Like any other mechanical system, regular maintenance and inspections are necessary when it comes to your gantry crane. Operating any overhead crane comes with its own inherent risks. Because they are designed to move heavy loads, proper maintenance and inspections ensure that they are working safely and reliably.
Dependability Equals Safety
The safety of anyone who operates or works near a gantry crane is reliant on the safety and dependability of that crane. When daily inspections take place and regular preventive maintenance is done, they will highlight what may be unsafe with the crane in order to remedy it before it becomes a hazard.
Protecting Your Investment
Your crane is a large investment. You will want to protect that investment from wear as well as potential downtime due to repairs or breakdowns. Having a regular inspection protocol is important not only for locating potential problems but ensuring the safety of operators and anyone who works in the vicinity. Inspections and regular preventive maintenance allow for the discovery of problems before they become large and create larger future issues.
Protecting Your Employees
OSHA mandates dictate that all overhead cranes must be inspected daily according to set checklists and schedules. If someone gets injured due to an OSHA violation, not only is this detrimental to business but you can be subject to criminal penalties, fines, and jail time.
According to OSHA, the daily inspection must be done by the operator each day prior to use at the beginning of a shift. The operator must be trained and authorized in the use of the safety equipment and must ensure that it is present and currently in use. As part of a comprehensive maintenance plan, it is important to create a safety checklist and also to stop using the crane immediately if any noises or unusual movements are detected.
OSHA Mandates Maintenance Compliance
Preventive maintenance is typically set out by the crane manufacturer. These are designed to not only keep the crane in proper working service but to extend the lifespan of that crane. In addition to the manufacturer maintenance guidelines, OSHA mandates that the owner of the crane establishes a maintenance program compliant with OEM recommendations.
Safe Equipment
Maintenance should always begin with daily inspections. These will unearth problems that will need resolution before they become hazards. Small problems caught and corrected early avoid costly and potentially dangerous situations. By establishing a daily inspection, the owner and operator can ensure that the equipment is safe for use.
Equipment Longevity
Besides safety aspects, regular inspection and maintenance ensure the longevity of your equipment. Especially dealing with lifting heavy loads, the constant lifting of varying weights can take its toll on a crane and expose everyone to dangerous conditions. When properly maintained, your crane will offer safe and reliable service as it was designed.
If you have questions about proper maintenance for your aluminum gantry crane, contact us and we would be glad to help.
