When it comes to preventing aluminum and portable gantry hazards, the key often comes down to a simple case of pro-action versus reaction. In any industry, hazards are constantly present.But if all operators and workers are aware of appropriate safety standards and what to look for in order to be prepared, many of these potential hazards can be avoided.
Inspections
Rule number one to precautionary prevention is the inspection. Simple recognition of a potential hazard significantly reduces the chances of one happening. Your aluminum,gantry crane should always be inspected prior to each and every use for damaged, worn, or missing parts.
Lifting
Before lifting any load, make sure the capacity rating is showing clearly on each side of the I-beam. Never overload your crane. Your gantry legs should always be positioned at least 50% of the beam length and should remain stable throughout the entire lift. Before lifting, the I-beam/hoist and trolley should always be centered over the load and the load should be double checked that it is not attached in any way to the floor or other obstacles.
When you are in the process of lifting, never get hurried or rushed. Make sure your load doesn’t swing or come into contact with any other part of the crane structure. Use common sense! Never lift people or lift any loads over a person.and never sling any load over the I-beam.
Moving
Before moving your aluminum gantry, make sure your path and the surrounding area is free of all debris and obstacles. Move the crane by simultaneously pushing both legs, never the load. Make sure all wheels are rolling freely. Your aluminum gantry should never be moved with any vehicle or over uneven terrain unless specifically designed to do so.
When moving, your load should always be kept as low to the ground as possible and kept in the center of the I-beam for balance. Make sure never to position the trolley or hoist outside the gantry legs.
Load Suspension
Never do any work underneath a suspended load or leave any load suspended unattended. Make sure all other people are a safe distance away while you have a load in suspension.
Electrical Hazards
About 50% of all accidents are caused by machinery coming into contact with an electrical source. It’s important to remember that your crane will conduct electricity. Never use your crane where any power lines or open circuits are in the area.
Have a Lockout Procedure
With the implementation of a lockout, you will be able to safeguard workers in the surrounding area. This way, all machinery is preventatively shut off until hazards or repairs are addressed.
Safety should always be the number one priority on any job site. Taking care to make sure that all employees are properly trained to operate gantry cranes and to be constantly aware of potential hazards can prevent them from happening in the first place. Effective safety planning should be done before, during, and after any job in order to prevent hazards from happening.