A new crane installation at your workplace will call for a little adjustment time while you learn the ropes and come to understand the requirements involved. Crane inspection and servicing are top priorities.

Find out all you need to know about crane inspection, how often it is needed and the required documentation, inspector certifications and more in this handy summary.

Why Cranes Need Inspections

As a business owner, you have obligations under the Work Health and Safety Regulations (WHS) to ensure that your workers and others are not exposed to risks that may arise from your business undertakings. This means that cranes must be regularly inspected and maintained.

Implementing a regular preventative maintenance, inspection and testing program can help you identify potential problems and ensure that the crane is safe to use. The program will help prevent a costly breakdown or, worse yet, a dangerous incident that places your workers at risk.

Cranes need to be inspected and tested even if not regularly in operation. This is to ensure there is no deterioration through corrosion.

Finding a Qualified Inspector

To become an endorsed assessor with Crane Safe Australia, the requirements state that the person needs to do the following:

• Have at least 5 years of employment within the industry of repair, maintenance and servicing of cranes
• Be fully conversant with all sections of Australian Standards and state codes which specifically relate to cranes.
• Be able to write full reports and documentation procedures
• Be able to communicate effectively.
• Be qualified in particular specific categories of competence, such as rough terrain vehicles, lattice boom crawlers, hydraulic trucks, articulated mobile cranes, all-terrain cranes, and many other crane types.

How Often Is Inspection Required?

There are a number of different inspection models that cover safe crane operation.

Routine Inspections

These are an excellent option for keeping the machines in the best operating condition and can take place monthly or quarterly. They should cover all crane functions, structural components and signs of wear. A written report should be completed.

If replacements parts are required, they need to meet the manufacturer's original parts specifications. If a crane is damaged, it needs to be removed from service immediately.

Annual Inspections

Annual Inspections need to cover all items listed on the manufacturer's inspection and maintenance programs. This will mean a detailed check of such things as structural and wear components, tolerances for wear limit, evidence of corrosion and critical areas for cracking.

Major Inspections

A major inspection needs to be completed at the end of the crane's life, which is determined by the manufacturer. This is usually after about ten years of service and needs to happen so that the crane can continue to operate safely

Documentation Procedure

Records are a vital component of safe crane maintenance and operation.

All records of tests, inspections and maintenance need to be kept for the duration of the period in which the crane is used or until transferred to another person.

The records should also include crane registration information, manufacturer's specifications and any modifications undertaken. Additionally, reports should contain the service record or log book, a record of the training provided to workers, and clear descriptions of any work performed as well as the identification of the person or business that completed the work.

It may seem a little time consuming to follow all the required procedures involving your crane. However, safety and maintenance checks are worth the small amount of time invested to give you peace of mind. Knowing that you are avoiding costly breakdowns and possible workplace accidents by following the best safety crane operation procedures is certainly worthwhile.

To learn more, contact a crane supplier.