Crane lift devices operational guide

 Various kinds of lifting devices are used with types of lift cranes to perform the material handling tasks. In today’s operational guide of lifting devices, the general procedures on lifting devices installation, inspection, maintenance and repairs, operation, and lifting crane operator training, etc.

Lifting devices also called the below-hook devices are used with various types of lifting equipment, such as, lifte cranes, electric hoists, trolley and other types of lifting cranes and hoists, etc. As one of the lifting crane parts, lifting devices are directly influences the lifting efficiency of the lift cranes. Therefore, the lifting devices operation guide is presented, hoping it is useful.

Generally, the below-hook devices can be grouped according to the supporting, indentation type pressure gripping or friction type pressure griping, etc. In the following, different types of lift devices will be presented for your references.

The general operational guide for lifting devices are presented for your references which are used with the instruction manuals of the lifting devices and lifting cranes given by the manufacturers. Any doubts or problems should be solved by consulting the lifting devices manufacturers and lift crane manufacturers or you can leave a message below.

Warning before lifting devices installation

The potential hazards of using lifting devices could not be solved solely be mechanical means which requires the attention, care and common sense of lifting crane operators, and the safety supervisor who has been trained on the lifting devices and lift cranes.
The crane lift devices operational guide can not be the substitute of your crane lift devices manual which is offered as general guide to help in the pursuit of efficient operation of lifting devices.

Design modifications of crane lift devices should be performed according to the full understanding and approval of the manufacturer or it may cause danger and resulting in danger. 

Markings of crane lift devices

The nameplate of crane lift devices should have the following information:

• The name and address of the crane lift devices manufacturer.
• Serial number of the crane lift devices.
• Rated load capacity.
• Each nameplate of the lifting devices should be located on the place where the lifting capacity is visible to every side of the lifting devices and on the lifting cranes.

Crane lift devices tags should include the following information:

• Read the operation before operating.
• Inspect the lifting devices each shift before operation.
• Lifting loads according to the safety instruction.
• Overloading is prohibited.
• Don’t use lift devices for handling loads beyond designated range.
• Don’t use the lift devices without the marks of capacity, weight and safety.
• Don’t make alterations or modifications.
• Don’t lift load higher than necessary or leave it suspended unattended.
• Do not remove or obscure the warming label.

Note: All warning labels should be maintained visible and legible and replace as necessary.

Crane lift devices installation

As one of the lifting crane parts, the lifting devices should be assembled and installed on the lifting cranes according to the instruction.
Attention:
When the crane lifting devices operation needs extra power supply, the power source must be matched with the requirements, which also should be connected with the line side of the lifting crane disconnect switch or an independent circuit as specified in the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

Crane lifting devices inspection

Lifting devices should be inspected before any crane lifting operation and regularly inspections is also needed to reduce crane lifting hazard and risk.

Initial inspection of crane lifting devices

Before operation, all the lifting devices should be inspected by professional inspector according to the instruction of manufacturer’s.
Frequent in service inspection
Depend on the types of crane lifting devices, regular inspection should be conducted daily, weekly or according to the manufacturer’s instruction. During inspection, deficiencies to look for include but not limited to:
1. Crane lifting devices of structural deformation.
2. Cracks or distortion in the structural frame, hoist-hook attachment points, attached slings, cracks in welds, mechanically operation parts, clevises or hooks.
3. Malfunctions during the lifting devices operation.
4. Wear of hoist hook devices, pins, slings, linkages or load supporting clevises or mechanical parts.

Periodic in service inspection

Crane lifting devices should be inspected by professional inspector according to the manufacturer’s instructions monthly and yearly to check whether parts have worn beyond the limits.

Attention:

1. Out of service tag should be tagged on the lifting devices once any deficiencies are detected.
2. Power should be disconnected at source before servicing and follow lock out/tag out procedures to avoid danger of electrocution.

3. The lifting devices should not go on operation until the repairs has been finished.
4. All the inspection and maintenance procedures should be recorded timely.

Maintenance and repairs of lifting devices

Maintenance

A preventative maintenance program should be established for each and every crane lifting devices based on manufacturer’s recommendations.

Repairs

Crane lifting devices repairs should be conducted by qualified person. Also all the crane lifting devices repairs and modifications should be performed by or under the direction of the lifting crane manufacturer.

Attention:

1. All the repaired crane lifting devices should be operationally tested. And load test is also needed before being returned to services.
2. All the repairs and parts replacements should be filed on dates.

Crane lifting devices operation

Crane lifting devices should be operated by professional lifting crane operators, who should be well trained and know well about the lifting crane devices, crane lifting operation, crane lifting safety and others, etc.

Operator training

Crane lifting devices should be operated according to the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Crane lifting operation should be in according to the principles and rules in the manufacturer’s guidelines. Crane lifting safety training should include:

• Details of lifting cycle
• Application of lifting devices to the load.
• Any special operations may need extra instruction and precaution may be required.
• Recognition of proper load configuration.
• Before assuming responsible for using the lifting devices, lifting crane operator should show their understanding of the crane lifting sequence and procedure to their crane trainer who will record the performances of the each operator.

Operating practices

• Lifting crane operator have to make sure all loads are secure and no crane lifting hazard is caused during the lifting cycle.
• Crane operator have to closely monitor the crane lifting devices performances during lifting crane operation.
• Stop the lifting devices immediately in any improper performance occurs.
• Standard hand signals for lifting crane operations should be well known by the crane operator.
• Crane operators have to follow the signals from the designated person only.
•  Lifting crane operator has the responsibility to make sure the loads in the right conditions for lifting.

Lifting loads handling

• Crane lifting devices must not be used to handle loads over the rated lifting capacity.
• The total weight of the lifting devices and loads should not exceed the rated lifting capacity of the lifting crane and hoist.
• Crane lifting devices should be used to handle loads within the handling loads range in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation and lifting crane sequence and procedures.
• Crane lifting devices should be in the right condition for material handling.
• Crane lifting devices should not touch obstructions.
• Lifting crane operator and other personals should stay away from the lifting devices safely.
• Never ride or allow people to ride on a lifting device.
• Check the balance of loads before lifting by making a preliminary lift of a few inches.
• Do not slide the lifting devices or loads across any surface.
• Sudden starts and stops should be avoided. All loads should be accelerated or decelerated smoothly.