Fixed cranes are cranes that are positioned in one location such as a wharf, building, offshore vessel, large ship or mining site to assist with lifting tasks permanently or for an extended period of construction. Fixed cranes range in size and load lifting capabilities. The crane is operated from within a cab through the operation of levers or pedals which move the arm or jib with attached chain, wires and hook either horizontally or vertically within the fixed capabilities and location of the cranes fixation point. Fixed cranes can be tower, mast or frame mounted or be a bridge and/or gantry style crane which operate along a fixed carriage such as along the roof of a foundry workshop or transferring sea containers from ship to shore or rail containers from carriage to yard.
Fixed cranes are specialised for purpose, location and operating space available. Fixed crane operators will usually need to climb vertical ladders of extensive heights to gain entry to the operating cab.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Fixed cranes are used within the workplace to assist with the lifting and movement of stock, products or building materials to assist with construction. As fixed crane operators need the capacity to climb vertical ladders for operating cab access, people wanting to operate these will need the physical capacity for safe climbing.
For people with disability that restricts capacity to lift and manouvre items within the workplace, the use of smaller truck mounted or mobile cranes or other lifting equipment may be of assistance to reduce manual handling requirements:
References
Australian Skills Training 2009, National Occupational Health and Safety Certification Standard for Users and Operators of Industrial Equipment [NOHSC: 1006], Australian Skills Training Pty Ltd, Perth, viewed 1 September 2010, http://www.astpl.com/extracts.html.
Cranes.com.au 2011, Types of Cranes, Cranes.com.au, online, viewed 1 September 2011, http://www.cranes.com.au/types/.
Liebherr 2011, Ship Cranes, Liebherr—Australia Pty Ltd, Smithfield, viewed 1 September 2011, http://www.liebherr.com/MCM/en-GB/products_mcm.wfw/id-11651-0.
Liebherr 2011, Offshore Cranes, Liebherr—Australia Pty Ltd, Smithfield, viewed 1 September 2011, http://www.liebherr.com/MCM/en-GB/products_mcm.wfw/id-11658-0.