Confused by the chaos of OSHA’s crane regulations? You’re not alone.

OSHA has moved the date for these regulations twice now, along with other changes. It’s a confusing time for employers left wondering what’s required of them.

We’ve put together this brief digest so you’ll know everything you need to know about OSHA’s overhead crane training requirements.

What Happened?

OSHA devised certification requirements for crane operators in 2010, as part of their Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard. These requirements were aimed at ensuring crane operators were properly qualified to handle lifting equipment.

Originally, these requirements were set to go into effect in 2014. But there were a few kinks to work out, and OSHA moved the date to November 2017 instead.

Now OSHA has moved the date again, a day before the revised deadline. As of Nov 9, 2017, a final rule moved the date to Nov 10, 2018.

This new delay gives OSHA more time to revise the rules of the regulation. OSHA has also identified that a large number of employers still don’t meet requirements yet, so this gives them more to seek accreditation for their staff.

The move has attracted some criticism, particularly from employers who have already invested in staff accreditation. Critics note the health and safety implications of delaying the standards by another year.

What Does it Mean for Me?

For employers, it means some confusion.

OSHA’s requirements mean employers have to provide overhead crane training to any operators under their employ – or ensure they’re otherwise qualified, such as through military training.

Nov 10, 2017, was the original deadline for employers to meet these requirements. Plenty of employers have already taken steps to meet the standards. If you’re one of these, you won’t need to worry.

If you’re not, you can breathe easy knowing you have another year to meet them. And that’s if OSHA doesn’t delay the regulations further.

What’s Next?

Now it’s a waiting game. OSHA could announce another delay anytime before Nov 10, 2018. Or they could go ahead with the revised standards. There’s no real way to tell at present.

Either way, employers should take steps to meet the standards. Employers have a few main routes to employee certification, as follows:

• Training through an accredited third party
• An internal audited program
• Government-issued license meeting OSHA standards, such as a military qualification

OSHA will issue further updates as any changes to the deadline become apparent. In the meantime, you can read the exact text of the final note here.

Stay Current on Overhead Crane Training

The best move for businesses right now is to stay up-to-date on overhead crane training news. Keep an eye on the headlines for an idea of what you’ll need to do, and when. In the meantime, consider taking steps to meet the requirements in advance, so you’re not caught out when the regulations finally come into force.

Want to stay on top of industry news? Be sure to follow our blog.

When it comes to buying a new crane, you understandably want top quality.

The loads these systems are expected to bear can be significant, and investing in an inferior piece of equipment could mean slower — and riskier — operations.

To that end, Demag cranes are heralded worldwide for their craftsmanship, dependability, and durability. Whether you’re looking for a universal or specialized crane solution, you can’t go wrong by selecting this brand.

Today, we’re breaking down a few reason why this brand is tops, and why the industry agrees.

Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

1. There’s a Demag Crane to Fit Every Need

Their impressive product portfolio isn’t just limited to a handful of crane designs. Rather, you’ll have your pick from single-grinder overhead traveling cranes, double-grinders, suspension cranes, wall-mounted options and much more.

After browsing the wares, if you still aren’t seeing the exact tool you need, the company’s more than willing to help you customize a crane to fit your requirements and processes.

This means you’re not stuck improvising with an ill-fitted tool. Instead, you’re sure to get a valuable piece of equipment that can transform the way your company works.

2. You’re Investing in More Than Equipment

Sure, you can go out and buy a crane and use it within your facility. There’s no guarantee it will work in your environment or facilitate your workflow. Moreover, there’s also a major safety risk to installing or using it without proper support or training.

When you buy a Demag crane, you’re also receiving top-of-the-line end-to-end professional support. You will have access to a team of specialized experts who can walk you through every step to make sure you and your employees understand the total solution.

From initial design and preplanning to installation and maintenance, the staff takes the guesswork and the risk out of any DIY endeavor you’re considering. There’s also a spare parts inventory and on-call, around-the-clock customer service. That way, if your crane breaks down in the middle of the night, you could be back up and running before the sun comes up.

