Overhead and Gantry Cranes
Overhead Crane
- A crane with a movable bridge carrying a movable or fixed hoisting mechanism and traveling on an overhead fixed runway structure.
Gantry Crane
- A crane similar to an overhead crane except that the bridge for carrying the trolley or trolleys is rigidly supported on two or more legs running on fixed rails or other runway.
Safe Work Practices
Each employee needs to be instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury. This includes but is not limited to:
- Ensure ground conditions are firm, drained and graded for adequate support and leveling.
- Inform equipment users of nearby hazards as applicable to their work such as powerlines, trenches, and railroad tracks.
- Follow manufacturer specifications and procedures for assembly and disassembly.
- If employer procedures are being followed in lieu of manufacturer procedures for assembly and disassembly, they must be developed by a qualified person.
- Ensure clearance procedures and other preventive measures are in place or powerlines are deenergized before assembly/disassembly if located near powerlines.
- An electrocution hazard warning should be posted inside the cab to alert operator to electrical hazards.
- Demarcate the work zone (work area control) before equipment operations.
- Establish clear communication methods between workers and operators.
- All operators and workers need to be adequately trained and/or qualified for their respective duties prior to work operations.
- Equipment and ropes are to be inspected prior to each shift by a competent person.
- Properly trained signal persons should be readily available during equipment operations.