The oil and gas extraction industry saw 1,189 deaths between 2003 and 2013. 

During this decade, the fatality rate dropped by a third even as the industry doubled in size. Partnerships between the industry and government likely created safer work environments.

With the right safety precautions, even more of these workplace accidents can be prevented. Keep reading to learn safety tips for those working on offshore rigs.

1. Do Regular Inspections & Routine Maintenance

Regular inspections will prevent unwanted downtime for machinery repairs. Plus, workers will be safer.

Through regular inspections, spot minor issues can before they turn into expensive problems. Catching malfunctions early will save money on rig equipment and prevent lost revenue. 

2. Use Crane Cameras on Offshore Rigs

Special crane cameras can increase rig safety. The crane operator can prevent accidents by watching live footage of the crane’s movement.

Plus, the cameras provide surveillance in case an accident leads to an investigation.

3. Dress for Safety

All heavy equipment work sites have safety rules about clothing. Offshore oil rigs are no different. Safety-toe footwear is required. It’s also important to confine long hair and avoid wearing loose clothing.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is usually required on oil rigs. This includes items like hard hats, eye protection, gloves, and jumpsuits.

4. Use Fall Protection at Heights Above 10 Feet

Oil rigs are extremely tall and intricate structures. In fact, some oil rigs stand over 800 feet tall. These immense structures require regular maintenance, which puts workers at risk for dangerous falls. 

Workers should use a railing or a net if they are more than 10 feet away from a rig surface. These precautions can prevent injuries or deaths from falling accidents.

5. Report Dangerous Conditions to Supervisors 

If workers suspect a safety issue, they must report it to their supervisor. Unstable structures, chemical leaks, or improperly secured loads can be dangerous. Workers can even sustain life-threatening injuries.

If you notice these problems, fix them before the crew continues their work. Prevention is the best way to protect workers and the operation from disaster. 

6. Crane Operators Must Be Trained and Qualified

Anyone operating a crane on an oil rig has to be certified. Certification requires training on operation, safety protocols, and correct load sizes.

Workers without this certification shouldn’t be allowed to operate crane machinery. It poses a serious safety risk to all people on the rig. 

7. Always Obey No Smoking Signs

On a rig, there are many substances like petroleum and other chemicals that can lead to fires. The flick of a cigarette lighter can quickly lead to disaster.

That’s why it’s essential to obey no smoking signs. Smoking is allowed on most oil rigs, but only in designated areas. Remember that no-smoking signs are there for your own safety. 

Improve the Safety of Your Offshore Oil Rig

Offshore rigs can be extremely dangerous without the right safety protocols. It’s also essential to do regular inspections and replace worn-out parts. 

To get custom fabricated or engineered parts, contact us today. At Kor-Pak, we are experienced in the petroleum industry and can offer expert guidance. 

Purchasing your next big piece of equipment is no small task. From shipyard to construction sites, when the heavy lifting is necessary, you need quality to do it. 

There are a great many crane manufacturers out there, each of them with a promise to bring good quality equipment to you. At Kor-Pak, we have dealt with quality, and we know how to rate a good manufacturer.

Here we have our top list of quality equipment and crane manufacturers. 

Top Equipment and Crane Manufacturers

Whether you’re starting out in the industry, expanding an existing group of machines, or looking for repair parts to fix up what you have, you need to end with a cohesive whole of a crane. 

Some manufacturers specialize in specific parts, while some have a more cohesive whole product and service that they sell. In either case, it is the complement of quality pieces that end up making a strong whole.  

When you’re looking for quality equipment and crane manufacturers, consider these companies. 

1. Demag

The Demag brand is a well-known provider of quality cranes around the world. Producing a massive range of cranes, drives, and handling technology, Demag has everything you need in one place.

Demag also offers servicing of all its equipment to keep everything running at top-notch. They also optimize equipment for any system and setting, allowing anyone from a small workshop to big shipping sites.

Whether you need the full crane equipment or a few parts to improve and repair, Demag has the quality and the drive to back it up. 

2. Stromag

The tiniest of details can make the most significant difference. Every little piece in your big equipment, from brakes to couplings, is a quality piece when it comes to Stromag.

