On overhead crane is a significant investment that you want to see last for years to come.
Overhead cranes may seem indestructible, but they require inspection, maintenance, and repair, just like any other piece of equipment or machinery.
Not doing so can result in accidents and injuries. There are about 200 crane-related deaths a year, mostly due to a worker being hit by an object from a crane.
Read on to learn the top signs that your overhead crane is due for inspection.
1. Poor Records of Crane Inspections and Maintenance
It can be challenging to run a construction operation and keep adequate records of your equipment. OHSA requires that you maintain records of your inspections for seven years.
If you find that your inspection records are inadequate, your best bet is to start over and schedule an overhead crane inspection.
Your company should have checklists that show daily inspections for excessive wear and deterioration. Monthly inspection checklists should check for wear as well as inspecting rope and connections for wear.
Your records should also include what precautions and remedies were taken if your inspections showed any signs of repair or wear.
2. OHSA’s Standards
OHSA has strict standards that you need to abide by when it comes to overhead crane maintenance and inspection. You need to comply with OSHA’s standards and show that you have made inspections daily, monthly, and periodically.
There are some variations as far as periodic inspection goes. It depends on how and often the crane is in use.
OSHA’s guidelines also say that a crane that has been out of service between 1-6 months has to be inspected before resuming service.
For overhead cranes that used in normal conditions, they can undergo an annual inspection. Cranes that see heavy service should be inspected twice a year. A crane used in extreme circumstances should have quarterly inspections.
3. Damaged Parts or Recent Repairs
Has your overhead crane show signs of wear and tear? If something shows up in the inspection, the overhead crane needs to be taken offline before the crane can go back into service.
If your overhead crane had worn parts replaced or you see that parts are starting to show signs of wear and tear, you should have your overhead crane inspected before it’s in service.
Anything that appears loose or damage, such as frayed wires or hooks need to be repaired and inspected.
Get Your Overhead Crane Inspected
In a busy construction firm, it can be easy to let things fall through the cracks or put off things like an overhead crane inspection.
The more you put this off, the more likely it is that there will be an accident. That can cause injury to your employees and bystanders.
It’s a necessity to have your overhead crane regularly inspected to meet OSHA’s safety guidelines and the guidelines of your crane’s manufacturer.
Contact us today to schedule an overhead crane inspection today.