At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Identify and describe the three main types of industrial cranes
- Identify two types of controllers
- List the three things that must be verified before a lift
- Define and describe rigging and slings
- Describe basic safety inspections for overhead industrial cranes, their components, and rigging
- Describe guidelines for personal protective equipment when working around cranes
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What are the three primary types of cranes?
The three primary cranes used in industrial settings are: bridge cranes, gantry cranes, and jib cranes.
What does "rigging" mean, and what is the most common way to do so?
The term "rigging" refers to any equipment used to attach a load to the crane's hook. Slings are the most common type of rigging; they support a load by wrapping around it or by connecting to it.
What three things must be verified before a lift is attempted?
The three things that must be verified are that the crane and rigging must have been inspected, the crane and rigging must have enough capacity to lift the load, and the load and rigging must be stable.
What kind of hoist lines are used for various crane types?
The hoists on different cranes use different hoisting lines. Wire rope is used on larger cranes. Smaller cranes can use link chain, leaf chain, or roller chain.
What are rules should be followed, in regards to personal protective equipment, when working around industrial cranes?
When working with industrial cranes one should: wear gloves to protect your hands, wear steel-toed shoes, avoid loose clothing and jewelry, and wear a hard hat. Your workplace might have other rules about required protective equipment, such as eye protection or hearing protection.
Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:
Cranes are used in factories, warehouses, and shipyards to provide lifting and movement of heavy objects within the area covered by the cranes' area of operation. Three primary types of cranes are used in industrial settings: bridge cranes, gantry cranes, and jib cranes. Bridge cranes are mounted on parallel rails attached to elevated wall structures. The bridge is a beam that runs between the two rails. A trolley with a hoist mechanism travels back and forth on the bridge. Gantry cranes have a bridge supported by two legs that move along floor mounted rails or on wheels. As with the bridge crane, a trolley runs back and forth on the bridge. Jib cranes have a jib or a boom that is mounted to a wall or a mast. The jib crane swings in an arc around its pivot, and the trolley runs from end to end on the jib.
Use the additional resources and links below to learn more about this topic:
- U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA Safety and Health Topics - https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/cranehoistsafety/index.html
- OSHA Alliance - https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/cmaa_hmi_mma/cmaa_hmi_mma.html