Upgrades & Retrofits: Improved Safety and Expenditures
Upgrades & Retrofits: Improved
Safety and Expenditures
Friction Rigs
The hoists and cranes represented in this presentation are commonly
known as “friction rigs”. Friction rigs are different from the newer style
hydraulic equipment in that a friction rig utilizes “frictions” (clutch bands
and brake bands) to engage or stop the equipment lifting operations,
requiring the operator to utilize foot pedals and lever controls.
The equipment is typically powered by a diesel engine in tandem with
a torque converter or transmission. Some pieces of equipment are
powered by electric motors.
Friction Rigs in Marine Industry
Friction rigs are very prevalent among marine industry operations
on docks and barges. However, as produced by the Original
Equipment Manufacturers and by today’s standards they have
much to be desired in terms of ease of operation, operator
comforts, and some safety precautions.
The equipment typically performs very well if properly operated and
maintained. However due to the nature of this equipment, and the
available operator resources and skills, it is becoming increasingly
difficult to find qualified people willing to operate them.
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the ability for a product to adapt to both the
workspace and the individual operator.
It focuses on creating safe, comfortable, and productive work
environments and operations by designing and fitting products to
the operator.
American 5299
American 7250
Traditional Controls & Cab
Photo
9310 9299
Traditional Controls & Cab
Photo
American 999
Traditional Controls & Cab
Photos
Manitowoc 4000
Manitowoc 3900
Manitowoc 4100 SII 225 Ton
Traditional Controls & Cab
Photos
The Seat
In deciding to go to a modular design cab there can be variations
depending on the equipment type, space available and line of
sight requirements for the operator.
It is important that the cab manufacturer and end user
communicate on the design and placement of the seating system
to insure they get it right for the operators.
Seat system selection is critical to the operator's acceptance of
the equipment as well as their health and safety.
Some Engineering
Considerations for Seat System
Get your operator and maintenance people involved. This is an
investment for your company’s long term production and you need their
buy in.
Select a system for its number of adjustments and the range of
adjustability the more adjustments the more adaptable.
Insure that the seat system will accommodate the necessary controls and
fit in the intended cabin design.
Select a system that will accommodate all operators comfortably and
achieve the intended visual requirements for safe operation.
An adjustable footrest will expand the range of operators that a seating
system can accommodate.
Decide whether the cab will support a fixed seating system or a rotating system for ease of entry and exit.
Is there adequate leg and knee clearance?
Consider the seat system positioning to the window both horizontally and vertically to obtain the optimum line of sight for the operators.
Will the seat or system need to tilt to obtain a better view?
Consult an Ergonomist on seat system selection, positioning and human factors.
Address any possible health, safety and regulatory issues, e.g., lower back and neck strain concerns that are prevalent in your crane applications.
Develop an ergonomic program, examples can be found at: www.cdc.gov/nisoh/docs/97-117
See www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/ and www.ccohs.ca/oshansweres/ergonomics/sitting_overview.html these sites address repetitive motion and stress injuries in the work place while working from a sitting position.
Develop an operator training program if not already in place.
Identify if seat restraints are required on moving equipment where operators may be at risk without them.
Contact Seat Manufacturer with any questions you may have.
Controls Identification and Cab
Design
Modular Cab on Friction Rig
Cab Comparison on 9310
Cab Comparison
State of the Art Seat with
Joystick Controls.
Seat and Controls Comparison
Additional Modular Cab Views
Equipment Control Upgrade
Potential Savings
Improved Cycle Times / Better
Productivity.
Overall Safer Operation to
Operator with Less Equipment
Damages.
Operator Pool Opens Up.
Keep the traditional rig.
Hoisting Engines
Upgrades
Upgraded Hoist Control Stand
Comparison
Barge Operation with Hoists
and Winches
Master Operations Console
Hoists and Derricks in Duty
Cycle Applications
OSHA 1926.1401 definitions
Free fall (of the load line) means that only the brake is used to
regulate the descent of the load line (the drive mechanism is not
used to drive the load down faster or retard its lowering).
Free Fall Video
Thank You
Visit Booth 3157 for More Information on Seats, Cabs, Control
Integration, and Seat with Controls
Demonstrations.