crawler crane introduction

Crawler Crane Safety in Material Handling| 1

Crawler Crane CRAWLER CRANE


Crawler Crane

• The crawler crane is basically a tracked vehicle that has a crane mechanism attached to it.

• This crane has the capability to work on every type of ground surface, even on the softest grounds, thanks to its specially designed track properties. The metal tracks make the crawler crane very stable on the ground and also provide increased maneuverability on the ground.

• The lifting capacity of the crawler crane ranges from 30 to 3000 tons depending on the model.

Crawler Crane – Introduction


Crawler Crane

• Crane – Consists of a rotating structure for lifting and lowering horizontally on crawler treads

• Hoist - Used to lift and lower load.• Boom – An inclined spar, strut, or other long

member supporting the hoisting tackle• Jib – Extension attached to the boom point to

provide added boom length for lifting specified loads.

• Counter weight – Weights used for balancing loads and the weight of the crane in providing stability



Crawler Crane

• All crawler cranes consist of several parts. The propulsion system and the tracks are the main parts of the crane. The engine and the control cabin are placed on top of the tracks.

• A long boom is attached to the cabin and can be raised high above the control cabin. Cables move through the boom and a hook is attached at the end of the boom for catching, lifting and moving various kinds of items and loads from one place to another.

• Some crawler crane models come with additional part known as a jib which is attached at the end of the boom. The jib allows the crawler crane to move items even further from its position on the ground. The crawler crane moves like a crawler tractor, but because of its weight it moves very slowly on the ground.



Crawler Crane

• One main feature which allows the crawler crane to lift and move heavy loads without losing control is the counterweight. The counterweights are usually placed at the back of the crane and can weight up to several tons. The crawler crane is a versatile machine, capable of performing and completing various lifting tasks on all types of ground surfaces and weather conditions.



Crawler Crane

• The main advantage of the crawler crane is the ability to move and lift items and other heavy loads around the construction site very easily. In addition, the tracks of the crawler crane provide support and increased stability.

• the biggest disadvantage of the crawler crane is the big size and weight. The crawler crane is not transported fully assembled. They are just too big for the roads. That’s why they are delivered in manageable pieces and assemble on site. This can be a project on its own and will involve a team of professional heavy lift technicians such as riggers & operators. The configuration of the crane is predetermined in advance by the lift engineer based on the customer’s project requirement.

Crawler Crane – Pro & Cons


Crawler Crane

OSHA identified the major causes of crane accidents to include: 1. Crane buckling or collapsing -

All cranes have weight limits to ensure that the crane will not tip over. To counterbalance the weight, cranes use counterweight and out-rigging systems. If the maximum weight is exceeded the crane will be in danger of either buckling or the boom may collapse.

2. Improper Crane Assembly - One of the biggest reasons that a boom

collapses is improper assembly. Specifically if the crane does not have the proper blocking (wood or metal supports) to stabilize the load, the unbalanced load will move and may lead to the crane collapsing.

Major Causes of Crane Accidents

*OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration


Crawler Crane

3. Improper employee training - Operators who do not have the proper

training in crane operation and safety procedures may lead to crane accidents.

4. Mechanical Failures - Routine crane maintenance should be followed to

prevent accidents due to mechanical failure. Crane components should be oiled on a regular basis and components with excessive wear should be repaired and replaced right away.



Crawler Crane

5. Contact with overhead power lines - Electrocution from contact with

overhead power lines is a leading cause of crane related accidents. Both the crane operator and workers in the crane basket should be aware of the placement of power lines surrounding the worksite. Before work commences the current to active power lines should be shut off to prevent electrocution from accidental contact with live wires.6. Flawed or Infrequent Inspections -

Timely, consistent inspections by experienced and well-trained inspectors can wholly prevent tragic accidents.



Crawler Crane

• Instability – unsecured load, load capacity exceeded

• Ground not level or too soft

• Lack of communication

• Lack of training

• Inadequate maintenance or inspection

• Unguarded swing radius

• Excessive speeds

• Working too close to power lines

How Do Accidents Occur?


Crawler Crane

• Level the crane and ensure support surface is firm and able to support the load

• Know the basic crane capacities, limitations, and job site restrictions, such as the location of power lines, unstable soil, or high winds.

• Contact power line owners and determine precautions. Know the location and voltage of overhead power lines.

• At the beginning , walk-around your crane checking for mechanical, electrical, structural, and hydraulic issues (MESH).

• Make other personnel aware of hoisting activities.• Barricade areas within swing radius.• Ensure proper maintenance and inspections.• Determine safe areas to store materials and place machinery.

Planning Before Start-Up


Crawler Crane

The competent person must inspect all machinery and equipment prior to each use, and during use, to make sure it is in safe operating condition.

If it needs fixing, take it out of service and don’t use it until it is fixed

BrokenTrack

Competent Person

Make sure the crane operator can see the:• Rated Load Capacities• Operating Speeds• Special Hazard Warning or Instruction


Crawler Crane

• An unstable load, lack of communication, lack of training, and inadequate maintenance or inspection are major contributors to crane accidents.

• Operators or others working in the area can be victims to “struck by" and "caught in" injuries.

• Contact with power lines causes many accidents.• A competent person must inspect a crane regularly to insure it is in

proper order.• Planning and training reduces accidents.

Summary


Crawler Crane

• http://www.vertikal.net/en/news/story/23733/• http://www.craneaccidents.com/2015/09/report/65-deaths-tower-cran

e-collapse/

• http://www.osha.gov• https://

www.liebherr.com/en/deu/products/mobile-and-crawler-cranes/crawler-cranes/lr-crawler-cranes/details/lr11350.html

• http://www.blockotoole.com/blog/2013/02/5-common-causes-of-crane-accidents.shtml

• Google Image

References

http://www.vertikal.net/en/news/story/23733/

http://www.vertikal.net/en/news/story/23733/

http://www.craneaccidents.com/2015/09/report/65-deaths-tower-crane-collapse/



http://www.osha.gov/

https://www.liebherr.com/en/deu/products/mobile-and-crawler-cranes/crawler-cranes/lr-crawler-cranes/details/lr11350.html



http://www.blockotoole.com/blog/2013/02/5-common-causes-of-crane-accidents.shtml




Crawler Crane

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crawler crane introduction

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