Regardless of the work being done on a job site, safety is a crucial consideration. It’s necessary to regularly maintain and inspect cranes to help ensure worksite accidents and injuries don’t occur.
Your crane equipment works hard. It’s responsible for lifting heavy loads and, because of this, wear and tear are likely.
If regular maintenance is not provided, parts and components may break down, which endangers everyone on the job site.
The question is – how often are crane inspections and maintenance needed? Knowing the rules and regulations related to crane maintenance can help ensure no issues arise. Keep reading to learn more.
How Often Should Your Crane Equipment be Inspected?
OSHA provides standard guidelines related to crane inspections. This explains the different inspections cranes require.
Initial Inspections
When a new crane is brought to your job site, it should be inspected. This is also necessary for cranes that are altered.
Alterations include adding new equipment, repairing the crane, or modifying it in some way. Usually, the initial inspection is just a visual process.
Frequent Inspections
Frequent inspections (as the name implies) occur more often than others. The frequency is dependent on how often your crane is used.
For example, for cranes used regularly, once-a-month inspections are fine. However, for heavy use, weekly inspections are best.
Periodic Inspections
The frequency of periodic inspections depends on how often the crane is used. You should get an annual inspection for cranes used often.
During the periodic inspection, be sure to look for signs of:
- Excessive wear on brakes, ratches, pawls, and linings
- Corroded, cracked, or deformed components
- Wind, load, or other indications over the full range
- Worn or cracked drums and sheaves
- Excessive chain stretch
- Signs of pitting or deterioration of the controller contractors
If a crane hasn’t been used in more than a month but has been used within six months, a Periodic and Functional Test is required.
Functional Test Inspection
Before each shift, it’s necessary to test your crane’s functionality. Each day, you should visually test the following:
- Functional operating mechanisms
- Leakage in drain pumps, valves, tanks, and lines
- Hoist chains
- Hooks with cracks or deformation
- Functional operating mechanisms for signs of excessive wear
This is a test that cannot be ignored, as it ensures the crane’s ability to be safely used for the upcoming shift.
Keeping Your Crane Equipment Safe and Functional
OSHA requires that all types of active cranes are inspected each year. Weekly and daily use will wear out important components and can create dangerous working conditions.
Over time, this may cause a breakdown or failure that causes an accident and injuries. As you can see from the information above, investing in regular inspections will pay off and help ensure your equipment is problem-free.
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