Stromag is one of the leaders in industrial equipment parts across the globe. They provide brakes, clutches, limit switches, couplings, yaw brakes, and current brakes.

Since 1932, Stromag has been an innovator in efficiency and quality materials. They aim never to overlook the smallest ideas and pieces, leaving you with confidence in your large scale equipment. 

3. SEW Eurodrive

While there are many pieces to a crane, some of the most important are the motors and controls. For the best gear motors in the entire industry, SEW Eurodrive has everything that you need.

SEW Eurodrive was the original creator of the first variable speed gear motor. The company has been crafting potent motors and systems since 1931. They have been on the cutting edge of innovation in all things motorized. 

 Quality Products, Quality Service

When looking for the best amongst the equipment and crane manufacturers, you need to know that every piece is quality. 

When you are ready to make your next big purchase, Kor-Pak is here to distribute the equipment you need at a price you can be confident with. Contact us today for more information. 

If you work in the material handling industry, your overhead crane is arguably one of the most essential pieces of equipment you use. The good news? It’s becoming easier and easier to increase an overhead crane’s lifespan.

This is all possible because various types of modern technology are making overhead cranes more productive. And, of course, the more productive they are, the more money you save.

The question is, are you taking advantage of these technologies, which are designed to add greater value to the lives of today’s crane operators?

Here’s a rundown on the three best updates for modern overhead cranes, and how they can take your work to the next level long term.

Upgraded Brake System

Updated brake systems remain one of the most in-demand upgrades among the users of overhead cranes.

That’s because the latest brake designs offer features like automatic adjustment, which helps to ensure that braking is balanced. It also ensures equal wear on your brake pads. As a result, you’ll prolong the life of your brake and reduce your maintenance costs in the long run.

Variable Frequency Drive

This type of drive offers ramped and smooth deceleration and acceleration when you use it on a hoist application, trolley application, or bridge application.

The result? Your motor will run cooler, which means more equipment control for you. Also, load spotting will be easier, and you’ll also experience softer equipment stopping and starting.

This feature additionally increases your brake’s life for the crane’s traversing direction. Specifically, a variable frequency drive will stop your motor and use your brakes for parking rather than stopping.

OmniPulse DDC

This microprocessor-based control is another must-have for the serious crane operator. 

Why?

Because it can improve your torque control and motor speed, in addition, it will lead to improved serviceability as well as minimized downtime.

Another benefit of this revolutionary update for modern overhead cranes is that it can reduce your maintenance expenses and energy costs. It will furthermore improve your safety.

How We Can Help with Overhead Cranes

We are a top provider of a wide range of equipment, ranging from overhead cranes to gantry cranes, hoists, and even ship-to-shore cranes. Also, we are proud to offer top-of-the-line crane upgrades and modernizations.

We also offer crane components that are hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical. Furthermore, we provide end trucks as well as spare parts.

Our additional offerings include 24/7 support, training, crane inspections, and repairs.

Through our company, you can gain access to parts that are difficult to locate or that are older. Or you can take advantage of today’s state-of-the-art equipment for cranes.

Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can meet your unique crane-related needs today.

Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reports falling equipment or objects caused an average of 44 crane-related deaths per year in the U.S. 3/5 of these deaths. 

When was the last time your crane was inspected and maintained?

OSHA mandates regular crane inspections by qualified individuals. However, routine inspection and crane repair services aren’t just a safety concern. A major breakdown at the wrong time can affect your construction schedule. 

Worse, it could cost you far more than the cost of a small scheduled fix. Avoid inspection and regular minor repairs at your own risk.

Read on to learn more.

Regular Maintenance to Avoid Accidents

Crane manufacturers and OSHA recommend inspections based on time in use. 

OSHA and ANSI required crane inspections, performed daily and monthly, plus periodic inspections, performed monthly or annually are typical. However, most crane users opt for the absolute minimum scheduled crane inspections.

For example, instead of frequent inspection, they opt for quarterly. Where periodic inspections are suggested, an operator might haphazardly choose a cursory annual look. 

The Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) service classification, the use environment, and the duty cycle of a crane determine how frequently a crane needs maintenance. The duty cycle refers to lift frequency, the carry distance for loads, and the percentage of the crane’s capacity used.

