It’s easy to overlook overhead crane equipment maintenance for granted; many teams conduct exhaustive inspections only when they notice that something is amiss and at that point, operations might need to be paused to complete the necessary repairs. Regular inspections and a comprehensive preventive maintenance program are critical to the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of your overhead equipment.
Inspections range from simple to complex, depending on your overhead equipment’s daily usage and load. Here we answer frequently asked questions about overhead equipment inspections.
Q: How often should you inspect overhead crane equipment?
A: Ideally, overhead crane equipment operators conduct inspections before the start of each shift. Areas of focus include – but are not limited to – control devices, lifting media, limit devices, oil and grease leaks, and capacity and warning labels.
More complex inspections are classified as either frequent (daily for severe use, weekly for heavy use, and monthly for normal use) or periodic (quarterly for severe use, semi-annually for heavy use, and yearly for normal use). Inspections must be meticulously documented and updated upon completion.
Q: What overhead crane equipment should be inspected on a daily and monthly basis?
A: Items that need to be inspected on a daily basis include:
Functional operating mechanisms. Hoisting equipment and brake systems must be checked for maladjustment.
Hydraulic and air system components. Check valves, lines, tanks, drain pumps, and other components for signs of wear and tear.
Crane hooks. Inspect for cracks or deformities.
Q: What issues should we be on the lookout for?
A: Monthly inspections should cover:
Rope and end connections. Check for broken strands.
Hoist chains and end connections. Distortion and excessive wear may cause them to stretch beyond manufacturer recommendations, leading to expensive and unnecessary malfunctions.
Issues identified during any inspection should be addressed as soon as possible. Components with structural integrity issues should not be used until replacement parts can be secured and installed.
Operating out of Columbia, Tennessee, Integrity Crane and Hoist performs OSHA/ASME-compliant inspections, emergency repair service, preventive maintenance programs, runway surveys and repair, relocation, modification, and installation of equipment, load testing, and certification. All services are compliant with all government-issued safety codes and manufacturer guidelines on overhead lifting equipment.
Inspectors at Integrity Crane and Hoist have decades of combined experience in overhead crane equipment repair and maintenance. Our knowledge of industry best practices ensure the highest standards of safety in every facility we work in. Customers are provided with all the documentation for maintenance and inspection as mandated by law.
We do not have a “one size fits all” inspection procedure. Our technicians can develop and implement an inspection and preventive maintenance program customized to each individual piece of lifting equipment and its service environment. We are committed to delivering an accurate and straightforward diagnosis fully supported by a solution tailored to your specific requirements. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
Covering the southeastern United States, Integrity Crane and Hoist, LLC (ICH) is committed to workplace safety and strives for zero incidents at all times. Call (615) 302-3431 for more information.