3. It’s a Forward-Facing Brand

Are you working with a worn and outdated crane? Simply replacing it with another one might not be in your budget at the moment. If this is the case, Demag offers refurbishment and modernization services that can help you update and outfit your existing crane to handle current and future load requirements.

In addition, the brand is consistently delivering new and innovative product launches that take its product line to a different level. If you’re looking for a crane solution that’s capable of supporting you well into the future, you can’t beat this brand.

We’ll Help You Invest in a New Crane Today

As an authorized Demag dealer, we know the brand inside and outside. We’re qualified to consult you on the best crane for your business needs and can help you narrow your selection down based on price point, usage requirement, size standards, and more.

Contact us. We’ll help you take this important first step toward securing the crane of your dreams.

About 72 fatal crane accidents happen each year.

It’s no secret that working with big machinery can be dangerous. That’s why safety is always a priority.

Preventive methods should be taken to ensure safety while using an overhead. Here’s an overhead crane maintenance checklist to follow.

When To Perform Overhead Crane Maintenance

While designated personnel should perform required maintenance and repairs, the crane operator should conduct daily inspections before and after each use.

According to OSHA, a safety check should be done at the beginning of each shift.

A well-trained and qualified crane operator should ensure all equipment is ready for use.

A daily inspection chart should be signed off each day by the operator to ensure the safety inspection is complete.

What The Checklist Includes

An overhead crane maintenance checklist includes three different checkouts:

1. Area Check

This check is to ensure the area around the crane is clear. Some of these activities include:

• Know the location of the crane disconnect switch.
• Make sure there are no warning signs present
• Check to make sure workers are not working near the area
• Look ahead to verify there is nothing around the area where the load will be moved.
• Check to make sure the below-the-hook devices are designed for the crane in use and will safely be able to lift the load.
• Make sure that the load capacity is equal to or less than the capacity of the crane.

2. Preliminary Check

Once the area check has been performed, the operator can begin the preliminary check of the equipment. This should be done before he or she touches any controls.

• Check the electric systems, bridge, runway, trolley, and hoist to make sure there are no loose, broken, or damaged parts.
• Make sure the wire rope is seated in the drums grooves properly.
• Ensure that the open power source is secure and there is nothing close.
• Check the strain reliefs or brushings to make sure that no wires are pulled.
• Make sure there is no damage to the pushbutton pendant.

3. Equipment Safety Check

After the preliminary check is complete, the crane operator must perform a safety check of the crane itself to make sure it is in working order. This is to ensure there is no potential for malfunction.

Several different categories need to be signed off when checking the equipment.

• Check all powered systems. Including, making sure the power button is not sticky, the hoist hook rises, and the upper limit switch is functioning properly.
• Make sure all hooks are in working condition. There should be no more than 10% wear on any part of the hook.
• Ensure there is no damage or cracks on the bottom block assembly. The sheaves should be able to rotate freely and smoothly.
• Make sure there are no broken wires on the wire rope and load chain. There should be no kinks, cuts, or thermal damage to any ropes or chains.

Safety Comes First

Taking the time to make sure the crane is in safe operating status will prevent accidents on the job site.

Remember, this is not a comprehensive safety checklist. For any questions or needs, you may have, feel free to contact us.

We’re here to make sure any project you have will be successful.

When it comes to using a crane for your industrial or construction business, you need to make crane inspection a regular part of your operation.

Getting your crane inspection is both a matter of functionality and workplace safety, making this a necessity.

You’ll need to learn the ins and outs of inspecting these cranes so that you’re in good hands with the maintenance of your equipment.

Let’s take a look at the facts.

An Overhead Crane Inspection Keeps You OSHA Certified

It’s important to realize that getting regular crane inspection is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity for your workplace safety.

You need to keep your workplace up to Occupational Safety And Health Administration (OSHA) standards. This way, you will avoid penalties that can get your workplace shut down or fined.

These inspections will help you make sure that your crane is able to handle a workload based on weight requirements. You should also have these professionals inspect the rigging, dock, and all other facets of the crane operation.

When you take OSHA inspections seriously, you’ll keep your site up and running without a problem.

Getting Your Crane Inspection Helps To Make The Appropriate Upgrades

The more frequently you get crane inspections, the easier it’ll be for you to know when it’s time for an upgrade.

