Wednesday, January 29, 2014

A Look At Overhead Crane Inspections

By Eliza Mendoza


Department of safety has set requirements that demand overhead crane inspections to be carried by all plants that posses lifting machines. A company that performs compressive assessments enjoys various benefits. For instance, cases of fatality will go down if inspections are undertaken in the proper manner. The actual productivity level of the machine will be sustained and its life span increased.

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.

If a construction firm has a manual for guiding scrutiny exercises, then seamless transitions when managers are changed will be realized. The document will help train fresh recruits and identify existing plans to incoming management. The handbook is supposed to outline the responsibilities as well as authorities of various personnel.

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.

All the workers taking part in the inspection task must adhere to safety measures laid down by the local authorities and the plant management. Before the process kicks off, all the people working in the plant are supposed to be informed of it. The crane being inspected should be placed in a safe place such that it is not hit by those in operation while the inspection is going on.

The crane to be inspected is supposed to be placed in a well lit place which is not near production processes. It is required that the process be carried out in the right phase to limit cases of accidents. The participant should only access areas that they are sure of safe footing or stable hand holding. The condition of the walking surface must be determined to ensure that it is not covered with debris or lubricants.

During overhead crane inspections the crew should have enough two way radio for communication purposes. They will also need protection materials such as a dust mask, gloves and coveralls. The company should supply the assessors with all necessary tools and equipment for their work.




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