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If you have an overhead crane at your place of business we’re sure that the last thing you want is for it to break down. Anyone that’s operating an overhead crane is well aware of safety while using it.
Are you curious about how often you should have inspections on your overhead crane? Yes? Then you’re in the right place!
Keep reading to learn all about why you need inspections and how often you need them.
Overhead Crane Inspections
First, it’s good to understand why overhead crane inspections are necessary. OSHA requires that all active cranes go through an annual inspection. This reason alone means that inspections aren’t an option and for good reason.
Safety is a big reason why OSHA requires these annual inspections. The last thing you want is to put employees in an unsafe work environment. Having routine inspections will help identify any problems ahead of time before there is a terrible accident that could’ve been prevented.
If anything isn’t working or breaks an inspection will catch it ahead of time so that you can order what you need from places like kor-pak.com to minimize your downtime.
When Should the Crane be Inspected?
The American National Standards Institute recommends for cranes to be inspected in four different categories:
Initial Inspection
This inspection should happen when the crane is first installed. There should be a visual inspection along with documentation. A Rated Load Test is also required during the initial inspection.
This is when an authorized person inspects and provides a written report confirming the load rating of the system. The test loads should not be more than 125% of the rated load unless the manufacturer says otherwise.
Functional Inspection
It’s recommended to inspect the crane before every shift. Doing this on a daily basis helps employees become more familiar with the equipment which will make it easier to catch any issues.
Frequent Inspection
This is paying attention to the crane’s hoist brakes, load chain, and look out for any abnormal sounds. Keeping documentation is a good idea to show that a short inspection happened. In case there’s ever an accident having this type of documentation on hand will come in handy.
Periodic Inspection
This depends on how often the crane is being put to work. If a crane is in use for “normal service” meaning not overused then an annual inspection should be fine. If the crane is frequently used then a quarterly inspection is best.
This inspection will go into a deeper inspection of the crane. Not only a visual inspection but more in-depth and more time-consuming inspection.
Safety Time!
As you have learned above about why and when to inspect an overhead crane it’s time to put what you learned into action. Going forward you can have peace of mind that by following the above recommendations your workplace will be safer.
Playing it safe is best. It might seem like a lot of inspections but it will be a lot more if someone in your workplace gets hurt.
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