OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a government agency that is responsible for, among many other things, setting crane construction, inspection, operational and safety regulations. OSHA provides programs aimed at qualifying individuals to operate and inspect cranes such as gantry cranes. Before performing lifts with a gantry crane, operators need to perform OSHA outlined inspections. Hooks should be inspected for cracks, bends or other deformities.
According to Thompson Rivers University, loads should be moved slowly to avoid jerky movement. To avoid swinging, a gantry crane should be placed directly over a load before any lifting takes place. Gantry crane operators should make sure that bystanders are clear of the area before performing a lift. Lifting a load that weighs more than the crane is rated to safely lift may result in equipment failure and cause injury.
To maintain a safe work environment, gantry crane operators need to perform certain safety measures before leaving the crane. All hooks should be raised to an intermediate position. Controls and main switches need to be placed in the "OFF" position. Operators also should visually check the crane for anything out of the ordinary before leaving the crane.