Employees in manufacturing facilities have to navigate through workspaces filled with large and potentially dangerous equipment throughout the day.
To reduce the potential risks, overhead lifting systems are installed within specific areas. Doing this allows lifting equipment to operate as efficiently as possible without compromising workplace safety.
Compared to the expenses associated with OSHA citations, higher workers’ compensation rates, lawsuits, medical expenses, and the administrative work that finding a temporary or permanent replacement for an injured employee entails, keeping overhead crane and hoist systems safe for daily use is the more logical and cost-efficient option. This article will walk you through inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements for overhead crane and hoist systems.
Inspecting overhead cranes and hoists
Whether they’re new or refurbished, routine overhead crane and hoist inspections are a must given the size and weight of the objects they lift and transport. Frequent inspections are conducted on a daily or monthly basis while periodic inspections are performed one to 12 times annually.
Key crane components are inspected for signs of malfunction, deterioration, and everyday wear and tear. Crane components that should be inspected daily include functional operating mechanisms, hydraulic and air system components, and crane hooks.
Functional operating mechanisms – Check for maladjustment
Hydraulic and air system components – Inspect valves, lines, tanks, drain pumps, and other components for deterioration or deficiency
Crane hooks – Be on the lookout for cracks and signs of deformation.
Monthly crane and hoist inspections should cover rope and end connections as well as hoist chains and end connections.
Rope and end connections – Inspect for broken strands or signs of wear and tear
Hoist chains and end connections – Check for distortion or anything else that might hinder these from functioning properly or in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Make sure that all records are carefully updated each time an inspection is conducted.
Overhead crane and hoist repair and maintenance
Organizations are advised to implement a preventive maintenance program as recommended by the manufacturer. Should you come across components showing signs of deterioration or unsafe operating conditions, do complete the necessary repair and maintenance procedures before resuming operations.
Corrective maintenance restores crane and hoist reliability, bringing it to a condition where it can perform what it was intended to do. Timely corrective maintenance reduces the likelihood of emergency breakdowns, which ultimately affects operations and productivity.
Preventive maintenance, on the other hand, involves taking the necessary precautions to prevent accidents or equipment failures even before these happen.
For best results, ensure that only a highly trained team of professionals is assigned to complete this task.
Integrity Crane and Hoist is a full-service overhead crane and hoisting equipment company specializing in design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, modification, modernization, and load testing of industrial bridge cranes, gantry cranes, ergonomic workstations, runway systems, monorails, power systems, and control panels. We also perform inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance for all types and brands of cranes, hoists, vacuum filters, and below-the-hook lifting devices. Get in touch today to learn more.
Call Integrity Crane and Hoist at (615) 302-3431 for more information.