Does some of the action in your warehouse happen in mid-air? We're not talking about Cirque du Soleil-type acrobatic stunts, but rather, the use of overhead hoists and monorails to move goods around a facility. If you answered yes, you may be interested in some new publications from the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) that offer practical advice and information for users.

The Overhead Alliance—an organization that includes the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI), and Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA)—is offering a complimentary download of the Hoist Operator's Manual. This manual is designed to serve both as a guide for novice workers and as a refresher for experienced hoist users. It covers a wide range of manual and electric hoists and addresses topics like inspection, recommended practices, standards, and maintenance.

The Monorail Manufacturers Association, meanwhile, has released two American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. The standards, MH27.1 - 2009—"Specifications for Patented Track Underhung Cranes and Monorail Systems" and MH27.2 - 2009—"Specifications for Enclosed Track Underhung Cranes and Monorail Systems," reaffirm the respective 2003 versions.

MH27.1–2009, for manufacturers and users of underhung cranes and monorail systems, discusses curves, switches, transfer devices, trolleys, lift and drop sections, and associated equipment. MH27.2 - 2009 was developed to improve the uniformity of underhung crane and monorail performance and enhance public safety. It includes suggested design practices and performance testing criteria for crane and monorail equipment.