Using Machinery the Right Way

Posted on: 28 April 2015

If you need to move heavy items on a construction or building site, the obvious solution is to use an overhead crane, whenever possible. Because it can safely move large amounts of weight, it is only logical that updating and maintaining the new units periodically will be necessary. Fortunately, updates have occurred in recent years that have provided new options for the hoist that your overhead crane needs to function properly. With the right hoist that is properly installed, everyone in the immediate area is less likely to be injured if an accident were to occur with the crane.

Stability Requirements Of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers For Cranes

There are many different types of cranes in use today and each type will often present with different safety guidelines. For instance, a crawler crane is used to move heavy items, as most cranes are. However, it can do so on very soft ground, very hard ground and everything in between.

The crawler crane is only safe to use if the stability-limited load does not exceed 75%, while in comparison, the limit for a mobile crane cannot be more than 85%. In either case, exceeding those limits is dangerous and could result in injury or death to people in the immediate area. Those numbers are significant due to the unique construction of the hoist, as seen below.  Load testing and daily inspections of the crane and its hoist by specially trained staff members is crucial.

Load testing of smaller weights can be done several times a year, with the heavy load testing done at least twice annually.

Understanding the Hoist

Essentially, a hoist is only as useful and sturdy as the hoist that connects to it. Otherwise, you would be stuck with large numbers of workers risking injury because they would be attempting to lift exceptionally heavy weights all day.

Because the hoist connects to the ceiling, or in some cases, the wall, the daily inspection needs to occur before beginning work on any given shift. The distance between the wall or ceiling and the crane itself could allow for tiny bits of damage that could cause a very big accident while lifting or moving something that weighs thousands of pounds. The hoist permits movement after the item being transported has been safely attached or connected to the crane.

In conclusion, the use of a hoist is essential for saving time and preventing injuries, anywhere that large items will be moved. Ideally, the hoist will always work as well as it did the day it was manufactured, but it is necessary for specialists to inspect and test it regularly to keep everyone safe. Visit http://wazeeco.com/ for more information.