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Ensuring Cranes Are Within OSHA Compliance

17 December 2015

Carrie Gomez

Cranes are an integral part of any construction project. Designed to hoist extremely large and heavy materials, cranes can be a true asset to any large scale job. Like with other heavy equipment, operating cranes can be a dangerous task if they are not properly maintained or operated correctly. OSHA has set strict guidelines to ensure that all overhead cranes are operated safely. If you own or operate these machines, here are some things you should know in order to ensure you remain compliant with OSHA safety rules.

Regular Inspections

The cranes used on every job site must undergo regular inspections in order to maintain their safety and to be sure the integrity of the machines stay in tact. These inspections should be done as often as possible to ensure that everything is working correctly. Here are some examples of what to look for when performing a crane inspection:

• Check all moving parts to ensure they are not warped, cracked or rusted/corroded. Make sure there are no loose bolts or rivets. If there are, either tighten them or replace them before operating the crane.
• Look closely at smaller parts like bearings, gears, rollers and shafts to ensure they are not worn out or cracked.
• Check on the mechanics of the crane and make sure the brakes, linings, and other engine parts are in good working condition. All engine parts should be regularly serviced to make sure they are running smoothly and safely.
• For cranes that use gasoline, diesel, or electric, make sure they meet the current safety standards according to operating procedures. All gasoline or diesel fuel must be stored properly.
• Take a look at all electrical components of the crane like the control panel and the main push button station and make sure everything is wired properly and that there are no bare or rusting wires.

Cranes Not Being Used

If you have some cranes that are currently not in use, it's still essential that they undergo proper inspections before they can be used again. The general rule of thumb is that a crane not in use for over a month but less than six months should be given a full inspection before it can be put back into service. For cranes not in use over six months, they may need to undergo a much more stringent inspection process. Make sure that every piece of equipment is in the proper condition according to the codes and compliance as set forth by OSHA. When it doubt, you may contact OSHA directly and they can provide you with more in-depth guidance to help ensure your equipment is up to par.

To learn more about cranes, contact a company like American Equipment Inc. 

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