Overhead Gantry Crane Operations

The safe use of gantry cranes depends on a variety of circumstances; one of the most important facts is to ensure that anyone who is likely to operate the gantry crane has been trained in the safe use of the crane. The training should be aimed at achieving levels of competence that will minimize the potential for human error or behavior which might cause an accident. To do this, the training may need to include:

• Risk assessment
• Planning lifting operations
• Examination of lifting equipment
• Preventative measures implemented as a result of previous incidents

The people who need to be trained in the safe operation of lifting equipment are:

• Gantry crane operators
• Slingers and load handlers
• Maintenance and inspection personnel

Before using the gantry crane the operator must first establish where the main power supply is located and where the main isolation switch is. Once these have been established they should then proceed to carry out a full pre-use inspection of the crane to ensure that it is fit for purpose and safe to use. The pre-use inspection should cover the following items:

Control pendant – no damage to the wiring system – control buttons are clearly marked and functioning properly – emergency stop button works.

Winch wire – minimum of 5 turns left on the drum when the hook is touching the floor – there are no kinks in the wire – no broken wires.

Crane block and hook – guarding on the hook is in place – safety catch is working and in contact with the hook – the hook is not opened out, no cracks or gouges in the hook – the hook is stamped with a SWL.

Overhead beams – clear of obstacles and no rubbish on them – suitable end stoppers attached.

As with all other lifting equipment the overhead gantry crane must be marked with a SWL, ID No and CE mark to comply with the requirements of LOLER and PUWER.

To help in the reduction of gantry crane operations, we should follow the basic steps as outlined below:

• Establish the weight of the load to be lifted; this can either be marked on the load or available from manifest/delivery notes or drawings.

• Select the proper type of sling; whether it is a single wire rope sling, webbing sling or a multi-leg sling arrangement. Carry out a pre-use inspection on the lifting equipment.

• Attaching the sling; the way in which the slings are attached will have an effect on the SWL, also the sling angle should never exceed 900 as this is the maximum recommended angle between sling legs, ideally the slings should be positioned approximately 25% in from each end of the load.

• The lift; always position the hook of the crane directly above the centre of gravity of the load never attempt to drag the load with the crane, once the load is attached carry out a trial lift to ensure the load is evenly balanced. The operator should familiarise himself with the control pendant and buttons before any lift takes place, always start any movement in slow speed. When travelling with the crane ensures that you have a clear path and you are lifting the load over the heads of other people and that the lay down point is clear.

• Landing the load; depending on the load you are lifting we may need to put down some timber to land the load on so we can remove the sling without damage. We should also ensure that we are not in a position to endanger ourselves always making sure we have a safe access and egress route.

• Releasing the slings; once the load is landed ensures that it is secure and that all the tension is of the slinging arrangement before trying to release the slings from the crane hook.

• Tidy the worksite; conduct a post use inspection of any lifting equipment used to ensure that it has not been damaged in anyway. Return all equipment back to the store or the correct storage location. Make sure no items are left lying around that could cause an obstruction or tripping hazard. Any waste must be correctly disposed of to prevent any environmental damage.

By following these 7 basic steps we should be able to conduct the lifting operation safely and efficiently.