At the end of a long day of installing your overhead cranes, you might think that your job is done. However, according to Tennessee-based Integrity Crane and Hoist, OSHA standards mandate routine maintenance on your equipment. Keep reading for a bit of insight on why the standards are so stringent and what types of inspections are needed to keep you compliant.
Q: How often do my overhead cranes need inspection and maintenance?
Integrity Crane And Hoist: Overhead equipment requires both quarterly and annual inspections and service. To fulfill Cal-OSHA requirements, your crane and hoist system must have preventative maintenance performed four times each year. These quarterly inspections offer an opportunity for your machines to undergo a “tuneup,” which can reduce downtime and prevent costly damage down the road. Your annual inspection also reduces liability and helps to ensure that your entire staff is aware of potential maintenance issues.
Q: How often must I perform a quadrennial load test?
Integrity Crane And Hoist: Cal-OSHA Section 5022 mandates that this test takes place once every four years and is designed according to the load rating system listed by your equipment manufacturer. The quadrennial load test will not exceed 125% of the machine’s load rating; this is 110% for mobile cranes.
Q: When is it appropriate to inspect hook and wire rope?
Integrity Crane And Hoist: OSHA Section 1910.179 acknowledges the importance of monthly inspections of the hook and wire rope. In addition to a hands-on and visual inspection, these components’ condition must be recorded by a designated individual. These files must then be kept on record to maintain OSHA compliance.
Q: How is rigging equipment treated?
Integrity Crane And Hoist: The lifting and suspension components of your machinery include shackles, eye bolts, swivels, nylon strings, wire rope slings, and hoist slings. These moving parts are inspected annually and, like other inspections, are recorded for compliance and safety reasons.
Q: How does maintenance on overhead cranes prevent injuries?
Integrity Crane And Hoist: Any time you utilize large pieces of equipment, and especially those responsible for holding heavy loads, components must maintain their integrity to reduce the chances of a load slipping and causing a significant injury to your staff. Integrity Crane And Hoist offers routine maintenance as well as emergency services and OSHA inspections. Our in-house hoist and repair service can help our clients reduce downtime while improving safety across the board.
If your business relies on overhead cranes, you are required to have the equipment inspected regularly. Failure to do so can result in OSHA violations or, worse, losing the trust of your staff and customers.
Integrity Crane And Hoist was founded by Jeff Oakes. This Columbia, Tennessee-based company has been serving the material handling industry since 1993 and offers installation, parts, service, and routine maintenance of overhead cranes and their components.