As with all pieces of industrial equipment, overhead cranes are designed with numerous safety features to prevent injury to those who use them or damage to the items they are being used to hoist. Industrial cranes, like everything else, are only safe when used properly.

People who use overhead cranes sometimes develop shortcuts to ease their work load and  then create myths to justify the safety of their actions. These myths need to be debunked. The safety guidelines were created with good reason and ignoring them puts you and your fellow employees at risk. Here are a few of the more common myths that overhead crane operators may believe to be true that are not.

It Is Safe To Ignore Weight Limits

This is the most commonly believed falsehood about industrial crane operation and may be the one that causes the most damage. Many crane operators believe that as long as a crane is capable of hoisting a load, it is safe to lift that weight. Just because the crane's motor is capable of lifting a certain weight, does not mean that all of the crane's components are strong enough to support that weight. Even if the crane does not succumb to the weight, it is possible that the ceiling it is attached to will.

The Secondary Braking System Makes It Safe To Work Under A Loaded Crane

While all overhead cranes are equipped with a fail safe braking system, that does not mean that it is ever safe to be under a loaded crane. These secondary brakes are not designed to hold the load in the case of a power failure but rather to lower it in a controlled manner. Whether a heavy load free falls on you or lands on your in a so called controlled manner, the end result is likely the same.

Daily Inspections Are A Waste Of Time

This myth is dangerous no matter what type of industrial equipment you are using. A crane inspected at the start of shift yesterday was then subjected to an entire day's worth of wear and tear. Also, if the crew you work with is in the habit of not inspecting equipment daily, then it may have been quite some time since a thorough inspection was done. Never assume that someone else took the time to do a complete safety inspection. Make the time to do one yourself, each and every time you begin your work day.

For more information about overhead cranes, contact American Equipment Inc. or a similar company.