Movements and affected area
An overhead crane moves a trolley and lifting mechanism on a travelling bridge. Risk is not limited to the hook: it includes the suspended load, bridge travel and maintenance access. Assessment considers operators and everyone working or passing below or nearby, alongside other cranes sharing the area.
Related concept: Cranes and lifting equipment.
Preparing the load
Mass, centre of gravity and attachment points are established before lifting. The assembly’s capacity includes the accessories used and their arrangement. An apparently balanced load may rotate as it leaves the ground. Slinging is checked and the landing location planned so that people do not need to place their hands beneath the load.
Route and communication
A route without exposed people and with sufficient visibility is organised. Where signallers are involved, signals and responsibilities are agreed. Movements are controlled, avoiding jerking and unintended side pulling. Simultaneous use of several lifting devices requires specific planning; a load is not intuitively divided between two hooks.
Controls and checks
Brakes, limiters, limit switches, hook, wire rope or chain, and controls are inspected according to the manufacturer’s programme. The operator must identify each function and know how to stop the movement. A safety-related defect requires withdrawal from use until resolved. Safety limits are not used as a normal positioning method.
Example in a shared building
A hypothetical lift would pass over an occupied workstation. The solution is to reorganise and isolate the area or change the route, rather than ask the worker to look upwards. The plan also covers final landing and how accessories will be removed without trapping exposure.
Maintenance and scope
Work on the bridge includes height, electrical and movement hazards from other equipment. It requires specific isolation and coordination. The cited sources describe principles and components, but inspection frequencies and legal requirements depend on the equipment and jurisdiction. Marking or an earlier inspection does not establish the safety of a particular lift.
