Overhead Crane Knowledge: How to operate an overhead crane?

What should you do before moving a load?

• Ensure all loose materials, parts, blocking and packing have been removed from the load before lifting.
• Remove any slack from the sling and hoisting ropes before lifting the load.
• Make sure that the lifting device seats in the saddle of the hook.
• Verify that the load is not heavier that the maximum load capacity.

How should you move loads safely?

• Move overhead crane controls smoothly. Avoid abrupt, jerky movements of the load.
• Follow signals only from one slinger in charge of the lift, except a stop signal.
• Make sure everyone is away from the load before hoisting. Sound a bell, siren or other warning device and start to hoist slowly.
• Ensure nothing links or catches on the load while raising it or traveling.
• Ensure that nothing obstructs the movement of a load.
• Keep the load under control when lowering a load. If the braking system stops working, the load can usually be lowered by reversing the hoist controller to the first or second point.
• Do not lower the load below a level that corresponds to less than two full wraps of wire rope left on the drum.
• Stay in a crane cab during power failure. Place controls in “off” position, attract attention and wait for help.

What should you do before leaving overhead crane?

• Remove the load hanging on overhead crane hooks.
• Raise all hooks to a mid-position.
• Spot the overhead crane at a designated location.
• Before closing the main switch, make sure that all controllers are in the “off” position.