How often Should You Inspect Your Overhead Crane?
Crane inspections are a vital part of crane maintenance and done in order to maximize production efficiency, minimize downtime, and preserve a safe working environment. But since many people are unaware about the routine inspection, they always have a doubt in mind regarding the frequency of inspection of the overhead cranes. Additionally, a good crane manufacturer in Ahmedabad recommends having routine inspections of bridge cranes, there are actually plenty of aspects that may be used to help you decide how frequently you need to have a qualified crane inspector thoroughly evaluate your crane.
We will discuss the frequency of inspection of your overhead cranes in this article.
Factors determining the frequency of crane inspection
- Conditions for operations
The frequency of the crane’s inspections will depend on the operating conditions. Operating conditions can be divided into two categories as standard conditions, which include temperature-controlled plants or buildings, and extreme conditions, which include outdoor, marine, chemical, and dusty environments. Compared to cranes working in a typical setting, overhead bridge cranes operating in severe conditions will need more frequent inspections.
- Applications
How frequently a crane needs to be inspected will also depend on its lifting use. Operations can be categorized as severe, normal and heavy. Concrete plants, chemical plants, foundries, and nuclear plants are examples of severe applications. Normal application which covers standby and maintenance, and heavy application, which includes fabrication or manufacturing. Compared to heavy-duty construction or manufacturing cranes, overhead bridge cranes used for severe applications would need more frequent inspections as compared to normal-duty cranes where inspection can be at longer intervals.
- Frequency of use
The frequency of inspections will also depend on how frequently the crane is operated. The crane’s frequency of use can be divided into infrequent or standby, when it is utilized for maintenance, light frequency in which light repair or manufacture is done using a crane, Standard frequency where the crane is used for production and 25% of working period, Severe, where the crane is used constantly for 75–100% of the working period, and heavy, where it is used for high volume, heavy output, and 50% of the working period. The frequency of the crane’s inspections will increase with its usage.
Classification of crane inspection
Initial, functional test, frequent, and periodic inspections are OSHA’s four primary categories for crane inspections.
- Initial Inspection
Before any new, modified, or altered cranes or hoists are used for the first time, this inspection is conducted.
- Functional Test Inspection
Every day, before each shift, a visual inspection of all operational systems should be carried out.
- Frequent Inspection
The frequency of these inspections varies based on the type of service the crane receives. To ensure correct use, they involve checking the hoist chains, hooks, and working mechanisms.
- Periodic Inspection
Periodic inspections involve a certified inspector thoroughly examining the entire overhead crane system. The crane’s service type determines the frequency.
What do professional crane inspectors check in a crane while inspection?
A competent crane inspector will search for indications of excessive wear and deterioration, such as leaks, corrosion, loose bolts, cracks, and deformations. They will conduct an operational and visual examination, looking for OSHA/ANSI compliance as well as electrical, mechanical, and functional hazards.
A qualified crane inspector is likely to notice details that a regular operator could overlook. Along with being fresh eyes, their in-depth understanding of overhead cranes enables them to quickly identify and fix a variety of problems, such as improper brake adjustment, gear alignment, worn load chain or wire rope, worn hooks or sheaves, worn wheels, worn bearings, improper or noncompliant wiring, and compliance with ANSI and OSHA standards.
