An overhead hoist training course, sometimes referred to as overhead crane training or bridge crane training, is helpful for those wishing to gain employment as overhead crane operators.  This course is intended to teach you essential industry skills and help you better understand the responsibilities of overhead crane operators.

Basic Criteria for Choosing an Overhead Hoist Training Program

Select an industry-recognized, reputable program that will award you a graduation certificate upon successful completion of the course.  Courses like these can last for four to eight hours or for up to three or four days.

Training in the classroom is combined with hands-on field training and practical application sessions on overhead hoist cranes.  If a course does not have on-site field training facilities or does not offer hands-on training, it would be best to choose another program.

Always choose a customized training program targeted at specific situations such as:

  • Handling of gantry, jib and pedestal cranes
  • Bilingual training for workers that require translation
  • Workplace hazard training for employees working in hazardous environments
  • Electric chain hosts for special lifts and theater rigging
  • Refresher rigging training courses, targeting specific applications
  • Applicable federal, state and local regulations

Types of Cranes Covered

An industry-recognized overhead hoist training course should cover the operating procedures of the following types of cranes:

  • Rubber tire mounted gantry cranes
  • Rail mounted cranes
  • Jib cranes
  • Underhung and monorail cranes
  • Overhead bridge cranes

Other topics a course should cover are:

  • Sling angles effect on hardware and rigging
  • Hitch applications and selection
  • Wire rope inspection and construction
  • Tension caused by sling angles
  • Sling inspection and selection
  • Determining the center of gravity of the load
  • Basic rigging principles
  • Reducing accident risks
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Inspection documentation and inspection procedures
  • Post-operation and pre-operation inspections
  • Two blocking
  • Shock loading
  • Equipment overload
  • Considerations for critical lifts
  • Forms of communication
  • Methods of communication
  • Handling the load
  • Operational limitations
  • Efficient, effective, and safe operating techniques
  • Operator responsibilities and requirements
  • Operator qualifications
  • Overhead hoist crane construction and nomenclature
  • All applicable ASME, ANSI and OSHA safety standards and regulations

Overhead Hoist Training Certification

After successful completion of the overhead hoist training program, the institute should provide a valid and recognized certification.  Such certification is proof that the graduate is a well-trained candidate. Overhead Hoist Training.