How Load Controls Keep Employees Safe during Overhead Handling Processes

Overhead material handling systems are touted as safer options in lifting, placing, and maneuvering of material loads, among other types of material handling systems. Since this kind of equipment — like cranes, hoists,  and balancers — carries out the task of lifting heavy loads overhead, they keep the loads at a safe distance from the employees working on the floor. But that is not enough; what is needed is the safe maneuvering and precise placement of the load once it’s up in the air. This is where load controls come in the picture. In this article, we will find out how load controls keep employees safe during overhead handling processes.

Load controls in overhead lifting solutions could be of different types. Some systems are controlled with wireless remote controls (these operate by laser, radio, or infrared signals to relay function instructions to the system) while others come with wired, push-button pendants (or pendant stations) connected to the system at a distance. These load control devices control the overhead lifting system’s travel and operation as it maneuvers a load through a production process, moves products within a warehouse, transports product to or from shipping and receiving docks, or places finished products on outbound cargo trailers or railcars.

These load controls help the workers navigate and maneuver the loads with utmost precision, as if they were doing it manually. They can control the speed and the position of the loads being handled. This precision allows the load to be lifted and moved on its set path without making any unexpected movements that can result in injuries. The biggest advantage with these is that they allow the users control and direct the equipment from a safe distance: either several feet away on the floor, or from an elevated platform for a bird’s eye view of the load. This enables them to operate the loads with precision keeping them far from danger. Evidently, this minimizes the chance of injury to employees. Therefore, the risk of accidentally navigating the load into employees, products, walls, obstacles or other machinery in the area is significantly reduced by these devices, especially while performing the 90-degree maneuvers commonly required of overhead cranes or articulating jib cranes. Similarly, the controllers in monorail systems ensure that these track-based systems precisely deliver and position their payload as they travel from point to point along a set path.

Even the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) suspended load safety standards state “You might look into purchasing remote controls for hoists and overhead cranes. Operators may then safely maneuver the equipment from a distance.”

Conco offers a wide range of overhead handling devices with load controls for your employees’ safety. We supply various kinds of jib cranes like articulating jib arms, articulating jib hoists and articulating jib lifters. We also have a range of air balancers and hoists. Our pneumatic balancers come with simple to adjust UP/DN speeds which give you precision while also maintaining the safety of your employees. To know more, contact us on (712) 841-4548.