Applications of Overhead Cranes

There are many different varieties of cranes available in the market. But out of all those, the Overhead crane is the one that is used in most of the industries for many purposes. It is basically comprises of parallel runways with a traveling bridge spanning the gap. It has ahoist, the lifting componentwhich travels along the bridge. If the bridge is rigidly supported on two or more legs running on a fixed rail at ground level.

The most common application of this mechanical assistant is in the steel industry. At every step of the manufacturing process, until it leaves a factory as a finished product, steel is handled by it. Raw materials are poured into a furnace by crane, hot metal is stored for cooling by an overhead crane, the finished coils are lifted and loaded onto trucks and trains by overhead crane, and the fabricator or stamper uses giant to handle the steel in his factory. The automobile industry uses them for handling of raw materials. Smaller workstation cranes handle lighter loads in a work-area, such as CNC mill or saw.

Almost all paper mills use them for regular maintenance requiring removal of heavy press rolls and other equipment. They are used in the initial construction of paper machines because they facilitate installation of the heavy cast iron paper drying drums and other massive equipment, some weighing as much as 70 tons.

In many instances the cost of a bridge crane can be largely offset with savings from not renting mobile cranes in the construction of a facility that uses a lot of heavy process equipment. The above described are some of the important uses of overhead cranes.

Qualifications required for Chain Hoist for Operation

Whenever any machine is to be used efficiently, it is very important to possess proper know how for it. This is equally applicable in the operation of Chain Hoist too. If any unqualified person is allocated to operate it then there are chances of mishap and loss to life and property too.

There should be a rule which only allows the designated and appropriately qualified personnel are allowed to operate them. The properly qualified personnel can operate the equipment safely which shall thereby can extend the equipment’s service life and reduce costs by avoiding potentially hazardous operations. The physical and mental condition is equally important along with sound technical knowledge.

The following are some of the points that are to be kept in mind while choosing the workers for this domain:

·         They must have normal hearing, vision, and depth perception.

·         It is not advisable to operate a crane or hoist if they have a known physical condition that would prevent them from acting quickly in case of an emergency.

·         Operators who are taking prescribed medication should make sure that the medication will not impair the ability to operate cranes and hoists safely.

·         Use of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited in the workplace. If you suspect an operator’s ability to be impaired for this or any other reason, notify a supervisor immediately

For the knowledge sharing purpose training programs should be organized along with some practical sessions. The employees shall greatly benefit from crane and hoist training. The employees should be cautious and not use homemade, modified, unrated, or in-certified equipment. There should be an inspection done on timely basis to know about the status of the operators’ knowledge about Chain Hoist.