Overhead & Gantry Cranes - Switches

29 CFR §1910.179 includes the following regulations for switches:

• The operator must test the upper limit switch (without load) at the beginning of each shift and notify the appointed person of any issues.
• Never use the hoist limit switch - which controls the upper limit of load block travel - as an operating control.
• All electric traveling cranes' hoisting motions must have an over-travel limit switch set in the hoisting direction.
• All cranes with a lifting magnet must have an enclosed-type magnet circuit switch and a means for discharging the magnet's inductive load.
• Runway conductor power supply must be controlled by a switch or circuit breaker that is located on a fixed structure, accessible from the floor, and arranged to be locked in the open position.
• Cab-operated and floor-operated cranes with both an enclosed switch or circuit breaker and a locking-in-the-open-position provision must "be provided in the leads from the runway conductors." For cab-operated cranes, an operator must be able to easily open this switch/circuit breaker; for floor-operated cranes, there must be a disconnect mounted on the bridge or walkway.
• The above-mentioned floor-operated cranes must have one of the following disconnects:
  • Non-conductive rope attached to the main disconnect switch
  • Undervoltage trip (for the main circuit breaker) that works via an emergency stop button in the pendant pushbutton station
  • Main line contactor that works via a switch or pushbutton in the pendant pushbutton station

To learn more about Crane, Derrick & Hoist visit our Crane, Derrick & Hoist Safety Online Training web page.