Getting crane upgrades allows you to automate your crane service. Be sure that you repair the brake linings and installing brand new gears.

The inspection company will offer repairs and replacements for any crane parts that are faulty. An upgrade lets you get better performance from the crane for years to come.

An Inspection Gives Your Equipment Longevity

A crane inspection is worthwhile because it helps you avoid setbacks that cause your cranes to break down.

The longevity you get from your cranes is lengthened, which protects your entire workplace.

Your crane contractor will let you know when it’s time to make repairs like flame hardening the wheels and changing out fluids.

These inspection professionals will assist you in figuring out which repairs are necessary in order to help you get the most out of your crane service. You’ll be better able to catch problems like corrosion and wear, which a quality inspection will easily point out.

Hire Us For Your Crane Work Today

If you are in need of crane inspections and other repairs, we are the professionals that will get the job done correctly.

At Kor-pak, we’ll gladly take on your crane maintenance needs, in order to keep the equipment working properly. We’ve been in business helping people in your field for years and can keep your work site as safe as possible.

Check out our blog to learn more about crane service and other topics related to your field.

If you are interested in getting an inspection or a repair, reach out to us in order to learn more about how we can assist you.

Cranes make life easier for everyone. But not all cranes are created equal.

It’s clear that Automated Cranes are a step above the rest. For many reasons, using a crane that is up to date with current technology gives you a huge boost.

Still not sure? We can help. Here are four great benefits to keep your mind on.

1. Improved Safety

Cranes make once-impossible tasks attainable. People use them in very different ways, from lifting heavy objects to removing chunks of a building.

But one factor is obvious across all contexts of crane use: the potential for danger. When you’re dealing with massive objects and regular-sized people, using a crane can always be dangerous. A little bit of human risk can introduce a whole lot of danger.

That’s why modernizing to these cranes can be such an important move for you and your team. You’ll be safer in everything you do.

And you’ll be able to do much more.

2. More Efficient Machinery

Energy consumption takes up headspace for many managers. How much energy do we need to consume? How much will that cost?

The answers get much more appealing when you’re dealing with Automated Cranes. The machines are on the cutting edge of technology, which includes the way they consume energy. You’re likely to have lower bills for heating and electricity when you use these machines.

There’s also another key way we talk about efficiency.

3. Project Speed

These cranes can do the same work you always do in a faster amount of time. The benefits of that are clear: you can take on more projects and complete them more quickly than ever before.

Plus, there’s the “automated” factor. The amount of work that you yourself are doing is less when you use these cranes.

When you let the machine do a lot of the work for you, your life gets easier. You can focus on other processes that need to take place for your business. In that way, these cranes can provide a boost for your entire business.

4. Improved Spacial Relations

Not everyone is an expert when it comes to organization. Whether it’s your desk or a warehouse or construction site, seeing things out of place and in disarray can cause a lot of anxiety.

Automated Cranes can let you organize your space in an easier way. These cranes can do more than others, including reaching into tight spaces where others simply can’t.

That feature allows you to maximize the space you’re using when you store away certain items or set up a new project site. You’ll soon find that your headaches are less frequent.

Consider Automated Cranes

Automated Cranes are without a doubt a massive upgrade for anyone who relies on cranes.

Modernizing your cranes can bring about a new era of efficiency and success for your various projects. It’s an important step that any company with cranes should take in 2017 and moving forward.

Interested in taking that step? We’re here to help.

Reach out to a member of our team to get started.

Whether you’re a small business looking to invest in some equipment to help you grow, or a large industry leader upgrading to new equipment, you need products that you can trust to get the job done.

If you’re looking for a crane manufacturer that you can rely on, look no further.

Keep reading to learn why Demag Cranes might be the perfect solution for your company.

We Offer Solutions To Fit Every Company’s Needs

We offer a wide range of Demag Cranes and other products. Which means that we have an equipment solution for every company, regardless of your size.

From cranes and drives to handling equipment, we have products to fit the needs of major industrial enterprises and small workshops alike. Our Demag Crane products offer high safety, reliability, and excellent performance. We’ll help you get more done in less time, while keeping your employees safe.