The most efficient way to keep track of this information is online. A small transponder monitors and records this information for automatic crane repair services reminders and inspection alerts.

Crane Repair Services to Think About

Taking a crane out of service for an extended period is an expensive proposition. Here are five typical maintenance chores that can have dire results if skipped.

1.  Wire Rope Flaws

Birdcaging, corrosion, or internal core wear are all signs of an overdue inspection or crane repair services. Inspect the wire rope before every use. Regular lubrication reduces wear.

2. Alignment Flaws and Excess Wheel Wear

A crane skewing as it travels down the runway causes stress and damage to the entire crane system. This wears runway beams and wheels and destroys the working lifespan prematurely.

3. End Truck Wheel Wear

Through the course of a crane’s life, the wheels wear down due to normal use. Regular replacement prevents failure.

4. Hook Damage

Hooks are made with specific loads in mind. Incorrect loads or overloads place wear on parts not designed for carrying the stress. 

5. Electrical Wear and Tear

Contact interruptions between conductor bars and the collector or radio interference in the push-button pendant or radio controls signal the need for repair. Any breaks, no matter how intermittent, deserve a look. 

All of these conditions can be minor, but if ignored, can cause significant failures.

Maintenance Programs Save Money and Lives

Complete inspection records and frequent monitoring of small problems keep significant repairs and downtime at bay. They also happen to be required by law. 

Choose crane repair services that offer common-sense inspection and maintenance with high-quality, long-lasting parts. Want to compare replacement parts for your overhead crane?  Contact our experts today!

An overhead crane hoist is a type of heavy equipment that’s used to lift and transfer heavy loads. They’re used in most industries, from agriculture and shipbuilding to mining and rail. 

A hoist and crane can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars. Either price can be a huge business investment.

That’s why it’s crucial to know what to look for as you’re shopping around. Keep reading to learn how to calculate the ordering specs you need.

Lift Capacity

Every hoist will come with a capacity limit, which is the maximum amount of weight the hoist can handle.

To calculate the lift capacity you need, take a look at your business stats. How much does a typical load weigh at your company?

You should choose a hoist that will lift at 50% capacity. In other words, the hoist capacity should be twice the weight of the average load. This will ensure the safety and longevity of the hoist.

Lift Distance

The lift distance is the space between the hoist and the lowest area it needs to reach. The distance will determine how much vertical space the hoist can use.

To calculate this, measure the distance between the support beam and the floor. Then, subtract the height of the crane bridge. 

The lift distance will help the crane manufacturer decide what size you need.

Lift Speed

The lift speed is how fast the hoist will be able to pull loads up and release them down. Just like with vehicles or other heavy equipment, hoist motors are measured in horsepower. A horsepower is a measurement of pulling power, distance, and time. 

The higher the horsepower a motor has, the more expensive it will be. So, when calculating the lift speed, you need to consider the needs of your business.

If your operation needs to move heavy materials quickly, you will probably need a large motor. But if you infrequently move light materials, you could get by with a smaller motor.

Power Supply/Voltage

Hoists need electricity to pull loads. They can come in voltages of 115V, 230V, or 460V.

When shopping around for a hoist, it’s essential to know what your current electrical system can handle. You may need to call an electrician or refer to the building plans.

Choosing a crane system that is compatible with the electrical system you already have can save you a lot of money.

Crane Span

If you are installing the overhead crane at an indoor facility, you have to make sure it will fit. The span of a crane is a measurement of the distance between the runways.

If you’re ordering a new crane, measure the distance between the support beams where you plan to install the crane. 

Choose Kor-Pak for Your Hoist and Crane Needs

Did you know that an overhead crane can last for up to 80 years? So, you might not need a new crane after all. An upgrade or a modernization might be all you need to make your operation run smoother.

For more information about our hoist and crane products, contact us today.

Over 104 million workdays are lost each year due to job-related injuries. Of those, about 26% were because of contact with objects or equipment. That’s a lot of missed workdays!

One of the best ways to prevent work-related injuries is by being safe and protected while you’re on the job. Knowing the ins and outs of the equipment you’re using can keep you safe and even save your life in some cases.

