The most commonly used piece of handling equipment is the crane. Crane manufacturer’s must issue a certificate for every crane produced, and this will specify the safe working load (SWL). This needs to be clearly marked on the crane structure.
Cranes should be regularly inspected and preventative maintenance schedules followed. Records should be kept of these checks and of any work done, especially if it is in response to a statutory requirement.
To protect both the operator and the crane itself, a number of safety devices are incorporated in the design of the crane. These include:
- Overtravel switches – a robust limit switch should be fitted to the crab or upper sheave block.
- Protection of bare conductors – where bare pick-up conductors are used to carry the power supply they must be shielded from accidental contact particularly if near cabin access. Notices, such as WARNING – BARE LIVE WORKS should be posted on the walls or building structure.
- The controls of cranes should be clearly identified to prevent inadvertent operation. On overhead electrical travelling cranes with electric pendant controls the directions of travel should be unambiguously marked.
- Load indicators are required to be fitted to jib cranes and can be used with benefit on all cranes.