In any factory or warehouse, you are likely to find one type of crane or another in operation. With the weights that these machines lug around, a crane accident can cause untold damage and injuries to those in the vicinity. Even though there may be an insurance cover to cater for any eventuality, they say that prevention is better than cure. This saying also applies when it comes to potential crane accidents. In this article, the focus will be on the top safety ideas you can implement in a factory where cranes are in operation to prevent accidents.
1. Perform Recommended Maintenance On Your Factory Cranes
According to OSHA, the main reason why crane accidents occur in factories is poor maintenance of the machines. To ascertain and ensure that your factory cranes operate optimally, ensure that they are regularly inspected by certified technicians. If you have a crane that has any issues no matter how small, it should not be put to work unless the malfunction has been sufficiently repaired. The crane in question should then be tested rigorously to ascertain it is safe to use before being put back into action.
2. Test Your Crane Daily Before Putting It To Work
Failure to perform safety checks has also been fingered as a major cause of workplace crane accidents. It is only through testing a crane that you can gauge if it has the capability of performing the work you have planned.
Some of the tests you should check daily before putting your cranes to work on the factory floor include:
• Engine test
• Hydraulic system check
• Cabling check
• Safety systems check
3. Only Hire Highly Trained and Experienced Operators
Always remember that the behavior of a crane on a factory floor depends on the actions of the operator. The decisions that the operator makes have a huge impact on their own safety, the safety of those in the surrounding and the goods being handled. The best way to ensure the safety of all people and goods in the factory is to hire highly adept operators with a wealth of experience in handling the particular kind of cranes you are using. Before entrusting crane operation to an individual, ensure that they thoroughly read and understand the operator’s manual. Further, ensure that they know the safety procedures to follow at the workplace in case of an accident scare.
4. Put Up Warning Signs When Factory Cranes Are In Operation
Accidents tend to happen if people are not aware that there is heavy machinery being operated close. You can keep everyone in the factory safe and avoid damage to your machinery and goods by strategically placing clearly visible warning signs in areas where cranes are in operation. Learn more https://steelmillcranes.com/factory-cranes/
5. Remove Obstacles From The Cranes Path
Cranes should be able to move goods without coming across any obstacles while operating. Obstacles not only confuse the driver but they can also lead to easily avoidable accidents. For maximum safety, clear the path that the crane will use, ensure that there is no item that can obstruct the hydraulic system and also ensure that there are no items that can snag the crane cables.