Crane chain hoists can be extremely dangerous if not operated properly. Keep reading to find out some of the best tips for staying safe while doing crane maintenance!

Crane Chain Safety 101

Crane chain hoist safety is manageable if you know what you’re doing. This means taking the time to learn everything about it before you start operating it. Here are some of the best things you can do.

1. Understand How It Operates

If you want to know how to fix or maintain any equipment, you need to know how every part functions. How can you correct or prevent something if you don’t know how it works? How can you inspect it if you don’t know all of the components that make it perform?

The most prevalent types of hoists found on a crane are hand chains, lever ratchets, and differentials. All of these use some kind of heavy-duty chain with a hook that allows easy movement of sizable objects. Make sure you service this regularly if you want to minimize the chance of any problems.

2. Clean and Lubricate the Chain

Weather can be a real problem if your crane chain hoist is located outside where it is vulnerable to things like rain and snow. When a metal chain is exposed to moisture, it can cause it to rust and deteriorate.

The more this happens, the more likely hood the chain will break. To avoid comprising the integrity of the chain, make sure to clean it consistently. To do this, you must take apart each piece to oil them.

3. Inspect and Look For Deterioration

Inspecting your equipment isn’t a recommendation. It’s an OSHA requirement. However, performing these regular inspections is critical in keeping your equipment running properly and keeping you and your employees safe.

Part of doing these inspections means looking for any signs of weakness or deterioration. If the chains or any part of the crane have been compromised, replace it immediately. Anytime you make any changes or do an inspection, always run tests before allowing it to be used again.

Better to Be Safe Than Sorry!

Taking proper care of your crane chain hoists is extremely important. Not only does it keep the crane running efficiently, but it also keeps you and your employees safe from injury and even death.

But crane chain hoists are not the only equipment you use in manufacturing. For all of your manufacturing parts needs, head to our website now!

When you have any crane in operation, you need to make sure that all parts are operating at their full capacity.

That includes the crane wheels. If your crane wheels show signs of flange wear or breakage, they need to be replaced. How can you tell what crane wheels are the best to buy?

Read on to find out.

1. Manufacturing Specs

The first place to start is with your crane’s manufacturer. They will have specs available as to what you need to replace the wheels. For example, Demag Cranes have a wheel range for their cranes.

Buying crane wheels outside of the specs could result in damage to the crane, or worse, accidents or injuries.

2. Operating Conditions

Your crane wheels not only need to meet the specs of the manufacturer, but they also need to meet the load and operating conditions of your business.

You want to make sure that the crane wheels will be able to withstand the load. If the wheels are overloaded, you’ll have to replace them much faster.

3. Order Fulfillment

For many crane wheel orders, there are unique customizations. There are also instances where you need crane wheel replacements in a hurry.

You want to make sure that the order can be fulfilled quickly. We have a large inventory and can handle these circumstances.

Prevent Crane Wheel Damage

When you do order and replace your crane wheels, you want to make sure that you maintain them and use them properly to extend the life of the wheels and minimize damage to your crane. 

Much like you’d rotate or replace the wheels of your car in pairs, the same principle applies to crane wheels. When you replace your crane wheels, you should replace them in pairs. That’s the case even if only one wheel has damage and needs to be replaced.

That can be due to a misaligned crane wheel or load imbalance Replacing two wheels at the same time will ensure that the crane wheels will be aligned properly. That will extend the life of the wheels and minimize other damage to your crane.

If you’re replacing your crane wheels due to cracked wheel flanges, it could be a sign of a misalignment issue. You want to make sure that your crane is inspected as you replace the crane wheels. This will prevent you from having to replace the wheels a short time later.

How to Pick the Best Crane Wheels

Your business largely depends on cranes operating at full capacity. Every part has to be in top shape to withstand the loads and working conditions.

When your crane wheels need to be replaced, it’s important to remember that your wheels should be following your manufacturer specs and be able to withstand the loads and conditions that you’ll put them under.

Are you ready to order crane wheels? Start by contacting us today to find out more about crane wheels.

