Frequently Asked Questions About Overhead Crane Safety

If you own or operate cranes, keeping up with regulations can be a chore

. However, it is vital to the safety of your employees and your company's security that you inform yourself of safety precautions and regulations. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers pertaining to overhead cranes and safety measures.

Question: What does OSHA stand for, and what does OSHA have to do with my business?

Answer: OSHA is US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration Department. OSHA has regulated the safety of heavy equipment since at least the early 1970's. You are required by law to comply with the published safety measures and information distributed by OSHA. Failing to comply with safety requirements can lead to accidents, injury, and prosecution.

Question: Does OSHA regulate every overhead crane or just those within the past ten years?

Answer: OSHA regulations apply to all overhead cranes that have been manufactured, built or installed since 1971. If your cranes are older than that, the same requirements do not apply. Special requirements for older cranes can be obtained from OSHA's website.

Question: I need to have some repairs done on my crane, and I know I'll be looking for a few new or used parts. Where are the best places to find them?

Answer: Unless you happen to work near a crane mechanic, you will get the fastest and most economical service by ordering parts online from a qualified, reputable overhead crane parts dealer.

Question: Are all overhead cranes made with equal consideration to safety?

Answer: No, you should check the manufacturer and make sure your cranes have been manufactured according to OSHA guidelines and requirements. Foreign-made parts or cranes may be more likely to be unsafe or lead to accidents.

Question: Do I really have to stick to the load capacity warning? Can't I go a bit over from time to time without having to alter the crane and bring in a qualified engineer to inspect it?

Answer: Definitely stick with the load capacity. Don't get in the habit of going a pound over it. More accidents occur because of overload than anything else. If necessary, you can have the crane load's capacity altered and inspected by an equipment manufacturer or a qualified engineer who works with overhead cranes. Going over on load capacity is very dangerous. If you have a chain hoist system, you may have some overload capacity built in but it's not something you want to gamble your life on. Wire rope hoists usually don't have any overload capacity built into them.

by:Art Gib

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