How Often & Why Should I Have My Overhead Crane Inspected?
OSHA requires that all active cranes be inspected on an annual basis. Frequent use of your overhead crane can cause wear on the components. To prevent wear, breakdowns or dangerous failures that can put your company and employees at risk it is extremely important to have your cranes inspected yearly. Additionally, a qualified person must be performing “Frequent” inspections on your machine. Visual examinations by the operator or other designated personnel are as follows:
- Cranes with normal service: monthly
- Cranes with heavy service: weekly to monthly
- Cranes with severe service: daily to weekly (records not required but suggested)
- Observation during operation
- Operating mechanisms, proper adjustment and unusual sounds
- Upper limit devices (hoist – switches)
- Tanks, valves, pumps, lines and other parts of air or hydraulic systems
- Hooks and hook latches
- Hoist ropes and end connections
- Braking distance
- Wire rope location and lubricant
- Load chain
- Bridge and trolley travel limits
- Signs of oil leakage or unusual sounds
- Proper safety labels and warnings (visual and audible)
- Rope of proper spooling onto the drum(s) and sheave(s)
Should You Reinspect Your Overhead Crane Before Restarting Operations After Covid-19?
Due to the current U.S. response to Covid-19, many Overhead Cranes have not been in use over the last few months. An overhead crane that is used infrequently or which has been idle for a period of a month or more but less than one year shall be subject to a “Frequent” inspection by a qualified person before being placed in service.
Who Can Inspect Overhead Cranes?
According to OSHA, in order to be a qualified crane inspector, you must have a recognized degree or certificate. You must also have extensive knowledge in servicing, repairing, modifying, maintenance, and testing of cranes and any hoisting equipment that goes along with it. Your inspector must also have an understanding of safe operating standards in accordance with the federal, state, and local standards.
Is Overhead Crane Training Required by OSHA?
Yes. OSHA states that “Only designated personnel shall be permitted to operate a crane covered by this section” (1910.179(b)(8). This refers to operators who are competent in operate an overhead crane for the specific application. , however, has much more specific standards. ASME standards require that training be specific to the equipment and tasks being performed. ASME also states that it is the company’s management who is responsible for providing training.
What Are Some of the New Sanitary and Social Distancing Practices Put Forth by OSHA?
Things have changed in the construction industry since the start of Covid-19 and it is very important to keep yourself and your employees safe. These are some of the guidelines put forth by OSHA and the CDC to help keep you safe and healthy: health and temperature screening upon arriving at work, maintaining social distancing when possible, sanitizing surfaces and frequent hand washing. The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings to help prevent the spread of the virus. In addition to personal protection equipment and social distancing OSHA record-keeping also requires all employers to keep record of any Coronavirus cases.
Total Equipment Training is Here to Help. Here’s how…
For Your Training Needs:
Total Equipment Training is here for all of your Overhead Crane training needs. Our experienced trainers have extensive knowledge in both OSHA and ASME standards. Additionally, all of our trainers have between 10-20 years in the field experience. We provide both in-classroom training and hands-on training. We bring our training program to your site, saving you time and money. In addition, our on-site overhead crane operator training can be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs. If you’re interested in one of our training programs, contact us today or give our office a call at (610) 321-2679!
For Your Inspection Needs:
Total Equipment Training specializes in annual overhead crane inspection services. Our team of experienced heavy equipment professionals uses an extensive crane inspection checklist to deliver a comprehensive inspection of your equipment. Once your equipment clears our comprehensive crane inspection, you can get back to work knowing your machine is up to OSHA standards and your crew is safe to do what they do best.
