In the material handling industry, we can find the use of jib cranes, bridge cranes, and gantry cranes for different purposes. Crane operators operate them in a range of ways. Based on the industry guidelines, there are variations in the way of operating cranes. Thus, dedicated and non-dedicated crane operators have to follow different ways of managing the system.
The major responsibility of the crane operator is to move objects from one site to another with the right crane. Companies and independent contractors employ crane operators who have to deal with these systems.
You can find crane operators working in ports, warehouses, industrial sites, surface mines, and construction sites.
Let us introduce you to the major responsibilities of crane operators. The best operators should be able to lift and move weight loads with a stationary/travelling crane. They can work as a team and stick to some directions. However, some of their regular duties include-
Proper operation of the crane-
To deal with a crane, operators have to use hands to manage wheels, levers, electromagnets, dials, and cherry pickers. However, they also need to use feet to operate foot pedals. Moreover, these operators must-have skills to control the crane speed and direction by moving the chassis and lifting/lowering the load line.
Abide by safety protocols-
Certified crane operator need to follow strict protocols and rules to prevent damages to your material handling equipment. These protocols ensure safety to the team engaged in crane operations. Thus, operators have to identify the load weight before moving items. They have to check out the weight limit to avoid problems, like overload.
Manage orders-
To organize the regular orders and deliveries, crane system operators have to analyze schedules. Moreover, they have to follow processes and instructions to load items. What’s more, they should track items that are moved.
Maintain performance-
To ensure the optimum performance of cranes, operators have to maintain them regularly. They should clean and inspect other systems, including cranes, pulleys, cables, and grappling devices. Furthermore, they must confirm that there is no malfunctioning issue and safety problem. Thus, minor repairs and troubleshooting are some common responsibilities of a crane operator.
Now, the question is- How do dedicated crane operator differ from non-dedicated ones?
Roles of dedicated crane operators-
- Control pulpit-operated and cab-operated crane systems
- Enter and exit material handling systems at designated boarding sites and authorized locations. Those locations must not have other materials to keep up a passageway.
- Operators have to open the switch for the crane main line disconnection
Roles of non-dedicated crane operators-
Most employees operating the crane system work as non-dedicated operators. Moreover, their cranes mostly comprise of overhead equipment, like gantry cranes, jib cranes, and bridge cranes. Find the duties of non-dedicated operators.
- Engaged in the task of controlling the remote and floor-operated cranes- both motorized and manual ones
- Use a remote control/pendant station to operate motorized systems.
These remote controls are the best options to move weights around some melted metals and do other risky tasks.
We have found one similarity between non-dedicated and dedicated operators. Both have knowledge about different crane controls. They can identify the potential motion after the action of control devices. However, workers can read markings on those controls. During the regular inspection of cranes, it is essential to ensure that there are clear control markings for workers. Operators have to make this inspection every day before starting to use the crane.
You must know that crane manufacturers are not directly engaged in your crane operation process. That is why your operators have to know about safety rules by reading the manufacturer’s manuals. It will help them to learn the way of maintaining and operating cranes.
Finally, we need to conclude that a crane operator must acquire skills to check the potential safety and materials lifted. They should have the physical strength and mechanical knowledge to deal with repair processes. The detailed information on dedicated and non-dedicated operators will be helpful to you.
