Using an overhead crane to move large loads brings many advantages to your operations. Adding overhead cranes make metals warehousing facilities, or any industry, that needs to move large, bulky, heavy metal pieces or raw materials safer and more efficient. Overhead cranes can offer solutions to the challenges you face while prioritizing safety.
Challenges Found in Metals Warehousing
Due to the weight and size of the materials being handled, there are many hazards in metals warehousing environments. Materials like steel coils, beam and plates are heavy and cumbersome. In some facilities, materials are handled manually without lifting equipment which poses a risk for musculoskeletal injuries. If the workforce is not working ergonomically, this can create additional risks.
Maneuvering large metals is cumbersome while space within your facility may be at a premium. These tight spaces can increase the risk of collisions and accidents when limited floor space is available. Mishandling results in costly product damage and downtime. When using vertical storage to optimize space, stacking errors can occur and storing materials at height increases the risk of accidents during lifting and stacking operations.
Optimize Lifting and Floorspace with Overhead Cranes
Overhead cranes are designed to lift, move, and position loads within a rectangular or square shaped area. The hoist travels along the girder to service the complete area below the crane to optimize floorspace. Having a defined lifting area allows for use of the vertical space while increasing usable floorspace for other activities.
Handle Loads to Your Requirements
Whether your requirements are lifting at a specific speed or precise control, overhead cranes can meet these challenges. One important aspect to determine when working with your crane builder is to determine how quickly the hook needs to move at different points in the lifting process. Depending on these requirements, a variable speed hoist may be a good option. This allows the operator greater control by pressing the button harder or softer to determine the speed, like to the accelerator on your car. Another option is two speed control meaning there is a slow and high speed for lifting.
When precision comes into play, overhead cranes offer unmatched control. Modern cranes and hoists offer advanced control technology. Smart features like anti-sway, tandem control, slack rope prevention, load turning and more enable faster load cycle times, higher productivity, and improved safety in your operations.
Enhanced Safety Features on Overhead Cranes
In any operation, safety is a #1 priority. Incorporate additional safety features into your overhead crane so you ensure the safest working environment possible. Emergency stop buttons are included on every radio or pendant controller. Make sure operators are properly trained and know where the central shutoff for the crane is located to instantly halt crane operations.
Although crane capacity is prominently displayed on the crane girder, but overloads can occur. To prevent overloads, add an overload protection system. These systems detect when the load is over capacity and will prevent lifting. Crane interlocks add another layer of safety by preventing crane operation when a safety gate or door is open. This reduces the risk of accidents caused by unauthorized individuals in the crane area.
In the challenging environment of metals warehousing, safety and efficiency are of utmost importance. Overhead cranes can provide a solution to the challenges faced in handling and storing heavy materials. By offering safe lifting, precise handling, and efficient space utilization, overhead cranes enhance both safety and productivity in metals warehousing operations.