Terex Has Consolidated Their Products To Offer You Improved Designs

In 2016, Terex, the manufacturer of Demag Cranes went through some major changes. This resulted in them narrowing their scope. Now they’re focusing their efforts on several smaller industries. One of these industries is their Cranes.

Moving from five main areas of focus to just three means that those three areas, including cranes, aerial work platforms, and materials processing get all of the attention that was once spread thinner.

Focusing their efforts meant that they have more time to devote to improving the stellar designs that they’ve already been offering.

They’ll Keep Your Employees Safe

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average of 3 million workplace injuries each year. Keeping your employees safe should be the number one priority in the workplace.

Besides worrying about the wellness of your employees, workplace safety can affect your business in other ways. It can also help you avoid costly work delays, expensive lawsuits, and more.

Demag offers superior functionality and safety features. Their products can help you in ensuring the safety of your employees in the workplace.

We Can Get Your Help or Service When You Need it

Kor-Pak is an authorized dealer of Demag Cranes. But we also carry the complete Demag portfolio of products.

This means that if something ever does go wrong with your crane, we’ll have what you need to get it fixed. Additionally, Kor-Pak provides service for Demag products. This includes repairs, inspections, engineering, and other technical services.

Using an unauthorized service provider to work on your crane could result in bad repairs. Or it could lead to even more issues down the road. Instead, it’s important to choose an experienced service provider that understands your equipment and its exact specifications.

We offer superior service to help you get your equipment back up and running as fast as possible. We’ll help to prevent you from losing time and money.

Choose Demag Cranes For Your Company

Once you’ve decided that Demag Cranes are the right choice for your company, contact us to get started on choosing the perfect products to get the job done.

We’re ready to help you find solutions catered to your company’s unique needs and demands so that you can get the job done right.

Is your crane operator conducting a visual overhead crane inspection daily?

Occupational Health and Safety Organization (OSHA) regulations may require it depending on the class of crane you’re using.

Meet with your team and use this list to help understand these five critical signs it’s time to order a comprehensive inspection of your overhead crane.

1. There are Obvious Signs of Damage

Cranes have a lot of load-bearing and otherwise essential parts that can accrue minor damage over time. While small wear and year might not seem critical, it can add up. Here are a few (though not all) key places to look for obvious damage:

• Cracked or bent hooks
• Damage on the hoist, trolly, or bridge
• Frayed wires or stripped insulation in electrical systems
• Safety latches
• Sheave guards
• Buttons and controls (make sure they’re working and not sticking)

In addition, it’s a good idea to make sure all of the warning systems are functioning properly in case something does go wrong.

2. Observable Parts are Loose or Seated Improperly

Damage isn’t the only thing to check for in your overhead crane inspection, however. A loose or poorly seated wire or rope mechanism can be just as dangerous as a broken part if not caught in time.

Is wire spooled and seated around drum grooves properly? Are all bolts and rivets properly tightened? Are there signs of abrasion on these components or broken strands on running rope?

3. Visible Corrosion on Metal Parts

Corrosion and metal parts go together like Starsky and Hutch. Left unattended, they’re just as inseparable.

While it might seem minor, small patches or rust can be signals for deeper, non-visible corrosion that can challenge the structural integrity of machine parts.

Corrosion can also affect wiring, panels, buttons, and other operating parts.

Bottom line: When you see corrosion, don’t dismiss it. Inspect, check, and repair.

4. Pads are Starting to Wear

Whether you’re looking at outrigger pads, crane pads, or slider pads, it’s important to not leave these off your inspection checklist.

This includes making sure the materials aren’t rotted, warped, or cracked and operating within manufacturer guidelines. You also want to check to make sure there aren’t any electrical grounding issues, as some pads are designed not to make a connection with the ground and wear can impede this.

5. Previous Operators Used Mismatched Load Capacities

It’s not just the load capacity of the crane itself operators have to worry about, but that the loads of individual components are in sync.

Operators and inspectors who have used mismatched load capacities — or worse, don’t know the load capacities — of their overhead cranes risk serious damage and mechanical failure.

In this case, it’s best to do a check of load capacities of all components. If these aren’t known at the time, it’s time to find out and require a load test of all components down the line.

