Do you give LMI’s a good name?

OVERHEAD CRANES Do you give LMI’s a good name?

As LMI’s we must be proud of our profession and do our best to promote its image. This means that we should all do thorough and professional work, no matter what we do.

If you do Thorough Examinations of Overhead Cranes, consider the following:

Tools

Let’s start with the tools you should have before you go onto any site:

A professional will have at least the following:

• Torch – to help examining those parts in dark areas. • 300mm vernier – calibrated • Sheave gauge – to measure the sheave groove size (must have oversize) • Diameter tape – the best tool for measuring wire rope diameter • Tape measure – for measuring sheave and drum diameters • Camera – needed for good record keeping, reporting and user feedback. • Laser – For measuring deflection and span. • Wire brush – to get to see hidden defects • Magnifying glass – sometimes one needs a real close-up view • Panel key – to suit the range of panels you may need to open • Chipping hammer – checking corrosion essential • Screwdrivers – different sizes and types • Set of ring spanners – be prepared

Diameter Tape

Sheave Gauge Set

Documentation before you start Before you start your examination, make sure you have the following:

• Copies of the current technical standards that you will be working to. For example, SANS 10375, SANS 4309 and SANS 12482-1. Of course, be very familiar with the contents and requirements! • Rope test certificate – confirm it applies to the rope in service • Hook certificate • Load limiter certificate (See ISO 10245) • Crane record book – to check the history, which will influence the examination plan. You need to be aware of any adverse activities and repairs that may have taken place since the last examination.

Site preparation:

Do a Risk Assessment and make sure others involved are fully informed. Cordon off the area and erect applicable signage to ensure nobody gets injured in case of a failure.

Make sure the crane has been cleaned. Next is the Thorough Examination:

Emphasis is on “Thorough” The recommended sequence is to start at the bottom, and work your way upward. That is, start with the Base Supporting Structure

Examination of Structure

A crane of 25ton WLL could weigh 20 tons.

Check the markings

Confirm that the Crane Identity Number and the SWL are clearly displayed (and correct!)

Functional Test

It is a good idea to do a functional test before you start your examination. If you find or hear something serious, there will be no need to continue with the functional test.

The functional test entails operating the crane under no load over the full range, including all motions. That is, from lowest hook position (check the limit switch functions correctly) up to the maximum height (check the limit switch). Test all speeds. Then do the full down-shop travel and cross travel.

Check that the controls are functional, including the Emergency Stop button. While all of this is going on, you look and listen carefully for any problems. Add 25t WLL and the total load is 45 tons!! Make sure the base is in great condition to support this! Vertical columns – cracks, welding, corrosion, fixations, etc. Plinths mounted in concrete and joined to uprights. Welding and fixations. You may have to dig to see some of these! Make sure the correct bolts and washers have been used, and that they are present and torqued.

You cannot do a proper examination if the crane is not clean

Examples of unacceptable fixation situations: Handrails, Walkways and Ladders

Before examining the higher structures, examine the ladders, walkways and handrails on the crane. Make sure they are safe. These are for your safety and others.

Cluttered walkway

Dangerous guard rail

Roger Day,

+27 (0) 83 650 7470, roger@rogerday.co.za

We conduct the follow Lifting Equipment Training Courses:

• On line Management, Technical & Legal Compliance • Lifting Tackle Inspection • Chain Block and Lever Hoist Operation, Safety & Inspection • Advanced Slinging & Inspection

We supply the following:

• Lifting Tackle Inspection Registers • Lifting Tackle Wall Charts • Lifting Tackle Plant Surveys, Audit & Reports • Lifting Tackle Code of Practice

We will assist you to implement and maintain a Total Safe Lifting Program in your Plant or Operation