Industrial & Manufacturing Blog
One common application of using cranes at an industrial site is to place loads on hanging scales that are suspended from them in order to determine the weights of cargo.
If you're using hanging scales on cranes at your facility, you should be aware of the following seven tips on operating hanging scales with cranes:
Make sure that safety brackets located on hooks are not damaged or missing.
Crane assemblies include safety brackets on the hooks to which hanging scales are attached. These are important features. If they are damaged or absent, it could create a safety hazard because the load will not be held stably on the end of the hooks.
It's a good idea to check safety brackets before the hanging scale is placed on the crane to avoid dangerous mishaps.
Balance the load so that it is not sitting unevenly.
An unevenly positioned load is both unsafe and counterproductive. The weight that the hanging scale gives may not be accurate if the load is not sitting evenly. Also, the crane assembly will be less stable and accidents will be more likely.
Stop the load from vibrating or oscillating.
Your setup should include a mechanism that stops loads set on hanging scales from swinging from side to side or from vibrating due to movement around the worksite. An oscillating or vibrating load is hazardous and probably will not give an accurate reading on a hanging scale.
Don't hang loads horizontally.
Loads should be hung vertically as opposed to horizontally on a crane when a hanging scale is used to determine a weight.
Horizontally hung loads undergo a great deal of pressure across the expanse of the load. A vertically hung load is safest and will give the most accurate weight reading.
Don't use multiple load attachments to hang loads with one-spot suspension.
Equipment used to hang loads on a scale will usually be set up to offer one-spot or multiple spot suspension. A multiple load attachment used to hang a load that is suspended at one spot will likely lead to an inaccurate reading.
Avoid sudden jerky movements when lifting the load.
Any sudden jerks when a load attached to a hanging scale is elevated could damage the scale. It's important to train crane operators to lift the load slowly at a constant pace.
Regularly inspect components for wear or damage.
Regular inspections are vitally important when it comes to preventing safety hazards. Components including rings, carbines, cables, chains, and hooks need to be inspected for wear and damage that could allow a dangerously heavy load to break free while it is being weighed.
To learn more about crane maintenance, click here.
Share16 October 2017
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