Everything that goes beyond its limit is subject to vulnerability. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that overloading accounts for 4% of crane-related deaths annually. The cause is mainly due to mobile cranes that tip over, collapse of the crane and the carrying of excessive weight.

Overburdening this machine is very risky and could result in serious injuries. This potential accident could cause harm and injury not only to the person operating the machine; it could also cause injury to people who are working on the ground as well as to anyone within a normally safe working distance from the operation.

Load Detection Device Needed

To prevent and protect working personnel from the danger that is inherent in carrying excessive weight, a detection device needs to be installed on the crane truck that can monitor and detect the weight of the material. This will ensure that safety can be maintained throughout the entire lifting process.

OSHA Capacity Ratings

OSHA states that a crane is allowed to pick up and carry loads in concurrence with the manufacturer’s specifications and limitations for the rated capacity of the crane in reference to OSHA Title 29, CFR 1910.180 and 1926.550. In other words, this machine is only allowed to carry a load within its allowable safe lifting capacity which has been set by the manufacturer. Conspicuous posting that is visible to the operator can avoid worker injuries and deaths that might be the result of non-compliance to the stated provision.

Different Types of Detectors

There are several types of crane overload detectors that have been developed and designed to prevent the dangers that come from excessive weight being carried. These detection devices help in stopping accidents through the detection of any problem while the crane is being operated.

• Load Moment Indicator - This is an instrument utilized to bring the cranes into conformity with rules of usage on their capacity to lift heavy objects. The LMI has a special sensor which monitors the actual hoist operation and the condition of its stability. This has been designed and developed to prevent excess weight with a detection ability that allows the operator to see if the hoisted load has reached the rated capacity. It will only show the actual data of loading parameters during the operation but will not make certain the hoisting activity is safe.

• Crane Safety Monitor - A CSM is an electronic-control device which gives a warning signal to the operator if the load exceeds the rated capacity. A force transducer is installed on the machinery which will provide an alarm sound once the pre-set level is reached. In addition, a CSM is self-checking, which means it will determine the presence of functional faults as a result of excess weight. This device will prevent excess weight from happening and will surely protect operators from such hazards.

• Dynamometers - A dynamometer is a weight and force-measuring apparatus designed for excess load prevention. It has built-in detectors for convenience and to ensure the operator’s safety. The main function of this device is to measure the mechanical force, speed and power when it is running.

Correct judgment and in-depth knowledge on the safe use of crane trucks relative to the operation of the machine cannot be replaced by any weight-detecting devices. Operators must have proper training for safe hoisting operations. They must also have a great deal of knowledge on the importance of weight charts that are required to be posted by OSHA and the manufacturer. Any overload-detecting device should not be completely relied upon since it is possible that it could provide inaccurate information or may indicate false readings due to unforeseen system malfunctions. Know how to use the crane properly – this is imperative!