In fast-paced industrial settings, even the smallest oversight can lead to big accidents. That’s why taking steps to improve visibility is critical to preventing workplace injuries and keeping operations running smoothly. Whether it’s safety mirrors to eliminate blind spots or floor tape to direct traffic, the right visibility tools can be a game-changer for your team’s safety.
Overhead bridge cranes are incredibly useful in material handling, but they also bring added safety challenges due to their scale and the loads they carry. When cranes are in operation, workers may lose visibility of hazards that could arise both above and at ground level. This is where crane lights, safety mirrors, tape, and signage work in tandem to prevent accidents. Mirrors help you monitor high-traffic areas and reduce blind spots, while lights, floor tape, and signs keep workers informed and guide them away from danger.
In addition to mirrors, floor tape, and signs, crane warning lights offer a crucial layer of protection in facilities with overhead bridge cranes. When a crane is operated by radio remote control, OSHA 1910.179 requires that an audible or visual warning device be used to alert personnel of the crane’s movement. While audible alarms are common, adding visual signals like safety lights can significantly enhance workplace safety by providing a clear, immediate visual alert to workers in the crane’s vicinity.
According to OSHA guidelines, cranes equipped with power traveling mechanisms must be fitted with warning devices to signal when the crane begins moving or when the hook or load approaches personnel. For overhead cranes in busy environments, where noise levels can make it difficult to hear alarms, visual warning devices like safety lights offer a reliable, non-intrusive way to maintain safety.
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The Benefits
Crane warning lights help prevent accidents by making it easier for workers to identify the crane’s position and movement. These lights can be added to an existing crane as a retrofit, giving facilities an affordable visibility option to upgrade their safety measures without needing to replace or modify the crane’s main structure.
There are two main ways crane warning lights can improve safety:
While warning lights are not a comprehensive solution to crane safety, they play a significant role in enhancing visibility and reducing the risk of collisions. By signaling the movement of the crane and indicating safe operating areas, these lights keep employees alert and aware, even in the busiest environments.
Harriman Material Handling offers a selection of crane warning lights that can be customized to fit your facility’s specific visibility needs. Whether you’re upgrading your current system or looking to install lights on a new crane, our retrofit solutions make it easy to stay compliant with OSHA regulations while improving overall safety.
It’s important to note that state laws and specific crane manufacturer recommendations may impose additional safety requirements. Always consult relevant laws and OEM specifications to ensure full compliance.
Overhead bridge cranes, while highly efficient, can introduce hidden dangers. The weight of loads and the potential for blind spots at elevated heights can increase the risk of accidents. Installing safety mirrors in key locations—around crane pathways, corners, and high-traffic areas—helps operators and ground personnel see potential hazards before they become incidents.
Whether you’re managing a large-scale industrial plant or a more compact warehouse, safety mirrors provide a wide-angle view of areas that are hard to monitor, especially in crane-heavy operations. Harriman Material Handling offers convex and dome mirrors, perfect for enhancing visibility where bridge cranes operate. With the right mirror placement, you can reduce blind spots, minimize risks, and give your team the clear line of sight they need to stay safe.
In facilities with overhead bridge cranes, the boundaries between safe zones and operational areas need to be crystal clear. Floor tape plays a crucial role in creating these divisions. It marks off walkways, no-go zones, and crane paths, ensuring that both operators and pedestrians know where they should be—and where they shouldn’t.
For example, the area directly below a crane’s operational path is a prime spot for accidents if not properly marked. By using our high-visibility floor tape, you can clearly define these danger zones, reducing the risk of someone wandering into a hazardous area. Available in bold colors and durable designs, our floor tape withstands the constant wear of crane operations, helping you maintain a safe and organized workspace.
In busy crane facilities, effective communication is key to preventing accidents. Floor signs provide constant reminders to employees and visitors about potential hazards, equipment operation zones, and required safety gear. For instance, clear signage can alert workers to stay clear of crane operating zones, remind them to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), or designate areas where only trained personnel should enter.
At Harriman Material Handling, we offer a range of durable floor signs designed to keep safety top-of-mind in your facility. Whether it’s warning employees to stay clear of crane paths or guiding them to safer areas, our signs ensure visibility of critical information, even in the busiest environments.
Enhancing visibility with safety mirrors, floor tape, and signs may seem like minor adjustments, but they make a big difference—especially in facilities that rely on overhead bridge cranes. These tools help reinforce boundaries, minimize blind spots, and keep everyone aware of their surroundings, reducing the risk of costly downtime and injuries.
At Harriman Material Handling, we specialize in products that protect both your workforce and your equipment. Explore our wide selection of safety mirrors, durable floor tape, and customizable floor signs to create a safer environment for your entire facility, from the ground up.
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