Overhead Cranes & Hoists
Overhead bridge cranes, gantry cranes and monorail hoists move heavy parts in shops, plants and warehouses. Dropped loads and crushing are the main hazards.
- General Industry
- Manufacturing
Photo: operator using a pendant control with the load just above the floor
Before each shift
- Pendant or radio controls labeled and working, including the emergency stop
- Upper limit switch works (test without a load)
- Hook: latch works, no cracks, twist or opened throat
- Wire rope or chain not damaged or kinked
- Brakes hold; warning horn or light works
- Rated capacity marked on the crane and hoist
Types
- Bridge cranes: a bridge spans the building on runways, with a hoist on a trolley.
- Gantry cranes: the bridge rides on legs that run on floor rails or wheels; portable gantries are common in shops.
- Jib cranes: a swinging arm on a wall or column.
- Monorails: a hoist that runs along a single beam.
Inspections
| Inspection | When |
|---|---|
| Pre-shift (operator) | Every shift: controls, limits, hooks, rope or chain, brakes |
| Frequent | Daily to monthly, depending on service |
| Periodic | Every 1 to 12 months, with a full check of structure, wheels, brakes, electrical and hoist |
| Wire rope | Thorough inspection at least monthly with a signed record |
| Load test | After installation, extensive repair or alteration |
Operating
- Only trained and authorized operators.
- Center the hook over the load to avoid side pulls and swinging.
- Take up slack slowly, lift a few inches, and check the load.
- Carry loads low, and sound the warning when moving near people.
- Walk with the load; watch the path ahead.
- Don’t carry loads over people.
- Don’t leave a load suspended and unattended.
- Don’t use the upper limit switch as a normal stop.
- Don’t ride the load or hook.
- Don’t side-pull or drag loads across the floor.
- Don’t let the pendant cord tangle in the load, and don’t use it to pull the hoist.
- Don’t lift loads heavier than the lowest-rated part of the system: crane, hoist, hook, slings or below-the-hook device.
Pinch points and landing loads
- Keep hands and feet out from under loads, and out of the gap between the load and machines, racks or walls.
- Land loads on blocking or dunnage so slings can be removed without reaching under the load.
- Use tag lines or push sticks to guide loads instead of your hands.
- Use the crane’s warning horn and lights, and clear the path before traveling.
See Rigging Basics and Below-the-Hook Devices.
Maintenance: lock out the crane’s power and use warning signs before working on the runway, bridge or hoist. See Lockout/Tagout.
Video: overhead crane pre-shift inspection
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1910.179: Overhead and gantry cranes
- ASME B30.2 (overhead cranes), B30.16 (overhead hoists)
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