An overhead crane installation requires careful planning and preparation, and there’s lots of things you’ll need to consider beforehand. In order to ensure the installation goes smoothly, it’s important that you choose the best product for your application and a crane that will work best for your project - all of which can be easier said than done if you’re not sure where to start.
Below, our experts share their top tips to help you prepare for an overhead crane installation, from working out which crane you need to preparing your employees for the installation.
Choosing the right crane
There are lots of different types of cranes to choose from, including gantry cranes, jib cranes and workstation bridge cranes. Each crane has its own set of advantages, providing a versatile solution to your company’s loading and lifting needs. If you’re not sure where to start, it’s best to talk to your crane installation company for advice and guidance.
You’ll also need to work out if your facility’s support structure can handle the overhead crane you require for your project. The best way to do this is to discuss your requirements with a professional and qualified structural engineer.
Preparing your employees
If an overhead crane is being installed while your employees are working on site, it’s important that you have an effective plan in place. The installation could affect areas where your employees work, and therefore it’s important that they know what to do should their workspace be occupied.
It’s also important to make sure that your team is clued up on health and safety when it comes to crane operation and maintenance. Crane installation and operation can put your employees at risk if they don’t have the correct training, and therefore it’s crucial that your team has up-to-date training and knows how to tell if the crane is in need of repairs or how to prevent breakdowns.
Questions to ask before a crane installation
Before your crane installation, there’s a few questions you need to ask to make sure you’ve covered all areas and are completely prepared for the installation. Here’s a few questions to consider and discuss with your crane installation company to ensure you choose the right crane for your facility:
● How high does the crane need to lift?
● How will the crane be supported? Can your facility’s support structure handle the crane?
● How often will the crane be used?
● What is the distance between the floor and the lowest part of the ceiling?
● What direction will be crane be moving (for example, left to right or forwards and backwards)
If you’re looking for professional crane repair and installation services, look no further than Crane and Lifting Services Ltd. As one of the oldest and most well-renowned crane companies in South Wales, you needn’t look further than us for your needs. Visit our website to learn more about us.