Monday, 3 February 2014

Details Pertaining Overhead Crane Inspections

By Eliza Mendoza


Overhead crane inspections must be performed by all companies that posses lifting equipment as per the requirements set by departments of safety, occupation and healthy administration. It is highly beneficial to conduct comprehensive and disciplined inspections. For instance, if assessments are undertaken as required there will be reduced cases of fatality or injured personnel. The equipment productivity will also be maintained and the service life of the equipment prolonged.

Effective assessments can only be possible if a company comes up with a plan or program that will guide its officials in executing the task. The first step in designing a quality inspection program is creation of controlled document manual which contains work instructions as well as procedures. The manual is supposed to be revised periodically so as to cater for changes in technology and legislation. It is through coming up with a manual that it will be possible to facilitate a systematic approach which is repeatable.

Seamless transitions will be possible when changes come in management so long as a company has got a manual to guide scrutiny activities. It is the document that is relied in acquainting new employees with assessment skills. In addition, it clearly states the training requirements of the inspectors.

The manual provides details on the different forms of inspections that should be performed on various cranes found in that particular plant. It is from it where assessors obtain details on how to document findings and also keep records. The book should give the process to be followed on reporting faults identified to the plant engineer.

A program which is meant to control assessment processes is supposed to be closely monitored by an engineer who is certified in structure design and inspection. The responsible engineer should review and approve each inspection. To ensure that assessors meet the minimum quality standards in their work, the engineer should carry random inspections on already inspected cranes.

During the assessment process, people involved should follow safety rules provided by state authorities and the company. All the plant workers should be aware of the inspection process before it commences. Proper measures should be provided so as to ensure that the crane being inspected is not hit by those which are operational. Suspended blocks and any other source of mechanical energy should be released.

Safe access to all the parts and components of the crane to be assessed is required. If possible, the crane is supposed to be taken to an open place which is well lighted and is away from manufacturing activities. An examiner should be ready to climb tall ladders as well as walk on parts of runway so as to conduct effective exercise.

At time of overhead crane inspections, the worker involved should have adequate two way radio sets to enhance proper communication. They will require protection materials which include gloves, dust mask and coveralls. The management of a given firm is supposed to supply assessors with all tools and instruments they require for the work.




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