OSHA has strict standards on how cranes and other overhead equipment must be maintained and inspected. These stringent regulations are designed to help protect the individuals who operate and work around this heavy machinery. Because compliance is not optional, all team members should understand how cranes work, the types of examinations they might be subject to, and what OSHA’s priorities are.
Crane preventative maintenance can keep your business compliant, and, in doing so, it will improve your overall safety and help you avoid fines caused by safety violations.
What OSHA Looks For
For the most part, OSHA is going to look to see if your overhead cranes are fully functional, safe, and operating according to their intended use. Crane inspections take place periodically. However, they will be looked at once per year at a minimum. Your crane operators and safety officer should also perform both frequent and periodic inspections, which occur daily, monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, or yearly.
A frequent inspection will cover moving and contact parts, such as the hydraulic system, hoist chains, and hooks. These have to be looked at every day. All of these pieces further need a thorough inspection once each month. This should be performed by a certified crane inspector who is also fully versed in crane preventative maintenance.
Periodic inspections go a bit deeper. These look at the electrical wiring and other (often hidden) components of your machinery. Even cranes that are temporarily out of service are required to undergo an inspection.
OSHA’s Priorities
OSHA’s main goal is to protect the health and safety of those in the workplace. OSHA regulations currently impact more than 7 million workers directly, and inspections are prioritized based on the potential for danger. As such, it’s no wonder that overhead crane inspections are so high up on OSHA’s priorities list.
OSHA’s first goal is to look for imminent danger. Fortunately, through routine crane preventative maintenance, you can eliminate the effects of wear and tear on your machinery. This makes it safer for your entire staff. OSHA also works and follows up with worker complaints regarding their health and safety. If a potential local, state, or federal hazard is suspected, you may be subject to an OSHA investigation.
Ultimately, overhead crane maintenance is your best assurance that your machinery is safe and will meet OSHA strict standards. For more information on maintenance, inspections, and service, contact Integrity Crane and Hoist today.