Overhead cranes can be used for virtually every kind of application as its capacity can range from 2-3 tons to more than 500 tons. There are different kinds of overhead cranes which include process cranes, industrial cranes, stackers and automated industrial cranes. These are used for meeting the flexible needs of every industry and thus it is an indispensible tool of the modern world. There are large number of industries that utilizes these cranes which include steel mills, petroleum production, automotive industry, power plants, construction industry and aerospace industry. These cranes are also used for doing some odd jobs like refuse handling as it is also used in ports, dockyards and shipyards.
There are four basic configuration of overhead cranes which includes:
Top running – in the top running configuration, the crane bridge travel on the rails top that is affixed on paved surface beam which is either by columns made specially for the crane or building columns.
Under running – in this configuration, crane bridge move on bottom rim of runaway beam that is supported by roof construction.
Single girder – the trolley hoist and single bridge girder are the two end trucks of cranes. The trolley runs on bottom rim of bridge girder.
Double girder – it is very similar to single girder except that it consist of two bridge girders. The trolley runs on the rails on top of bridge girders.
Overhead cranes have been used in every kind of application in different industries in the world. Working on these cranes is a very demanding job which requires great skill and tact. The reason for this is because cranes are used for carrying heavy materials and it also carries molten metal and material in the steel industries. Therefore safety is of utmost importance and even slightest mistake can cause disablement and death. These cranes should only be operated by trained and experienced workers and the workers should also know the potential hazards that are involved in the operation of these cranes.
Even the employees and workers working close to the overhead cranes should also be aware of the dangers that are involved in the use of them. Workers who are operating this equipment should also wear proper clothing, safety glasses and hardhat so that they are prevented from any kind of accidents that takes place while operating these equipment. The safety features of these should always be activated while the operating it and a crane under repair or in disguise should not be operated under any circumstances.
After being certified as safe for use then only these cranes should be used. Handling these equipment requires great skill and expertise and therefore the operator should always pay attention to the safety features of these equipment while operating them. After being certified for the mundane use, the crane that was under repair or in neglected state should be used. Safety is of utmost importance when operating these equipment as even a minor mistake can lead to a dangerous accident and it can affect the workers adversely.