Get Expert Overhead Crane Inspection Today

Now you know when it’s the right time to schedule a crane inspection, it’s time to actually schedule one! We cover daily and monthly maintenance as well as end-of-life crane inspections and critical crane components.

In addition, we also cover running, monorail and packaged hoists.

Check out the complete list of overhead crane inspections services we offer.

In the market for festoon systems? Here at Kor-Pak, we offer a wide variety of reliable products for your industry needs.

Meant to stabilize, protect, and facilitate power and data cables or hoses, our festoon systems can weather harsh environments.

They work great for overhead cranes, container cranes, gantry cranes, water treatment systems, bulk material conveyors, plating lines, and numerous other uses.

Below, we’ve put together a quick guide to everything you need to know about our selection of festoon systems. We have an extensive line of quality products in this category.

Notable Features of Our Products

There are many important features of our festoon systems that make them the best in the industry. We’ll list a few of them here.

Wear grooves make for quick visual inspection of the wheels. This helps the user to determine if replacement is necessary.

In addition, they’re resistant to corrosion – this is through the stainless steel threaded fasteners.

The trolley body and saddle are made of welded steel, which provides extra strength and also protects the cables from wear and abrasion.

Plus, tow ropes and chains can be connected using the heavy-duty forged shackles. This helps to lessen the stress on the machine as a whole.

Main trolley wheels come in crowned or flanged types – they are available in steel or nylon.

On each end of the trolley, there are heavy duty bumpers. These absorb the forces that come from impact in normal operation. They are adjustable and can be aligned with existing bumpers.

Lastly, the shock cords help the trolleys to move smoothly and with minimum stress in case of rapid acceleration.

Full Product Line of Festoon Systems

Flat Festoon & Round Pendant Cable

The difference between round and flat cables is slight but important. Cable systems help to determine the life of the system in question.

Deciding which is the best fit depends on the application.

C-Track Festoon

The curved rail festoon system is heavy-duty.

It can follow your machinery or conveyor line along its twists and turns. Its purpose is to supply electric power or compressed air wherever needed on the line.

Heavy-Duty Aluminum Festoon

The heavy-duty aluminum festoons serve a variety of functions. No matter what, you can trust they are durable and will get the job done.

I-Beam Festoons

There are several different types of I-beam festoons. These include heavy duty, marine terminal, and mill duty festoons.

Each of these options has different features depending on your needs, but they are all reliable and built to last.

Plug & Play Festoon Hardware

Plug and play festoon hardware is the simplest.

As its name suggests, these pieces come ready-made. All you have to do once you get them from the factory is place them.

Magnetek Festoons

Magnetek festoons are very versatile. They can be furnished with lots of options, giving you maximum flexibility in the design of your system.

Plus, Magnetek’s components are available in stock. They offer a full range of cables designed specifically for festooning uses.

Aero-Motive Festoons

These cable systems are meant to furnish Aero-Motive systems. For more information on these, feel free to get in touch.

Gleason Festoons

Gleason festoons are top-of-the-line. Their container crane festoons feature the parts required for years of high-speed service, even in the most rugged conditions.

Contact us today if you have questions about our products and services.

Do you operate an Electric Overhead Traveling (EOT) crane?

If so, you know how important it is to outfit your machine with top-notch components. From rails and wheels to collector shoes, each part has its purpose and when one becomes faulty, the entire operation could become compromised.

That’s where we come in.

Our crane runway products are designed to meet the highest industry standards for quality and safety, ensuring your top satisfaction and usability.

Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the tools that we offer under this line. This way, the next time you need an upgrade, you know where to go, and who to turn to.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!

1. Crane Wheels

Top-notch wheels are required to keep your crane operating at peak efficiency. That’s why our manufacturers take the time to heat-treat all crane wheels and put them through rigorous testing. This helps to make sure they’re capable of withstanding even the harshest wear and tear.

As a result, their most essential pieces, like the flanges, are less likely to break down or give out. That means less time and money spent on maintenance, and more time getting the job done.

From prescription wheel requirements to short turnaround requests, we’re able to meet your needs with skill and speed, so count on us to keep you rolling along.

