Things To Know Regarding OSHA Crane Inspections


By Scott Baker


Cranes are machines usually equipped with chains, wire or hoist ropes and sheaves which can be used in lifting and lowering heavy materials and horizontally move them. They use simple machines in creating mechanical advantage allowing them to carry load which humans normally cannot do. Industries such as manufacturing, construction and transportation use them for various purposes.

Because of their different uses, they could get worn down or damaged when used regularly and might result into an accident. This is why frequent OSHA crane inspections must be done to assure the safety of your workers and the optimal condition of your machine. Doing this would also provide your employees with a more productive environment.

The government requires this also through their agency, OSHA, which incorporates some industry standards like ANSI, ASME and NEC. An inspector with qualification and proper training should do this to reduce equipment failure and accident. Having them inspected would help in making your legal fees affordable if ever accidents happen because a qualified professional has performed the inspections.

Your equipment will break down less and would be more reliable which would result in an increase of productivity. There is a study that noted a sixty up to ninety five percent reduction of safety related defects within the first year since getting regularly inspected. They can even use a program for inspection which has predictive maintenance for more increase in reliability.

Daily examination on hooks, chains, wire or hoist ropes is needed and done by the operator while a more thorough one with documentation is done monthly. If your crane is only used in normal services then they only need annual inspection while heavy one would get it twice a year. Severe service means they are used in abnormal environments and need four examinations each year.

These abnormal environments might includes atmosphere laden with moisture or dust, adverse weather exposure, low or high surrounding temperature, hazardous environments and corrosive fumes. A qualified professional would be designated in determining the conditions during inspection will be considered hazardous. They will decide also whether further examination needs them disassembled.

Crane inspectors should have at least two thousand hours of experience related directly to functional testing, modifying, repairing, servicing and maintenance of cranes. They would not be allowed to do this duty under any circumstances if they have not received proper training. They must have the knowledge of codes and regulations applicable to the equipment that will be inspected.

Their training will include area about safety and design codes, local, state and federal standards and codes and safe operating practices for cranes. They should understand terminologies for a better communication and write reports and documentation procedures. Use of different words must also be learned to understand their meaning better.

Owners are responsible for load testing the equipment and should be done after installation that means your system is complete. Though they were tested already before being shipped because of industry standard but should be performed again still. Your own workers would not be the only ones affected by these inspections but those around the work area too.




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