Cranes are extremely useful equipment, but they can also be dangerous if not operated and maintained properly. According to the CFOI, also known as the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, there were almost 300 deaths from 2011 to 2017 that were crane-related. This is one reason it is vital that they are regularly maintained and inspected. Do you want to learn more about crane inspection, why it’s important, what they look for during inspections, and more? Keep reading our guide to find out!
What is a Crane Inspection?
A crane inspection tests the safety and functionality of a crane. Because cranes lift and lower such heavy loads, using a crane daily on a job can wear down parts quickly. Having a trained inspector look at your crane will help you identify things that are not up to standards and issues that need to be fixed.
How Often Do You Need a Crane Inspection?
Crane maintenance needs to be scheduled regularly. Generally, you are supposed to have an annual crane inspection. The operators manual for each crane will also specify a set of daily, weekly and monthly inspections to make in addition to the annual. There are also longer-term inspections that require partial disassembly of the crane.
You need to have an initial inspection of your crane, as well. This means that before you use it or change it in any way, OSHA requires you to get your crane inspected. They even have crane inspection regulations. These regulations ensure that your crane is compliant and safe to use!
You also must get your crane inspected whenever you make any large changes. If you have had any extensive repairs, alterations, or large parts replaced, like a hoist, you need to get a new inspection. This inspection will ensure that any modifications you made to your crane are authorized and safe to begin using.
Depending on how often you use your crane, there may be more wear and tear that needs to be inspected more frequently. This inspection is both a visual and operational inspection to make sure everything is up to par. If you have any noticeable issues with your crane, including cracks, corrosion, unusual noises, or anything else out of the ordinary, it is important to get your crane inspected immediately.
What Does a Crane Inspection Check?
There are many common problems with cranes that a crane inspector will look for during an inspection. In a crane inspection, there are often two parts.
First, your inspector will do a visual inspection. In this part of the inspection, they will look for any parts that are cracked, broken, or worn down. They often check parts such as the pins, bearings, rollers, and locking devices. They will see if there are any visual signs of wear on the breaks or other parts of your crane. Inspectors will also look for parts that are loose, like bolts and rivets.
In the second part of the inspection, they will check all the operational mechanisms. This allows the inspector to determine if everything is working properly. They will check the ropes, the hoists, the breaks, the load chains, and more. While they are doing this operational inspection, the inspector will also check for abnormal sounds that may be a sign of bigger problems.
By doing both inspections, a professional inspector will be able to tell you what needs to be fixed or replaced to keep your crane working properly.
Why Do You Need a Crane Inspection?
There are many reasons you need to get a crane inspection at least once a year. While most of these reasons are to keep others safe and to stay OSHA compliant, there are also other benefits that come from getting a regular crane inspection.
They Keep Your Employees Safe
One of the main reasons you need to get regular crane inspections is to keep your employees safe. In fact, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, also known as OSHA, requires regular crane inspection to prevent workplace accidents.
Regular Maintenance Leads to a Longer Lifetime
Crane inspection is required to keep others safe, but it is also beneficial to the owner of a crane. While you are required to pay to get your crane professionally inspected, it can save you money in the long run!
Having regular maintenance will make sure your crane stays in pristine condition for years to come. It ensures that your crane stays reliable and has a longer lifespan. It is also beneficial because it saves you time and money. If you do not have regular maintenance on your crane, you will likely experience more breakdowns and issues with parts failing. It takes much longer to repair equipment and it is much more expensive to replace a broken part than it is to get an inspection once a year. Inspections find small problems before failures show big problems.
Ensure OSHA Compliance
You also need to inspect your crane to be compliant with OSHA’s standards for safety. Because you must work with OSHA as a business leader, it is required by the law that you ensure compliance. If you are not compliant with OSHA’s regulations, you are likely to experience more workplace accidents and you will have to deal with expensive fines.
Get an Annual Crane Inspection Today!
Because crane inspections are so vital to maintaining workplace safety and for extending the lifespan of your commercial vehicle, you should book an inspection before the upcoming busy season!
If you need help with a crane inspection or any other commercial vehicle, Custom Truck Source can help! Contact a member of our team to learn more about our services, crane inspections, and more!
