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Crane Safety Training: Overload Protection

Crane Training on the Importance of Overload Protection Devices

Crane overload protection is a critical aspect of crane safety training. Without proper crane overload protection devices, dangerous situations are unearthed. Overloading a crane’s rated capacity is not only damaging to the equipment and dangerous for employees, it also violates OSHA and ASME B30 regulations.

Most modern cranes of today have built-in overload protection devices to ensure the crane does not exceed their rated capacities. However, many older crane models do not, which makes overloading a common issue.

Overload protective devices sense load force. When load exceeds a certain percentage of rated capacity (typically 100% to 125%), the device will temporarily prevent further lift. The hoist will only enable lowering of the load.

There are 4 kinds of crane overload protective devices, including:

  • Mechanical Switch: A mechanical switch is connected to the hoisting mechanism. When excessive load force occurs, a spring collapses in the device. This causes the mechanical switch to flip, thereby disabling the hoist.
  • Electric: Electric overload protective devices sense how much current the motor is drawing. When current indicates excessive force the hoist disengages.
  • Mechanical/Electric: The mechanical/electric device adjusts voltage depending on the level of deflection.
  • Chain Hoist: The chain hoist overload protection device employs a slip clutch. When overload is identified, the slip cutch will continue turning without lifting the load.

The dangers surrounding crane operation can be dramatically reduced with overload protection devices, as well as thorough and ongoing crane safety training.

Overload protection devices are only beneficial if they are able to accurately detect and prevent overload. Regular maintenance checks are critical to ensure the efficacy of these devices.

Overload protective devices are particularly important for older cranes. If older cranes are being used, they should be retrofitted with overload protection devices. Konecranes offers TRUCONNECT®, a remote monitoring software that notifies designated personal the instant overload is detected. This crane safety software enables immediate action to be taken through investigation and future prevention.

Overload protective devices are pretty common in today’s world. However, many safety managers assume their cranes are fitted with overload protective devices when, in fact, they are not. It’s critical to verify the existence and efficacy of overload protective devices in your hoists.

Konecranes’ Crane Training Institute offers a variety of basic and advanced crane safety training courses, covering topics like:

  • OSHA Overhead Crane Training Requirements
  • Overhead Crane Inspection
  • Overhead Crane Safety
  • Mobile Crane Safety
  • Crane Maintenance Training
  • & More

We also offer various crane training videos and other important crane training materials, including the overhead crane inspection checklist.

Some of our most popular crane training courses include:

Whether you’re looking for crane training in Houston or British Columbia, we offer a multitude of regional crane training classes throughout the year.

Konecranes’ Crane Training Institute also offers on-site crane training.

Contact Konecranes’ Crane Training Institute today or view ALL crane training courses we have available.
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