's secured on the crane, but before it is transported. If the weight is higher than the limit, require that the load be adjusted accordingly.

Electrical Dangers

Another issue to consider when using an overhead traveling crane is the threat of the crane coming in contact with a power source. If the crane were to come in contact with a power source, such as a high-voltage line, not only is the crane operator at risk of electrocution, but any other people in the vicinity, as well.

Ensure that you are inspecting for any electrical hazards as part of your load checking procedure. Even if you are operating the crane in an area where you have used it before, it's important that the area be cleared of electrical hazards before each operation.

A load checking procedure can help keep all members of the team safe. Do your part to ensure safety in the workplace.