Those managing industrial and manufacturing facilities need to stay on top of load testing needs for overhead cranes. A variety of factors make load testing important when it comes to both safety and productivity around a facility.
Being aware of what makes load testing important can help managers to optimize and take the best possible advantage of testing procedures. The following are six things to know about the importance of load testing overhead cranes:
Perhaps the most important thing anyone in charge of a facility using overhead cranes needs to know is that load testing is mandatory on overhead cranes according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
OHSA stipulates three different types of inspection must be performed on overhead crane equipment.
First, an initial inspection must be performed on new equipment. Frequent inspections should be carried out on a monthly or daily basis depending on the service class of the equipment in question. Periodic inspections are another type of inspection that needs to be carried out annually, semi-annually, or quarterly depending on service class.
Load testing is aimed at preventing emergencies and resulting injuries. Without load testing, crane users will be unaware of developing malfunctions until it is too late.
Cranes are expected to support heavy loads on a regular basis. Naturally, wear and tear will occur on the parts that make up cranes and hoists. Load testing required by OSHA is designed to pinpoint any functionality issues that could create hazards and cause worksite injuries if they are not addressed and corrected.
However, preventing injuries is not the only benefit of load testing. Load testing can give personnel at industrial and manufacturing facilities important insight into how crane equipment is working and what potential bottlenecks are occurring during regular operations.
The process of carrying out load testing can determine which issues are causing the loading of equipment to take longer than it should. In addition, testing can show any weaknesses in the performance of overhead crane equipment that could require repairs or make it advantageous to purchase new equipment pieces to fix the issue.
The discoveries made during load testing can allow managers to implement changes that make facilities more productive.
Certain functional errors in crane equipment might only become apparent during the stressing performed during load testing. However, they can be repaired to make the process of using overhead crane equipment more efficient and productive.
Productivity improvements can improve the bottom line of an industrial or manufacturing operation over time.
Load testing can give managers an opportunity to include the necessary maintenance procedures into the schedule.
During load testing, you can set aside time to observe and analyse the functioning and performance of cranes. This is a good opportunity to ensure that all routine maintenance is carried out carefully and adequately.
Carrying out load testing can be good for personnel. The processes involved can leave personnel better informed on crane parts and operations. This can lead to better operators who are more efficiently able to execute tasks using crane equipment.
An official load tester can be designated to handle the responsibility when it comes to more involved periodic or initial inspections. However, personnel can share responsibilities when it comes to handling frequent inspections so that they can be trained about crane parts and maintenance.