Overhead crane training, what should you avoid when operating an overhead crane?

• Do not carry anything in your hands when climbing up and down the ladder. Items that are too large for your pockets or belt should always be lifted or lowered from the overhead crane by rope.
• Do not operate a sling / crane if limit switches are out of order, or if the cables show they are defected.
• Do not lower the blocks below the point where less than two full wraps of cable remain on the drum.
• Do not attempt to lift a load beyond the rated load capacity of a crane or sling hoist.
• Never lift a load from the side. Centre the overhead crane / sling directly over your load before attempting to hoist it, to avoid the load swinging.

• Never have anyone person under any circumstance ride on the load or the hooks.
• Never leave slings dangling from the load hook. Have sling hooks placed on the sling ring when carrying slings to the load.
• Do not raise loads higher than necessary to clear objects.
• Do not pass a load over workers.
• Do not reverse a motor until it has come to a full stop except to avoid accidents.
• Remember to never walk on the crane runway.
• Never leave your suspended load unattended.
  

What you should do before moving a load?

• Ensure all loose materials, parts, blocking and packing have been removed from the load before lifting.
• Remove any slack from the sling and hoisting ropes before lifting the load.
• Make sure that the lifting device sits in the saddle of the hook.

How should you move your loads safely?

• Move crane controls smoothly. Avoid abrupt, jerky movements of the load.
• Follow signals only from one slinger in charge of the lift, except a stop signal.
• Make sure everyone is away from the load before hoisting it. Sound a bell, siren or other warning device and start to hoist the load slowly.
• Ensure nothing links or catches on the load while raising it or traveling with it.
• Always ensure that nothing obstructs the movement of a load.
• Always keep your load under control when lowering it.. If the braking system stops working, the load can usually be lowered by reversing the hoist controller to the first or second point.
• Always stay in the crane cab during a power failure. Try to attract attention of someone and wait for help.

What should I do before leaving the crane / sling hoist?

• Remove your load that's hanging on the crane hooks.
• Raise all hooks to a mid position.
• Spot the crane at a designated location.
• Place all controls in the OFF position.
• Open the main switch to the OFF position.