No matter the industry you work in, proper safety mechanisms and regulations are crucial. This is especially important for those workplaces where heavy machinery is used frequently. One such machine that can cause havoc when not fully functional is a crane. They carry a lot of heavy loads, and if one thing goes awry, that load could do a lot of damage.
The best way to ensure this is with an inspection by a professional. They can check all parts of your crane and determine whether or not it is up to code. Though it might sound like a nerve-wracking business, it is something that all crane operators go through and is not put in place as a way to scare you.
So that you are prepared for the inspection, you should have a basic understanding of how they work and what makes them important to have. Then you can make an appointment with a licensed inspector from Shannahan Crane & Hoist, who can then help you repair any issue that may stop your crane from passing.
Are Inspections Required?
Though it might feel unnecessary if you regularly take care of your crane, there are certain times when you have to have it inspected. OSHA actually has regulations regarding this task. Along with the first time your crane is used, they state that checkups need to be conducted annually to ensure that it continues to perform adequately.
What Happens at an Inspection
You might expect this task to be extensive, and it is, but you aren’t going to be met with a stoic person who won’t tell you anything throughout their check-up. Whenever Shannahan Crane & Hoist is called to perform an inspection, they will do two types of checks- visual and operational.
During a visual inspection, they will look for any signs of wear and tear. This starts with the more obvious components like the room and boom load, where they can see any signs of fraying or misshaping. They will also look to see if your crane has any loose bolts or if your tires are beginning to wear down.
During the operational inspection, they will actually test out how the crane works. This may mean that they drive the crane and perform its regular tasks, like lifting and unloading. This will help them determine whether or not there is an underlying problem inside the crane rather than what is noticeable outside.
Dangers of No Inspection
If you choose to shrug off an inspection, especially if your crane is showing any change in performance, you could be putting yourself and your coworkers in danger. For example, if there is something wrong with the hook, you may not be able to lift any load, or if you do, you might risk dropping it into the wrong area or onto someone.
As an added issue, if your crane causes damage or injury and it is found out that you never got an inspection performed, you could face heavy fines, lawsuits, and even be fired from your job. You do not want to become a liability or the reason that someone else was harmed.
Even outside of the more severe consequences, a crane inspection helps lower your need for costly repairs or replacements. A checkup can determine to make you more aware of minor faults so that you can tune them up before they have time to worsen,
Why Shannahan Crane & Hoist Is the Group to Call
Most crane inspectors will just tell you what you need to fix and then leave. The same cannot be said at Shannahan Crane & Hoist. As a full-service crane company, they are prepared to help you with both a crane inspection and preventive maintenance in St. Louis, MO.
They sell crane parts, so they know what type of repairs will get your machine running smoothly again. So that you do not have to do it alone, one of their experts will do the tune-ups. Then, so that you can make sure that you never deal with faults of your own accord, they will offer advice and even train you on better crane operation!
You may know the ins and outs of how your crane operates, but a second set of eyes from a professional is a wise way to keep your workplace safe. For a crew who is sure to help you stay proactive and within OSHA regulations, get your inspection done by Shannahan Crane & Hoist.
