OVERHEAD CRANES AND HOISTS ARE INTEGRAL TO INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS. THEY ASSIST IN LIFTING, MOVING, AND PLACING HEAVY OBJECTS SAFELY AND EASILY. HOWEVER, THEY ALSO POSE SERIOUS HAZARDS IF NOT MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED REGULARLY. THIS IS WHERE OSHA 1910.179 INSPECTIONS COME INTO PLAY. IN THIS BLOG POST, WE WILL DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE INSPECTIONS, THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH THEY ARE REQUIRED, POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF NOT HAVING THEM DONE, AND THE LEGAL REPERCUSSIONS OF NOT COMPLYING. IF YOU'RE AN INDUSTRIAL FACTORY MANAGER, READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES SAFE AND PROTECT YOUR ORGANIZATION FROM FINANCIAL AND LEGAL PITFALLS.
OSHA 1910.170 sets the regulations for overhead and gantry cranes, including the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements. Section 1910.179 specifically outlines the inspection criteria for overhead and gantry cranes, identifying the areas of the crane that should be inspected, the frequency of inspections, and the documentation requirements. The frequency of inspections varies according to the crane's usage, with more frequent inspections required for heavier usage and older cranes. Annual inspections are mandatory for all cranes, regardless of their usage.
The importance of these inspections lies in identifying and correcting hazards that could potentially cause injury or harm to workers, as well as damage to equipment or property in the workplace. The inspections detect any malfunctioning or worn-out parts that may cause the crane to fail and lead to accidents. It also helps identify any need for repairs or replacements, which is crucial in preventing costly downtime.
It's not just the workers' safety and the crane's functionality that's at stake, but also the financial and legal repercussions of not complying with the OSHA 1910.179 inspection requirements. Failing to complete the required inspections not only puts workers' safety at risk but also puts the company in a position to be fined for non-compliance with OSHA regulations. In addition, if an accident occurs due to a faulty crane, it can result in a substantial lawsuit for the organization.
Not having OSHA 1910.179 inspections leaves your crane susceptible to hazards such as overloading, unbalanced loads, loose or worn-out connections, and misaligned or damaged components, among others. All these can impact the crane's stability and cause accidents resulting in serious injury or death.
At American Industrial Repair, we provide comprehensive crane inspection services in Cincinnati. With over four decades of experience, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver top-notch service, fast turnaround times, and competitive pricing. We understand the importance of keeping your overhead cranes inspected and maintained, and we're here to help. Our services include load testing, visual inspections, and documentation. Let us take care of your crane inspection needs, so you can focus on your business operations.
Conclusion:
Safety has to be a priority in any industrial operation, and it begins with having regular OSHA 1910.179 inspections on overhead cranes and hoists. As an industrial factory manager, ensure that your cranes and hoists are compliant with OSHA's regulations by having them inspected and maintained regularly. The inspections detect any hazards that could potentially cause injury, damage to equipment, or legal liabilities and help ensure a safe working environment. Don't take chances with your workers' safety and your organization's legal and financial well-being. Contact American Industrial Repair for fast, reliable, and affordable crane inspection services in Cincinnati.
