Tag Archive: crane safety

1. Enhancing Safety with Anti-Collision Systems in Crane Operations

   August 22, 2024 10:00 am Leave a Comment

   In the fast-paced world of industrial operations, the safety and efficiency of equipment are paramount. One critical aspect of crane operation safety is the implementation of anti-collision systems. These systems use electrical means to prevent two or more cranes from contacting each other, ensuring smooth and safe operations in shared working environments.

   What is an Anti-Collision System?

   An anti-collision system is a safety mechanism designed to prevent collisions between cranes operating in the same area. By utilizing advanced electrical and sensor technologies, these systems detect the proximity of cranes to each other and take necessary actions to avoid collisions. This is particularly important in environments where multiple cranes operate simultaneously, such as construction sites, warehouses, and manufacturing plants.

   How Do Anti-Collision Systems Work?

   Anti-collision systems typically consist of sensors, control units, and warning devices. Here’s how they function:

   1. Proximity Sensors: These sensors are installed on cranes to monitor the distance between them. They use various technologies such as ultrasonic, infrared, or laser to detect nearby objects.
   2. Control Units: The control unit processes the information received from the sensors. When it detects that two cranes are approaching each other too closely, it triggers predefined actions to prevent a collision.
   3. Warning Devices: Upon detecting a potential collision, the system can activate warning devices such as alarms or lights to alert the crane operators. In some advanced systems, the control unit can automatically adjust the crane’s speed or stop its movement to avoid contact.

   Benefits of Anti-Collision Systems

   1. Enhanced Safety: The primary benefit of anti-collision systems is the significant enhancement of safety in crane operations. By preventing collisions, these systems protect both personnel and equipment from accidents and injuries.
   2. Operational Efficiency: With anti-collision systems in place, cranes can operate more smoothly in shared environments. This reduces downtime caused by accidents and ensures that operations run without interruptions.
   3. Cost Savings: Avoiding collisions means fewer repairs and less maintenance, leading to substantial cost savings over time. Additionally, preventing accidents reduces the risk of liability and insurance costs.
   4. Improved Productivity: When cranes can operate safely and efficiently without the constant risk of collisions, overall productivity improves. Operators can focus on their tasks without worrying about potential accidents.

   Applications of Anti-Collision Systems

   Anti-collision systems are used in various industries where multiple cranes operate in close proximity, including:

   • Construction Sites: To prevent tower cranes from colliding during high-rise building construction.
   • Warehouses: For indoor overhead cranes managing large inventories.
   • Manufacturing Plants: Where assembly lines may have multiple cranes working simultaneously.
   • Ports and Shipyards: Ensuring safe movement of large cranes loading and unloading ships.

   Optimize Crane Operations

   Anti-collision systems are a vital component of modern crane operations, enhancing safety, efficiency, and productivity. By leveraging advanced sensor and control technologies, these systems ensure that cranes can operate in shared spaces without the risk of collisions. For industries aiming to optimize their crane operations, investing in anti-collision systems is a smart and necessary choice.

   For other crane-related terms, visit the American Crane glossary. Contact us to learn more about our products, services or to request a quote. Our team is eager to help!

2. Ensuring Durability, Safety & Unmatched Service in the Marine Industry

   June 11, 2024 10:15 am Leave a Comment

   

   The Marine Industry serves as a cornerstone of our global economy, operating within a unique and challenging environment, requiring specialized equipment to meet its demanding needs. Here at American Crane & Equipment Corporation we have decades of experience and expertise designing and manufacturing custom equipment for the marine industry. Explore further to discover the diverse array of features and climates American Crane caters to, ensuring durability, safety and unmatched service in the Marine Industry.

   Customized Solutions

   We understand the unique challenges and requirements of marine operations. That’s why we work closely with our customers every step to custom design each crane with features tailored to their specific needs, ensuring durability and reliability in any marine environment.

   Durability & Safety

   Our team of engineers and technicians meticulously selects top-tier materials when crafting our cranes. These materials are purposefully chosen to endure the harshest conditions, including wind, corrosion, salt, and water exposure. Features like our Stainless-Steel electrical enclosures (NEMA 4X) are adept at safeguarding against damp environments and rigorous washdowns, ensuring optimal performance even in the most challenging marine conditions.