Because of stiff competition in the market and rapid changes in technology, many companies across different industries have had to boost their production speeds through the use of overhead cranes, popularly known as bridge cranes. Bridge cranes assist in the transport of loads from one place to another over short distances. If you own a bridge crane, then you are familiar with the importance of equipping your machine with state of the art crane runway products that work to make your crane runway system a lot more efficient.

Here are three of the best crane runway products that you might need to add on to your machine if you want to bolster your business operations.

Crane Rails

Crane rails rank highly among the top crane runway products to add to your machine and are essential for loading heavy loads on to a railroad, especially where freight handling is involved. They are mainly used in shipyards, ports, and warehouses.

Crane rails are made of hardened steel, and the steel determines how the amount in weight the machine is capable of bearing. They vary across different types in diverse sizes and strengths such as special crane rails or the ordinary crane rails. Cranes that function from the ground use ordinary crane rails while overhead cranes tend to use special crane rails.

Crane Runway Beam

Crane runway beams are an integral part of any bridge crane. The crane runway beam component of a bridge crane may be either an I-section or a rolled I-section which is essential for the transport of horizontal loads. However, they can be used in suspended cranes functioning without a rail.

Crane rails are placed above the runway beams with the rail wheels moving right above the beams. The weight of the load that crane runway beams can bear is determined by various factors such as the weight of the hoist load, the weight of the crane, and the acceleration of the crane bridge. Due to its delicate functions and necessity, it is imperative that you look out for the best runway beams when conducting your crane runway search.

Crane Wheels

Bridge crane wheels are probably the most critical components of all runway products for cranes. They are made to carry hefty loads and to perform this function; the crane wheels are designed and manufactured from various steel alloys. Carbon and steel alloys are popular because the raw materials are available and cost friendly.

Various crane wheels are depending on the function required such as the non-flange crane wheels, the double flange crane wheels, and the single flange crane wheels. These wheels vary in durability depending on the hardness of the alloy, so they are quite vulnerable. The harder the crane wheel, the better it is at its functions.

Need Crane Runway Products? Start Here!

If you have been trying to find crane runway products, then look no further. Installing crane runway products is an investment not only on the efficiency of your business but on your employees as well. Feel free to contact us today so we can get you started!

When you make a significant investment in equipment like an overhead crane, you know that investment will last for years and pay off dividends.

Like with any machinery, technology evolves, and new features appear on newer cranes. Does that mean that you have to get a brand new crane? No, but you can upgrade or modernize your crane for far less money.

Keep reading to find out if it’s time for your company to upgrade your overhead crane.

1. Wear and Tear of Crane Components

Over time, the components of an overhead crane will experience wear and tear. Pads will get worn down, and ropes can start to fray.

For older cranes, you have to take into account lost time and production to have the crane out of service. You would be better off modernizing the crane, rather than have it out of service frequently for repairs.

2. Issues Discovered During Inspection

During daily or periodic overhead crane inspections, problems may appear. If there were issues discovered during the inspection, they need to be addressed before you put the crane back into service.

That could require part replacement or upgrade.

3. Change in Operations

Your business may be experiencing a change in operations, which means that your lifting requirements have changed, too.

For example, a crane may need to make more lifts each shift, or you need to lift different types of materials than before. These changes could impact the load factor of the crane and cause more wear and tear on parts.

You want to make sure that your overhead crane is upgraded to meet the needs of your changing business operations.

4. Replacement Parts May Be Discontinued

As cranes get older and manufacturers release newer overhead crane models with updated features, your crane may no longer be supported.

Manufacturers may stop making replacement parts for older cranes, choosing to focus on their current line of cranes.

In this case, you’ll want to upgrade your crane and stock up on replacement parts.

5. Make Safety Improvements

Safety is always a priority for your business and your workers. It may be time to perform an upgrade to meet changing safety standards.

Since the technology of cranes is improving, safety standards of various industry organizations like ASME change as well. You can upgrade your overhead crane to meet these changes.

Upgrade Your Overhead Crane

An overhead crane can be challenging to maintain, especially as it gets older. Crane technologies change, and new features are added all the time.

The ways you can tell if an overhead crane needs an upgrade is if there is wear and tear of the components, replacement parts are being phased out, or if you want to improve the safety of the crane.

Would you like to know more about overhead crane parts to upgrade your crane? Contact our sales team today.