2. Collector Shoes and Boxes

We offer a wide range of hot rail collector shoes and collector boxes designed to fit crane runway needs across myriad industries.

Whether you require bronze shoes, cast-iron ones, or a variety of material types in between, our state-of-the-art machining process makes it possible. We can also create long or short shoes to fit your measurements.

Have a custom request? Send it our way! Our technicians are skilled at working with clients to determine the best crane runway equipment to fit their needs. We’ll help you through the design process, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring a proper fit every time.

3. Conductor Bars

When you need to supply electric power to your crane, conductor bars fit the bill.

To this end, we’re proud to partner with Conductix-Wampfler to bring you the equipment you need to add mobilization to your crane assembly.

Conductix-Wampfler was the first manufacturer to offer an eight-bar, insulated conducting system more than 50 years ago, and they’re still leading the pack.

Depending on your project needs and usage scenarios, we offer an extensive line of turnkey conductor bar solutions, each backed by the quality and performance you’ve come to expect from this industry leader.

Need Crane Runway Equipment? Start Here!

Whether you need a new set of wheels or are looking to add electric power to your crane, we’ve got you covered.

Our trained representatives, engineers, and technicians will work with you from initial design to maintenance support, ensuring that you’re covered and satisfied at every project checkpoint.

To get the process started, feel free to contact us today. In the meantime, take a look at our industry-related tips and tricks for optimizing your equipment!

Thinking about how to extend the life of your equipment?

Flame hardened crane wheels can offer many advantages. The extra effort and investment of using flame hardened wheels are likely to pay off for you and your company in the long run.

Today, we’re taking a look at just why this decision is the one to make.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!

What is Flame Hardening?

Flame hardening treats the surface of a component through the direct application of a flame. The flame is usually generated by fuel gas like acetylene and oxygen.

When the application of fire hardens the surface sufficiently, it is then cooled with oil or water.

There are two kinds of flame hardening processes: spinning and tooth-at-a-time processes.

Spinning is recommended for the high-volume production level. It provides consistent results because it is the same cycle for the entire gear. Tooth-at-a-time offers more strength along with durability. This process is best for very large gears.

Tooth-at-a-time offers more strength along with durability. This process is best for very large gears.

Increased Protection Against Wear and Tear

The most important advantage to flame hardening for crane wheels is that it creates a hard outside surface. This process leaves a core which is better able to absorb shock, with less distortion. It also results in more durability and bending strength.

Wear and tear usually occurs at the points of consistent physical contact, such as the outer rim of the wheel. The intersection of gears and wheel sprockets usually receives the harshest impact, so this is the area is best suited for flame hardening.

The focus of the flame concentrates the effects on the point of contact, leaving the rest of the wheel workable.

Flame hardening protects wheels from ongoing abrasions and impact, extending the life of the wheels and ensuring safety.

It’s Cheaper to Modernize

Adding modernized elements to your fleet such as flame hardened wheels will actually save you money in the long run.

The investment you make now in your equipment makes you more competitive, functional and safe in the marketplace.

Using crane wheels that have been flame hardened will extend the life of your equipment. It will also result in lower maintenance and replacement costs. Your company will experience less downtime, waiting for old equipment to get fixed.

These improvements will increase your productivity and shorten your production schedules, making you more appealing to customers. It shows your customers that you are forward-thinking and up on the latest developments.

Investing now in these kinds of upgrades will help grow your business in the future.

Improving the Safety of Crane Wheels

Because of the potential for catastrophic consequences, crane safety needs to be your top priority.

Cranes are large, complex machines that often operate in crowded locations. It is imperative for the safety of your employees and the people in the community where you are working that all of your equipment is in optimal working order.

Worn out gears and wheels can result in serious damage or injuries, exposing you to liability under OSHA and other regulations.

Flame hardening makes good business sense as a cost effective way to protect your staff and work space.

Extend the Life of Your Equipment and Business

Industrial businesses face increasing pressure to keep costs low and production high to maintain profits.

Flame hardening your crane wheels addresses both of those concerns by keeping repair and downtime costs down, and production efficiency high.  It can also play an integral role in protecting your assets, including machinery, parts, and employees.

Contact us to learn more today!