The introduction of cranes into your workplace can increase efficiency vastly and enable you to manage much larger pallets than usual. However, introducing a crane into the workplace increases the level of risk faced by your employees. This article will consider some of the different types of crane available to use in a warehouse and some ways to avoid the safety implications of installing a crane.
Warehouse cranes
Having overhead cranes installed in a warehouse will enable you to load and unload trucks at a much greater rate than is possible with a fork lift. An overhead crane operates on a horizontal beam which allows the crane to move loads whilst remaining completely steady. Cranes offer greater freedom to the operator and allow for the movement of pallets, with ease and always from a safe distance.
Another common warehouse crane is the JIB Crane. These cranes can either be wall mounted or self-supporting and they allow a great freedom of manoeuvre. Unlike forklifts which require that the operator sit almost beneath the load, the installation of a crane will enable the manoeuvre of heavy objects from a safe distance because they are operated by a separate and stationary control booth.
Why a crane?
Cranes have an advantage over forklifts in that they are able to manoeuvre goods safely at a much greater height. By removing the driver from underneath the load, the crane is able to lift heavier weights and move them more easily. A crane will allow for higher storage and a greater efficiency of access. They are perfect for storage or loading purposes. Cranes are also used in the steel industry to handle the dangerous materials as they are turned into steel whether they are hot or toxic. Handling hot or dangerous materials becomes far easier when using a crane because there need be no close proximity to the load by anyone throughout the process.
Health and Safety Implications
Installing a crane in your workplace will cause the introduction of a few hazards. The addition of a further dimension of height into the workplace could endanger anyone who does not know that the crane could be in operation, or even someone too engrossed in their work to realise. The danger of dropping a heavy pallet onto someone is too great to allow anyone near the process so it is important to make the danger clear in numerous visible ways:
- Signs on all entrances to the warehouse
- Painted floors indicating safe walkways and possible danger
- Warning lights when in use
- Safety equipment to be worn by all in the warehouse at all times
By taking sensible precautions and ensuring that your employees are well trained with regards to safety you will be able to protect your staff from the introduction of a crane to the workplace. Ensure you have procedures in place should an accident occur and record any near-misses so that you can discover dangers and plan to avoid them. It is also vitally important to protect any visitors or delivery staff who come to your warehouse.
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