What should be done in the event of a crane breakdown?
Specifics of cranes
It is hard to imagine a construction site of any kind where specialised equipment in the form of cranes has not been used. These machines make it possible to transport the heaviest materials vertically. However, due to the working environment and the loads involved, it is impossible to avoid their breakdown or failure. In the event of such situations, the services of crane repair and maintenance companies should be used.
When to do inspections and periodic tests of cranes?
It is very important to carry out regular inspections and to document them properly. Cranes are classified as handling equipment. This is followed by inspection every 30 days. Periodic inspections of cranes in their full form are carried out every year.
Mobile service
Due to the size of the cranes, it is not possible to transport them to the service centre on a trailer in the way that damaged cars, for example, are transported. The best service technicians have an extensive range of crane repairs with the possibility of travelling to the customer. Once the breakdown has been reported, a date is set for specialist mechanics to arrive at the site. They have the necessary repair equipment with them. No matter what type of fault it is, in the context of a mobile service, you can usually count on the problem being diagnosed and rectified.
The downtime caused by a machine breakdown can result in large costs to be borne by the general contractor. Therefore, in order to avoid work stoppage, it is advisable to use professional service technicians.
Service and maintenance work
Servicing and maintenance work on cranes should only be carried out by persons suitably qualified to do so. Before we start servicing work, we must inform the machine operators each time. In addition, we should also appoint a works manager.
What not to do in the event of a crane breakdown?
Never carry out any service or maintenance work when there is a load hanging on the machine. The engine must also be switched off so that all components on which maintenance is to be carried out are at a standstill. This rule may only be departed from in the case of service or maintenance work that cannot be carried out without the diesel engine running. It is also prohibited to climb on machine components. Cranes are fitted with special handles that allow the use of fall protection during service and maintenance work at height.
What should I do before starting maintenance work?
Before any service and maintenance work is carried out on the electrical system, we must remove the key from the ignition and disconnect the battery from the crane's electrical system, using the master switch to do so, thereby preventing access to start the crane by inappropriate persons. In addition, we can place warning signs. If necessary, we can also cordon off the area required to carry out the work. If it becomes necessary to dismantle the safety devices during maintenance, they must be reinstalled and checked for correct operation as soon as the maintenance work is completed.
When servicing cranes, it is also necessary to ensure the safe and environmentally sound disposal of working and auxiliary materials. When working with oils, greases or other chemical substances, the safety rules which apply to these products should be followed. All cranes in the manual have full specifications of the consumables used. Servicing cranes at a height of more than 1.5 m requires the use of the protective equipment provided or other equipment that meets safety requirements. These include ladders and working platforms.
Welding and grinding work
If welding, grinding or gas cutting work is carried out within the crane, this may only be done when the site and working conditions eliminate the possibility of fire or explosion. It is forbidden to carry out such work yourself without first contacting the customer service department of the authorised service centre. Incorrect welding work on cranes can have serious consequences, as it can result in the need for complex and very costly repairs.
