Key Safety Advantages of a Turning Lifting Beam

Safety should always be your main concern and not just so you can avoid the financial consequences of an accident. It's vital that you incorporate lifting and handling equipment such as a rotating lifting device to ensure that employees are protected when lifting and moving cumbersome loads.

When Is a Rotating Lifting Device the Right Choice?

If your facility has limited space, yet you need to move large objects, a load turning device is essential. Turning lifting beams, in particular, are a good choice for lower ceilings since they don't require a lot of headroom the way a crane would. Another advantage of using turning lifting beams vs a forklift, hoist, or other manual lifting system, is they typically can be operated remotely, usually via remote. This provides both safety and flexibility for your workers.

Lifting and Handling Equipment Safety Advantages

Whether you're manufacturing components for giant machines such as marine motors, or wind turbines, or you're lifting massive crates and shipping containers, a rotating lifting device is more than a convenience, it's a safety essential. In fact, load turning devices can reduce the risks your employees face, regardless of the size, shape, or weight of the object being lifted. A few safety benefits that compliant lifting and handling equipment provide include:

Adjustable to Suit the Load

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to heavy lifting in your facility. Some objects require special treatment in order to be safely lifted, rotated, and moved. A rotating lifting device can be customized and adjusted to suit off-center, unbalanced, bulky, and otherwise difficult-to-control loads without damage to the object or harm to employees working near or under the lifted item.

Secure Straps Hold Even Odd-Shaped Loads

When connecting a rotating lift device to the object you intend to lift, you need to ensure the strap is rated to handle the weight of the load. But that's not all, the material that the strap is made of can have an impact on its performance. Coated straps will resist abrasion and improve life time. Sharp edges should always be protected to prevent damaging the straps.

Remote Control Keeps Employees Out of Harm's Way

Directly under, or even near the area isn't the safest place for employees when a large, heavy object is being lifted. In fact, workers should be kept away from the immediate area as much as possible. As previously mentioned, load turners are generally equipped with remote controls, so workers face fewer risks during the lifting procedure.

Load Balance Signaling

Maintaining balance is essential when lifting heavy, cumbersome objects, but an imbalance may not be obvious to the operator during the lift. A rotating lifting device with a type of horizontal signaling system can warn the operator, allowing adjustments to be made to ensure the load is balanced so it doesn't slip and harm someone or become damaged.

Can Be Used in Tandem

Some loads are just too much for a single rotating lift to handle safely. That's not a problem if you have multiple lifting devices at your disposal. When a load is particularly long and heavy, it's possible to use two rotating lift devices in tandem to handle the load. The combined strength and load capacity of two lifts makes the job easier and safer.

Is a Rotating Lifting Device Right for My Facility?

Lifting and turning equipment can be used in a variety of settings within industrial facilities. So, regardless of your industry, if you've got big loads that need to be lifted and moved, a rotating lift is a good investment. Not only will it keep your workers safer, but it will also boost your productivity and make it easier for you to scale up your business. Ask yourself the following questions to determine if a load turning device is necessary:

• What needs to be lifted and turned? From components to finished products, consider all the objects you may need to lift and turn during the course of the production process. Of course, you also want to look at the future objects you may lift as well.

• How is the object currently being lifted? Are workers struggling with dangerous equipment that's not specifically built for the task? Is your current lifting system a combination of manual lifting hoists or forklifts?

• What is the weight and span of the object to be lifted? If the items you need to lift are cumbersome, oddly shaped, heavy, or otherwise difficult to handle, consider adding a load turning device to ensure they're handled safely.

• Where is the object being lifted? Lift beams are the ideal solution for facilities with limited headspace to work with. Due to the single point of attachment, they can be used in areas that a spreader lift or crane simply cannot operate.

• Does the load need to be supported across the entire span? For loads with this requirement, a lifting beam is the best solution since it can support the load fully. In fact, a load-lifting beam can provide support throughout the length of the load with ease.

Request More Information About the Safety Benefits of Load Turning Equipment

If you're concerned about the safety of your workers when moving, lifting, and turning bulky objects, contact Tractel® to talk to one of our qualified safety experts about your options. We are industry leaders in workplace safety, and we can help you find a solution that provides the strength and flexibility you need. Our equipment meets or exceeds the safety standards set forth by OSHA and CCOHS, so you never have to worry about compliance issues either.

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