Crane service - general OHS remarks

Crane service. What should the gantry crane remember?

The gantry crane is a device that can only be operated by a person having the appropriate UDT qualifications. Its task is to properly prepare the device for work and to carry out work, as well as to carry out appropriate activities after completion of work.

Detailed information on the operation of overhead cranes can be found in the OHS manual - the employer is obliged to provide it to the employee who should read its provisions. What are the general remarks on the operation of overhead cranes contained in the OHS manual?

An employee may commence working with a gantry crane:

• with appropriate health and safety training, and Fire
• with the appropriate qualifications for overhead cranes granted by the Office of Technical Inspection
• in good health, as confirmed by a certificate issued by an occupational medicine physician
• in appropriate work clothing without loose elements, in appropriate work shoes and personal protective equipment such as a protective helmet, protective gloves

Before starting work, the crane operator should carry out all the necessary preparatory activities:

• getting acquainted with the entries in the operation book (handover or service book)
• checking the vicinity of the device for safety
• getting to know the loads to be transported and preparing a safe place for their storage
• agreement with the hook system of communication with the use of signals and symbols
• daily inspection of the device and its test drive
• making a proper entry in the operation book (handover or service)

The tasks entrusted to the crane operator should be performed in accordance with the rules and regulations as well as the supervisor's recommendations so that they do not pose a threat.

Activities prohibited while working with the gantry crane:

• work on the device without a valid UDT decision, the device is inoperative or incomplete, for example with incorrect or damaged slings
• performing work under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• lifting loads with a weight greater than the permissible lifting capacity of the crane
• lifting loads out of range of the device
• lifting loads that are welded, bolted or frozen to the ground
• transportation of loads carrying people, over people or over their workstations
• leaving the load entrusted to the device
• maintenance of the device during its operation and carrying out unauthorized repairs or adjustments

These are only some recommendations. Detailed information can be found in the health and safety instructions.

We invite you to a crane course at our Operators Training Center - get the crane license with us!