   Superior Performance

   Whether it is a custom Below-the-Hook Device or standard “off the shelf” product, our equipment is built to perform. Our team takes every measure necessary to ensure that our cranes perform at their peak capacity. We design everything we produce to be all gearing, so it can withstand any heavy-duty service it faces.

   Service & Maintenance

   At American Crane, we simplify our customer’s lives by providing 24/7 service throughout the entire year. We provide everything from crane and hoist inspections to upgrades and rebuilds. Whether planned or unplanned, our team offers on-site assistance to minimize downtime and ensure efficient crane performance.

   Do it Right With ACECO

   Marine environments pose unique challenges that demand specialized, durable equipment. At American Crane, we recognize that each client has distinct needs and requirements. That’s why we work closely with our customers every step of the way ensuring durability, safety and unmatched service. Reach out to us to discover how our custom solutions can meet your needs.

   Ready to enhance your marine operations? Explore our online store to discover an extensive range of off-the-shelf products designed for efficiency and durability ACECO Products.

3. How to Improve Safety & Efficiency with Aerospace Critical Lifts

   June 30, 2015 4:29 pm Leave a Comment

   When you have an aerospace critical lift that could impact your project or the environment, it’s doubly important to follow all the proper procedures for safety and compliance. Many people are unsure of the exact legal requirements and the best way to ensure compliance. Here is a brief rundown on managing critical aerospace lifts.

   Identifying Critical Lifts

   A lift is considered critical if it has one or more of the following characteristics:

   

   1. If loss of control over the lifted item could invoke a declaration of a site emergency per the governing regulations such as NASA-STD- 8719.9.
   2. If the item to be lifted is vital to the project schedule or irreplaceable.
   3. If the item is lost during the lift, the resulting impact on cost or schedule might jeopardize program commitments.
   4. If the lift occurs in close proximity to items that fit any of the definitions in items 1 through 3.
   5. If the load exceeds 80 percent of the crane’s capacity, it is critical. If two cranes are used and the lift weight exceeds 75 percent of the rated capacity of one of the cranes, it is also considered critical.

   Aerospace Critical Lift Requirements

   If your planned lift fits into any of these categories, you are required to take certain safety precautions. The precautions may vary depending on the characteristics of the lift, but almost every aerospace critical lift will require specific safety precautions.

   Lift Supervisor

   This person is responsible for ensuring that every member of the lift team understands their role and has the proper training. The Lift Supervisor must also confirm that the equipment has been properly inspected and has the right safety ratings to safely carry out the lift plan.

   Safety Representative

   The Safety Representative cannot be the same individual as the Lift Supervisor. The Safety Representative is responsible for reviewing and checking all inspections, the lift plan, and must be on site during the lift to monitor the process and ensure adherence to the plan.

   Critical Lift Plan

   The Critical Lift Plan includes both a Hazard Report and a Lift Procedure. The entire team, but especially the Lift Supervisor and the Safety Representative should be familiar with the details of the plan.

   Safety Review Meeting

   Before undertaking the lift, the team must hold a Safety Review Meeting to ensure that all team members have a firm grasp on their roles and all lift procedures. The meeting can be held up to two weeks prior to the lift for very complex lifts, but two to three days is more common.

   Equipment Requirements

   For aerospace critical lifts, you must use equipment rated to handle the necessary load plus a margin of error. The equipment must meet these requirements whether it is leased or owned and must meet  minimum load rating for every item used in the lift, including rigging, jigs, cables and hoists.

   American Crane Aerospace Equipment is designed to meet the requirements of aerospace critical lifts. American Crane Critical Lift Cranes are designed for durability, reliability and safeguarding equipment during lifts and to comply with appropriate industry guidelines. With over 40 years of experience designing and building the industry’s most respected cranes, American Crane products offer custom design and fabrication and a complete in-house quality assurance program to comply with standards. Before shipment, all cranes are completely tested and fully assembled to meet CMAA duty cycle requirements.

   Inspections

   You must have certificates of inspection and original rating certificates for all equipment. These should be part of the Lift Plan and reviewed and validated in the Safety Meetings.

   If you are responsible for managing a project or program that may include an aerospace critical lift, consider working with the experienced team at American Crane. Our team of experts provide high quality equipment, safety and reliability in every aerospace critical lift.