[Safety Awareness] Strictly Adhere to Operating Procedures! Key Safety Guidelines for Gantry Cranes

Gantry cranes, as the core heavy‑duty lifting equipment in industrial plants, material storage yards, and construction sites, shoulder the critical tasks of material handling and the hoisting of oversized components. Lifting operations are high‑risk specialized tasks; even the slightest oversight can lead to equipment overturning, falling loads, or injuries to personnel. Henan Feima Lifting Machinery Group reminds all customers and on‑site operators: equipment reliability is the foundation, standardized operating procedures are essential, and safety must always be the top priority.

1. Before Work: Conduct a pre-shift inspection; do not start the machine if it fails to meet standards.

Operators must be certified and qualified to work; before commencing duties, they must properly wear safety helmets, protective footwear, and other personal protective equipment. Operating under the influence of alcohol, while fatigued, or when feeling unwell is strictly prohibited.

Pre-shift key inspection items:

1. Track foundation: Inspect the track for settlement or cracking; ensure the track is free of debris and obstructions, and that the track fasteners are securely tightened.
2. Safety devices—such as the hoisting limit switch, trolley travel limit switch, buffers, brakes, emergency stop button, and audible‑visual alarm—must be sensitive and functional. It is strictly prohibited to remove or disable these safety protection devices without authorization.
3. Lifting and rigging equipment: Check wire ropes for broken wires, corrosion, or deformation; ensure that hook safety latches are intact; and verify that lifting eyes and shackles are free from cracks or damage.
4. Wind‑prevention measures: rail clamps, ground anchors, and wind‑resistant cables are in good condition; for outdoor gantry cranes, check the anemometer—when wind speed reaches Level 6 or higher, lifting operations are prohibited.
5. Electrical system: Cables, wiring, and grounding protection shall be free from damage or electrical leakage; the control handle shall be returned to the zero position; perform a no‑load trial run to verify that all mechanisms operate without abnormal noise or jamming.

II. During Operations: Adhere to Standard Procedures and Uphold the “Ten No-Lift” Red Line

The entire operation must be staffed with Certified full-time conductor , Standardize hand signals and walkie-talkie communications; do not lift if the signal is unclear or if there is conflicting direction from multiple personnel.

1. Overloading is strictly prohibited! Oblique pulling and slantwise lifting are also forbidden; such practices can cause abrupt changes in wire rope tension, rail‑gripping of the equipment, and unstable swinging of the load.
2. No personnel are allowed to stand beneath suspended loads or in the load‑handling path. It is strictly prohibited to lift loads over the heads of workers. When operating near personnel, at turns, or during hoisting and lowering, sound the warning bell promptly.
3. No personnel are allowed to stand on suspended loads; do not lift if loose or scattered items remain on the load; do not lift if sharp-edged or pointed objects are not protected with padding.
4. Components buried underground or firmly bonded and secured shall not be lifted by force; flammable and explosive materials shall not be lifted without a dedicated lifting plan.
5. During equipment operation, personnel are prohibited from climbing on or ascending/descending the crane, and from walking or lingering on the tracks or trolley bridge.
6. When changing the travel direction of the trolley or carriage, the machine must first be stopped and brought to a zero‑speed condition; direct reverse braking is prohibited.
7. In the event of a sudden power outage during operations, immediately return all controller handles to the zero position; when a load is suspended, operators must not leave their posts without authorization.
8. Suspended loads must not remain airborne for extended periods, and it is strictly prohibited to leave suspended loads hanging overnight.

Ten “No-Lift” Rules for Lifting Operations (Memorize Them)

1. Do not lift if the command signal is unclear or given in an unauthorized manner.
2. Do not lift when the load exceeds the rated capacity.
3. Do not lift if the lifting device is unsuitable or the load is not securely fastened.
4. Do not lift when there are people or floating objects on the load.
5. Do not lift if the brakes or safety devices are malfunctioning.
6. Work on suspended loads is not permitted when the load is suspended.
7. Do not hoist if it is tilted or improperly hung.
8. Do not lift flammable or explosive materials without proper protective measures.
9. Burying objects: blindly pulling or not pulling.
10. Do not lift angular objects without a cut-resistant pad.

3. End of Work: After the shift, return to designated positions and ensure wind protection and power disconnection.

Daily tasks must be completed; do not simply shut down and call it a day—ensure proper finalization and protective measures are in place.

1. Raise the lifting device to a safe height, and move the trolley to the designated parking position.
2. Secure the rail clamp, and if necessary, anchor the ground anchor and tighten the wind‑resistant ropes.
3. Reset all control handles to zero, disconnect the main power supply, and close the electrical cabinet.
4. Clear debris from tracks and equipment, ensure thorough cleaning of all machinery, maintain operational logs, and promptly report any potential hazards—such as unusual noises, leaks, or deformation—for shutdown and maintenance. Equipment found to be malfunctioning must not be used under any circumstances.

IV. Routine Maintenance and Periodic Inspections: Ensuring Long-Term Safety Assurance

Gantry cranes are classified as special equipment and must strictly comply with relevant regulations governing such equipment.

1. Establish an equipment maintenance ledger and, on a scheduled basis, perform lubrication and inspection of wire ropes, brakes, bearings, gearboxes, and electrical components.
2. Regular inspection shall be conducted in accordance with applicable standards, and the equipment may only be put into service upon receipt of a certificate of compliance.
3. Regularly organize safety training and emergency drills for operational personnel to ensure they are proficient in emergency response procedures for scenarios such as equipment malfunctions, high winds, and uncontrolled suspended loads.
4. During thunderstorms, suspend outdoor lifting operations and inspect equipment grounding and lightning protection systems to prevent lightning strikes from damaging equipment and causing electric shock hazards. Zhanjiang City Market...

V. Safety Message from Feima Crane Co., Ltd.

Good equipment requires even better management and operation. Henan Feima Lifting Machinery Group has been deeply engaged in the manufacturing of lifting machinery for many years, placing safety performance at the forefront throughout the entire process—from design and production to installation and after-sales maintenance. A safe and reliable gantry crane depends not only on rigorous quality control at the manufacturing stage but also on the daily management practices of the user organization and the disciplined adherence to operating procedures by the operators. There is no room for luck when it comes to safety; preventing potential hazards is paramount. May every lifting operation proceed safely, safeguarding lives and ensuring the safe and smooth operation of enterprises!