Essential Guidelines for Crane Inspection
Cranes are frequently used in the construction industry to lift and move heavy material from one point to another. They work in a very complex manner with different sections working together. Moreover, these machines are considered one of the most dangerous heavy types of machinery in the industry. As per US Labor Bureau Statistics, around 42 people die every year in crane operations. Thus, it’s essential to carry out proper inspection of your heavy-duty equipment to overcome injury and accidents.
Crane Inspection Guidelines
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has designed inspection guidelines that an OSHA officer also uses for inspection. These checks allow you to identify possible hazards and fix them by performing preventive maintenance. Moreover, you must carry out regular (general) as well as periodic maintenance (detailed) to ensure your heavy equipment stays fit. This article will share all essential checks that you can use for inspecting your cranes for sale.
General Checks
- Check whether the foundation, cribbing, blocking, etc. underneath the crane installation area are satisfactory.
- Walk around the crane and look for repair indications carefully. Make sure you don’t miss any indication, otherwise, it can lead to a serious mishap.
- Check the communication system used by the crane operator and ensure it works properly.
- Verify the lift plans of the moving machinery. Make sure the operator is following them.
- Re-check the use of cranes by viewing its record. Go through the feasibility report of your heavy machinery and ensure it isn’t misused.
- Check the hydraulic system fluid level. It must be on the right level to ensure smooth operation.
- Check fitment of sub-assembly parts. Ensure that all components are tightened correctly, otherwise, it can lead to a severe accident.
- Inspect the operator’s cab. All systems must be working well and there must be no damage inside the cab.
- Go through the inspection report prepared by the operator for cross-checking. This will help you detect and fix machine issues in the initial stages.
- Inspect your crane structure closely to ensure there’s no crack or damage that can later lead to any serious injury.
- Carry out a mock test of your moving equipment to ensure it is functioning correctly as well as safely.
- Inspect the crane operating devices. All must work properly to provide efficiency during work.
- Look for dirt and debris on the operator’s cab. Keep your heavy equipment’s cab clean for the best visibility.
- Check the air and fuel filters. Replace the filter if found leak.
- Test your crane’s horn. It must work well to ensure safety during operation.
- Check all moving parts for greasing. Apply grease on dry parts to prevent friction and wear issues.
Detail Checks
- Inspect the engine and other critical operating systems. All must be functioning well.
- Inspect rigging equipment like slings, shackles, and slings for safety, wear, damage, and capacity. Construction site workers use these tools for several operations, so they must be functioning well.
- Look for wear and tear on wire rope, hooks, and latches. Replace the worn-out parts if found.
- Inspect the hose, radiator, etc. of your movable crane. Every system should be working correctly.
- Check bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, and other child parts. Tighten them if found loose and also replace worn-out ones if found.
- Check engine valves and other small parts for operation. Every component must be functioning well.
- Inspect the load line and ropes for deficiencies. You can even use binoculars to examine them effectively.
- Check the battery and its attachments. All must be installed correctly and working in order.
- Check chains, drums, sheaves, etc. for wear and tear. Install new components if you find any damaged ones.
- Inspect the brakes and replace the worn-out ones of your moving crane.
- Check the rims of your crane. They must be proper.
- Inspect the hydraulic and air lines for leaks. Make sure there is no leak point in the lines that can cause serious damage to the crane.
- Inspect the tire pressure and condition if you are using a movable crane. Keep it up to date to achieve top performance.
- Check the seat and the seat belt of the cab. It must be in good working condition to provide safety to your machine operator.
- Check all electrical mechanisms. There should be no loose connections that can lead to any hazardous situation.
- Test the lights by switching them on and off multiple times.
- Check sub-components of your heavy equipment’s drive and control system for corrosion and wear, if any replace them.
Conclusion
Cranes are powerful heavy-duty machines widely used in the construction industry. Thus, it’s essential they get the right treatment to operate well. Preparing a list of checkpoints that you will check during your crane’s inspection will streamline your process. In short, you can increase your crane’s lifespan and achieve top performance during construction operations by following these inspection guidelines.
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