Routine inspections are an essential component of proper crane operation and management. OSHA 1910.179 covers overhead and gantry cranes and details what systems, parts, and components to include as part of the inspection process. These guidelines are in place to promote the safety of your workers, facility, and products. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines and extended downtime periods for the company.
While your staff can perform daily or monthly on-site inspections, it is important to have your overhead crane regularly inspected by trained, certified experts to ensure maximum safety, reliable operation, and OSHA compliance. Due to the importance of these inspections, many companies that use overhead or gantry cranes typically “partner” with a local crane inspection service to handle all their inspection needs.
Finding the Right Crane Inspection Partner
However, most overhead crane inspection companies do not perform any repairs or maintenance services. Instead, your company must contact a crane repair service, provide them with the inspection report, wait for the shop to create a price quote, obtain your approval before ordering the necessary parts, and then schedule a timeframe for your repairs or maintenance.
As part of our commitment to keep you up and running, Hi-Speed doesn’t employ any crane inspectors. Instead, we rely on our highly skilled technicians to perform the required crane inspections, which include:
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.179 is a federal law that applies to the classification, definitions, use, and operation of gantry and overhead cranes.
ANSI – American National Standards Institute
ANSI/ASME B30.2 covers the construction, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of hand-operated and power-driven overhead and gantry cranes.
ANSI/ASME B30.17 provides guidelines for hand-operated and power-operated overhead cranes and monorail systems, including those with an underhung trolley, a bridge, or both.
ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME HST-1 establishes the performance requirements for electric chain hoists that use a welded or roller-link chain to vertically lift materials, with a trolley and a lug, hook, or clevis.
ASME HST-2 outlines the performance standards for manually operated chain hoists that use a welded-link chain and are suspended by a hook, clevis, or trolley.
ASME-3 covers the performance requirements for manually operated lever hoists used for lifting, pulling, and tensioning. These systems use either a ratchet-and-pawl or friction-braking mechanism when paired with a welded or roller chain, a web strap, or a wire rope.
ASME-4 details the performance standards for electric wire rope hoists used for vertical load lists. Suspension options include lug, hook, trolley, and various installations, such as base- or deck-mounted, and wall- or ceiling-mounted cranes.
CMAA – Crane Manufacturers Association of America
Classifies cranes and their inspection requirements into classes (A-E) based on their load capacity, lifting height, speed, and service type.
CMAA-70: Specifications for Top Running Bridge and Gantry Type Multiple Girder Electric Overhead Cranes
CMAA-74: Specifications for Top Running and Under Running Single Girder Electric Traveling Cranes Utilizing Under Running Trolley Hoist
CMAA-78: Standards and Guidelines for Professional Services Performed on Overhead and Traveling Cranes and Associated Hoisting Equipment
CMAA-79: Crane Operator’s Manual
CMAA-80: Below-the-Hook Lifting Device Operator’s Manual
AWS – American Welding Society
AWS D14.1 Specification for Welding of Industrial and Mill Cranes
NEC – National Electrical Code
NEC 610.61 Overhead Crane Grounding Requirements
NFPA 70
AIST – Association for Iron and Steel Technology
AIST TR-13 Guidelines for Crane Load Analysis & Supporting Structure
AIST TR-6 Crane Bumper Guidelines
Our streamlined process eliminates most of the customer legwork required by using an inspection-only service. Once the inspection is complete, the Hi-Speed team will provide you with a detailed service or repair quote within 7 days. Our goal is to be a crane solutions provider, not just another overhead crane inspection company.
The Overhead Crane Solutions Provider
Overhead cranes are complex systems that require consistent monitoring and maintenance by skilled professionals to ensure worker safety, minimize potential downtime, and optimize ROI on capital investment. If an overhead crane is essential to your business, on-site inspections by certified experts can help reduce unexpected crane repairs and downtime.
Additionally, Hi-Speed maintains a massive inventory of critical spare parts, and is one of 138 shops worldwide to have met the rigorous standards for EASA (Electrical Apparatus Service Association) accreditation for servicing electric motors and rotating equipment. If you want to learn more about crane service and inspections or establish a new or improved preventative maintenance plan, you can email the Hi-Speed Crane Experts or call us today at 800-713-0103.
Additional Overhead Crane Resources
Due to your interest in overhead crane inspections, here are some recent blog posts you might find interesting or helpful.
Overhead Crane Inspections and Preventive Maintenance Are Essential
Essential Overhead Crane Inspection Checklists
OSHA Guidelines for Overhead Crane Inspection