Crane operators have a firmer hand on safety when crane controllers incorporate the design and operational features outlined in this section. Some of these features inhibit the unintentional activation of equipment and stop equipment from operating when pressure on the controls is released. They also keep lifting equipment from automatically restarting after a power disruption.

In all, these required features increase operators’ control over the cranes they are responsible for running. Clescrane technicians can inspect your controllers for proper operation and determine whether replacement parts are needed.

Electrical Equipment: Controllers

Cranes not equipped with spring-return controllers or momentary contact push buttons shall be provided with a device which will disconnect all motors from the line on failure of power and will not permit any motor to be restarted until the controller handle is brought to the "off" position, or a reset switch or button is operated.

Lever operated controllers shall be provided with a notch or latch which in the "off" position prevents the handle from being inadvertently moved to the "on" position. An "off" detent or spring return arrangement is acceptable.

The controller operating handle shall be located within convenient reach of the operator.

As far as practical, the movement of each controller handle shall be in the same general directions as the resultant movements of the load.

The control for the bridge and trolley travel shall be so located that the operator can readily face the direction of travel.

For floor-operated cranes, the controller or controllers if rope operated, shall automatically return to the "off" position when released by the operator.

Push buttons in pendant stations shall return to the "off" position when pressure is released by the crane operator.

Automatic cranes shall be so designed that all motions shall fail-safe if any malfunction of operation occurs.

Remote-operated cranes shall function so that if the control signal for any crane motion becomes ineffective the crane motion shall stop.

Concerned about the function or positioning of controllers on your lifting equipment? Call on Clescrane to find replacement parts and other solutions for improving the safety of your operations.