In today's fast-paced industrial world, overhead cranes and hoists are essential equipment for material handling, loading, and unloading purposes. With the transportation of heavy goods, the safety and proper functioning of overhead cranes and hoists directly impact the productivity of any manufacturing plant. However, to ensure the safety of the workers and the efficient functioning of equipment, we at American Industrial Repair have put together a comprehensive guide for the safe operation and use of overhead cranes and gantry cranes in regulation 1910.179. In this expert guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions for safety inspections and cover everything you need to know before inspecting overhead cranes and hoists.
Step 1: Perform a visual inspection
Visual inspections may not sound technical, but they are an essential aspect of safe and proper crane operation. Before using a crane, always perform a preliminary visual inspection. Look for any apparent damage, such as cracks in the structure or deformities. Check the wire ropes, chains, slings, hooks, and rigging components for signs of wear and tear, such as cuts, corrosion, or broken wires. Check the hoist motor and gearbox for any signs of oil or lubricant leaks that could cause equipment failure. Always check the electrical components of the crane, motors, and limit switches for proper functioning. Document any defects on a daily safe use checklist and take appropriate action to repair or replace damaged parts.
Step 2: Review the Crane History
Crane manufacturers document all relevant information on the manufacturer's tag in the electrical control box. Inspect the tag to ensure that the crane is rated for the job and work environment. The information on the tag includes the rated load capacity, span length, hoisting speed, trolley speed, and bridge speed. Check the inspection and maintenance schedule to see if the crane has undergone a recent repair or modification. Reviewing the crane history will help you detect any warning signs and improve overall crane safety.
Step 3: Test the crane's safety features
Safety features on the overhead crane ensure a safer work environment for workers and maintain proper functioning of the machinery. Perform various functional tests, such as testing brakes, limit switches, hoist controls, and overload protection devices. Test the emergency stop switch and ensure that they are working. Disable the hoist motor and check for proper operation of the controls. Test the safety sensors, lights, and alarms for proper functioning.
Step 4: Inspect the Load chains
Inspect the load chain for proper wear, cracks, and deformation. Check the chain lubrication and ensure that the load chain is not exceeding its maximum limit. A load chain that exceeds its maximum limit can cause equipment failure and accidents. Ensure that the chain is securely attached to the crane hook, and the hook-safety latch is closed tightly. Document the inspection results and take appropriate actions to repair or replace any damage that you find.
Step 5: Document the inspection results
An essential aspect of any inspection is keeping detailed and comprehensive records of safety inspections. Documentation serves as evidence of compliance and provides a list of ongoing maintenance requirements, including any defects or issues that require immediate attention. Documentation will assist you in keeping the crane and hoist in good working order and ensure the safety of your workers.
In conclusion, this guide to overhead crane and hoist inspections contains a comprehensive and detailed process that can help you ensure the safety and proper functioning of these essential industrial machines. Remember to perform a visual inspection, review the crane history, test the crane's safety features, inspect the load chains, and document the inspection results. At American Industrial Repair, we provide safe and reliable overhead crane and hoist inspections along with 24/7 service to the Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Indianapolis, Dayton, Columbus, Lexington, Louisville, and many other areas. Our over five-decade experience with overhead crane maintenance and repair services ensures that our expert team understands the importance of crane safety. We work with our customers to ensure OSHA compliance and strive to provide top-notch service to meet their needs. Trust us to keep your overhead cranes and hoists in working order, safe for your workers, and compliant.
Step 1: Perform a visual inspection
Visual inspections may not sound technical, but they are an essential aspect of safe and proper crane operation. Before using a crane, always perform a preliminary visual inspection. Look for any apparent damage, such as cracks in the structure or deformities. Check the wire ropes, chains, slings, hooks, and rigging components for signs of wear and tear, such as cuts, corrosion, or broken wires. Check the hoist motor and gearbox for any signs of oil or lubricant leaks that could cause equipment failure. Always check the electrical components of the crane, motors, and limit switches for proper functioning. Document any defects on a daily safe use checklist and take appropriate action to repair or replace damaged parts.
Step 2: Review the Crane History
Crane manufacturers document all relevant information on the manufacturer's tag in the electrical control box. Inspect the tag to ensure that the crane is rated for the job and work environment. The information on the tag includes the rated load capacity, span length, hoisting speed, trolley speed, and bridge speed. Check the inspection and maintenance schedule to see if the crane has undergone a recent repair or modification. Reviewing the crane history will help you detect any warning signs and improve overall crane safety.
Step 3: Test the crane's safety features
Safety features on the overhead crane ensure a safer work environment for workers and maintain proper functioning of the machinery. Perform various functional tests, such as testing brakes, limit switches, hoist controls, and overload protection devices. Test the emergency stop switch and ensure that they are working. Disable the hoist motor and check for proper operation of the controls. Test the safety sensors, lights, and alarms for proper functioning.
Step 4: Inspect the Load chains
Inspect the load chain for proper wear, cracks, and deformation. Check the chain lubrication and ensure that the load chain is not exceeding its maximum limit. A load chain that exceeds its maximum limit can cause equipment failure and accidents. Ensure that the chain is securely attached to the crane hook, and the hook-safety latch is closed tightly. Document the inspection results and take appropriate actions to repair or replace any damage that you find.
Step 5: Document the inspection results
An essential aspect of any inspection is keeping detailed and comprehensive records of safety inspections. Documentation serves as evidence of compliance and provides a list of ongoing maintenance requirements, including any defects or issues that require immediate attention. Documentation will assist you in keeping the crane and hoist in good working order and ensure the safety of your workers.
In conclusion, this guide to overhead crane and hoist inspections contains a comprehensive and detailed process that can help you ensure the safety and proper functioning of these essential industrial machines. Remember to perform a visual inspection, review the crane history, test the crane's safety features, inspect the load chains, and document the inspection results. At American Industrial Repair, we provide safe and reliable overhead crane and hoist inspections along with 24/7 service to the Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Indianapolis, Dayton, Columbus, Lexington, Louisville, and many other areas. Our over five-decade experience with overhead crane maintenance and repair services ensures that our expert team understands the importance of crane safety. We work with our customers to ensure OSHA compliance and strive to provide top-notch service to meet their needs. Trust us to keep your overhead cranes and hoists in working order, safe for your workers, and compliant.
