Workers and heavy machinery often coexist in the same place in shipping areas and manufacturing facilities. Overhead cranes often pose a safety risk to workers. Therefore, it’s essential to have them installed at a designated space and have them routinely maintained.
Here’s how you can ensure overhead crane safety.
Requirements for Overhead Cranes Inspection
As overhead cranes regularly lift heavy objects, they require regular inspections to ensure safe operation. Whether an overhead crane is altered or new, an initial inspection is critical before you use it.
After the cranes are functional, they need two types of assessments:
Frequent inspections – they occur every day, every week, or once a month (depending on the use)
Periodic inspections – they take place once a month or twice a year.
These inspections examine the critical parts of the crane. This helps in determining the scope of deterioration or malfunction of the crane’s components.
Parts That Need Inspection
These items require daily inspection:
1.Functional operating mechanisms – they should be inspected for maladjustment.
2.Hydraulic and air system components – tanks, valves, drain pumps, line, and other parts should be inspected for deterioration
3.Crane hooks – they should be inspected for deformation or cracks
These items require monthly inspections:
1.End connections and ropes – they should check for broken or frayed strands every month.
2.End connections and hoist chains – should be inspected for distortion, excessive wear, or any other thing that can meddle with the proper functioning.
3.Written records – you must update all the records regarding the inspections.
Maintenance and Design Requirements
Design Requirements
OSHA identifies design requirements related to the crane’s construction and control. It also outlines the regulations that control the foot walks, cab lighting, stairways, and ladders. Here are some of the recommendations by OSHA:
Hoist, trolley, bridge brakes, and holding
Hoisting equipment
Electrical Components
Warning devices
Trolley bumpers and bridge
Maintenance Requirements
Based on the crane’s manufacturer, you should execute routine preventative maintenance. To detect any deteriorated components and unsafe conditions, you should complete the entire maintenance routine before you can utilize the crane again. According to OSHA, only designated and trained personnel can perform maintenance and repairs.
Looking for Crane Safety?
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta offers a wide range of crane supplies to ensure that construction sites are safer and efficient across the US. We provide operation aids like crane load Moment Indicators, portable cameras, crane RCI indicators, crane wind speed indicator, crane LMI systems, among other parts to augment crane safety systems.
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