Telescopic overhead crane at Laval University

By Marc-André Martineau
Manager & Partner at Premium Industrial Group

To improve safety when unloading in a challenging environment!

Challenge : How can lifting safety be improved in a complicated environment?

The machinery workshop at Laval University needed to find a solution to ensure safe lifting when unloading heavy metal parts, while adapting to a complex building configuration.

Before this project, parts arriving by truck were lifted using a rotating arm (called a jib crane) located outside. This method required users to pull loads at an angle. This type of non-vertical lifting increases the risk of the load swinging or slipping, which put users in danger.

In addition, a non-motorized jib crane installed outside creates two problems: rotational movement is difficult and wear by corrosion is accelerated.

But what type of equipment and configuration would reduce the existing risks and improve ergonomics, while maintaining access for the delivery vehicle?

Journey: Collaboration and engineering lead to the acquisition of a telescopic overhead crane

The university's prevention team, mechanical engineering teachers, workshop users, and the Premium Industrial Group developed a tailor-made product configuration that would be installed indoors rather than outdoors.

Main challenges identified :

• The device had to come outside the building through the garage door
• Very limited space and presence of an existing overhead crane inside
• The building structure could not support the load of new equipment
• Risk of collision if a new lifting device was installed

Selected custom product :

• Design of a telescopic overhead crane capable of extending outside in a cantilever
• Design and installation of a freestanding structure independent of the building
• Integration of semi-automated travel limiters and anti-collision system
• Installation using a rotating table on a forklift truck, allowing the overhead crane to be lifted, rotated and positioned in a restricted opening.
  
  

 

Summary of features and reference links

Throughout the project, users were consulted to test ergonomics, validate safety in real conditions, and adjust settings. This ensured that the configuration met their needs.

Conclusion : An innovative solution that has inspired... even future engineers.

The result : 

• A customized, semi-automated overhead crane that is safe and perfectly adapted to the site's constraints 

• An installation tested in real conditions with user participation 

• A complex lifting operation made simple and safe, thanks to mechanical and technological innovations 

As explained by M. Bégin-Drolet, this exemplary approach is now used as an educational case study in the mechanical engineering department at Laval University to train future engineers in the principles of safe and participatory design. 

To learn more about this project and the benefits for Laval University, read the Santé Sécurité + article published by ASFETM in December 2014 here :  

Key points for project managers in institutional or industrial settings

• Involving final users from the outset improves safety and efficiency 

• Complex building constraints can be overcome with creative solutions 

• Modern technologies and customized configurations can overcome many obstacles 

• A successful project is as much about listening as it is about engineering 

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