Crane & Hoist – Safe Distance Considerations

The Occupational Health and Safety Act for Industrial Establishments states that a lifting device shall by operated in such a way that no part of the load passes over any worker and that hoisting controls operated from other than a cab or cage shall be located so that they can be operated at a safe distance from the load being lifted.

Pendent controls are used in a large number of factories in North America. Unlike wireless controls, pendent controls are secured to the bridge of the crane and allow the controls to be moved along the bridge but restrict the movement of controls to a few feet in front of or behind the bridge.

If the operator is free to stand a safe distance from the load by placing himself/herself below the bridge the situation should not present a problem. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Aisle ways or obstacles often prevent the overhead crane operator from walking or standing a safe distance from the load. The operator often walks in front of or behind the load and cannot always maintain a safe distance from the load because the cable length to the controls restricts it.

Keeping loads close to the floor surface reduces the safe distance that an operator must be from the load. Obstacles or stacking requirements often require loads to be elevated which increase the safe distance.

Failures of lifting equipment do occur occasionally and the results can be devastating. Modifications to plant layout or use of wireless controls may allow an overhead crane operator to stand a greater distance from a load and therefore work in a safer manner. 

“incorrect action or failure to act may cause further injury or death to the victim”