Why is the proper inspection of overhead cranes significant, and how to do it properly?

In case you have recently installed overhead cranes or gantry cranes in your warehouses and factories, you might not yet be aware of the importance of its proper and timely inspection. Even if you understand why it needs to be done, many such facets, such as the frequency and proper manner of the inspection, which can be passed as qualified personnel for the inspection, can be of concern to you. The article is intended to clarify such doubts and questions that might arise when you think about inspecting your overhead cranes.

Why is it vital that you inspect your overhead crane?

As per OSH guidelines, all active overhead cranes must be inspected annually. The main reason behind such guidelines is that cranes' daily factory usage subjects the crane components to severe wear and tear. This can result in a complete breakdown or a fatal failure that might put the operator and the team in a vulnerable situation. It could then jeopardize the operations being performed through it as well as physical harm the factory and its workers. A proper and timely inspection would help identify potential hazards and avoid such fatal situations and ensure proper functioning of the crane. A proper inspection can provide the following benefits to the company and its associated people.

• It is detecting potential areas of hazards beforehand.
• We are reducing downtime due to any potential unexpected machine failure.
• I am unearthing any fatal condition which might not be apparent to the operator but might bring upon safety hazards in the future.
• Reducing repair costs as it fixes any potential damage before it occurs and impairs the crane heavily.

What is a daily inspection?

While a designated and qualified personnel would be required to perform the annual inspection and routine inspection needs to be performed by the operator daily. This needs to be done every day before and after the crane is being operated. A checklist must be maintained and signed off, ensuring all routine checks are performed. OSH guidelines refer to this daily inspection as a safety check, and it is necessary to avoid factory floor mishaps and malfunctioning.

An overhead crane that needs to be considered while performing a daily inspection is as follows.

• Any form of deterioration, such as leakages in tanks, valves, drain pumps, etc. must be taken into account and looked out for.
• All the crane components that function during operation need to be checked for maladjustments that might hinder the operation.
• Cracks or deformation on hooks and bolts must be visually inspected.
• Any form of connections such as hoist chains needs to be visually inspected for twists, distortions, wear, and tear.
• Every working component or mechanism must be inspected for excess wear and tear.
• Any non-compliance of rope reeving concerning manufacturer's recommendations must be tended to.

Factors to know before performing a proper inspection

Before one can perform a thorough and effective inspection of an overhead crane, they need to be aware of a few factors or aspects concerning it. They are listed below in brief.

1. The particular items which are to be inspected must be identified beforehand.
2. The proper manner of usage of the crane's particular components must be known while inspecting the crane.
3. The inspection procedure has to be documented properly for perusal and further analysis requirements.
4. The lockout or tag-out procedures of the inspection must be ascertained beforehand.
5. The contact person we need to connect with if anything goes wrong and requires repairing or servicing.
6. Any extra information provided in the operational manual must be given a read and paid heed to.

Who can be deemed as qualified to perform the crane inspection?

CMAA (Crane Manufacturer's Association of America) dictates that a crane inspector must have a cumulative field experience of at least 2,000 hours relating to the functional testing, maintenance, servicing, repairing of cranes and the associated hoist equipment.

It further states that no individual must be allowed to perform any form of crane inspection if they are devoid of any appropriate training and subsequent knowledge of the regulations and codes of the concerned equipment. Formal training is required in the following aspects to be eligible for performing an inspection.

• Basic understanding of report writing and related documentation.
• Thorough knowledge of cranes and hoist equipment and its associated terminology so that he or she can effectively communicate.
• Safety and design regulations relating to overhead cranes.
• Local, State and Federal standards and codes must be adhered to.
• Safe and Best practices of the opening of hoists and cranes.

خاتمة

If the overhead cranes you are planning to operate has been inactive for over a period of 30 – 180 days, the cranes have to go through a complete inspection according to the points applicable. If the crane has been inactive for more than six months, then both complete and periodic inspections have to be performed before it can be deemed fit for usage. An effective inspection is imperative in ensuring optimum working of the overhead crane as well as to avoid any impending hazard at the workplace.

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