Crane load testing is required to ensure the safety of your crane equipment and to certify that the equipment has met OSHA’s guidelines. Crane load testing is performed to certify a crane system can handle the maximum weight capacity for operations.
Load testing is required for any new equipment, or if a crane has been out of service for modifications or repairs. Cranes and equipment should be inspected once the load testing has been performed.
Crane Load Test Requirements and Standards
All new and repaired cranes must be load tested to confirm compliance or to ensure the crane is still capable of continuing operations. The standard used for crane load testing follows the guidelines set forth by the American National Standard Safety Code for Overhead and Gantry Cranes, known as ANSI B30. Crane load testing includes:
- Load testing the lifter, the hoists and the hooks to confirm the load can be supported
- Following the load test, the lifter is inspected for any issues or defects
- A report is filed on the load test results
Total Equipment Training provides load testing in accordance with B30.10 (hooks), B30.20 (below hook lifting devices) and B30.16 (overhead hoists).
How Often Should a Crane be Load Tested?
Cranes should be load tested and inspected upon initial use and periodically after that. Additionally, they should be load tested any time repairs or maintenance are performed to the equipment. The frequency of the load testing and inspections may also depend on the frequency of the equipment’s use.
The purpose of crane load testing is to ensure the integrity and endurance of the equipment, so that operators are confident that the equipment will function properly once it is back in service.
Frequent and periodic inspections should be maintained for all cranes to certify not only the load is secure but also the overall operation of the crane is safe.
Can Water Bags be Used for Load Testing?
A simple and safe way to perform crane load testing is with the use of water bags. All crane types can be load tested with water bags that are weight equivalent. Load testing with water bags meet OSHA standards for crane load testing.
The use of water bags is also a cost-effective means to load test multiple weight variations because a single water bag can be filled to varying weights for multiple load tests.
Hazards in Crane Lifting
When lifting heavy loads, accidents and hazardous conditions should be avoided in the workplace. It’s essential for every crane operator and every crew member to be properly trained to be extremely aware of the equipment, the work conditions and their surroundings when operating crane equipment.
Three of the most common crane usage hazards are:
- Electrical Hazards
- Overloading
- Materials falling from overhead hoists
Other types of accidents may occur, and this makes proper crane operator training essential for a safe workplace.
Why is Crane Operator Training Essential?
Crane operators need the right training on their equipment to avoid creating hazardous conditions where accidents are more likely to occur. In addition to crane knowledge and usage, job safety is an important piece of the overall crane training.
Total Equipment Training Can Help with your Crane Operator Training
Total Equipment Training’s instructors are the best in the business. All of our instructors have a minimum of ten years’ experience in heavy construction equipment. Total Equipment Training offers not only load testing but also onsite training for your crew. There are many advantages to training on the actual onsite equipment your crew will be using in the future.
