Gantry Crane Safety: How to Use Mobile Gantry Safely

Mobile lifting gantry systems are noted for their versatility and they are used in various applications across multiple industries. Like all other lifting equipment, gantry systems require you to adhere to certain procedural guidelines to ensure operational safety.
 
Equipment manufacturers generally provide copies of guidelines pertaining to the safe use of the equipment at the time of product delivery. Here, we have consolidated the fundamental points into a concise version in order to help you avoid the major mistakes that can lead to accidents. 

You should do:

• It is always a good idea to test the condition of your gantry before you use it.
• You may look for warning signals such as faulty brakes or dysfunctional parking jacks, the deposition of debris on the runway, cracked welds, and loosened bolts.
• Ensure that the ground is even to prevent tipping.
• Conduct a test lift to check if the load is stable.
• Make sure that the gantry is placed directly over the load that needs to be lifted.
• Make sure that the brakes and wheel locks are properly locked before your initiate the lifting process.

The Don’ts:

• Refrain from moving a loaded gantry.
• Don’t allow the load to swing.
• Never ever tug a gantry with a vehicle.
• Do not walk under a loaded gantry.
• Don’t support any other object against the gantry.
• If you allow the load to swing or if you make an attempt to move a loaded gantry, you may end up offsetting the centre of gravity which may lead to tipping.
• The stability of the load facilitates a safe lifting operation.
• With maintenance being a major determinant of equipment performance and safety, you should get your gantry inspected annually by a qualified body.