Crane fitness check - what to check?

Operating an overhead crane - daily functional checks

The most effective way to avoid and reduce risks when working with an overhead crane is to comply with health and safety regulations. The crane operator must have UDT authorisations allowing him to operate the machine. Overhead crane authorisations are obtained during UDT training.

Before starting work, the crane operator must inspect the crane, which are:

• visual check of the efficiency of the equipment
• checking the operation of safety mechanisms

Work may only be carried out with cranes that have a current UDT decision to operate. The device must not be damaged or defective.

Visual check of the device's efficiency:

• checking the working environment to determine whether there are any new risks to the operation of the crane
• Checking the running track of the equipment for fastening of components, deformation, play
• checking the technical condition of the equipment, including the control pendant, leaks of grease and other fluids
• checking the running wheels of the bridge and the hoist or winch
• checking the cable or load chain and its position in the sockets
• check the condition of the gripping device
• checking the attachment of protective covers
• checking the condition of warning signs
• checking that the equipment is not undergoing maintenance or inspection

Checking the efficiency of the various safety mechanisms:

• switching on the main power switch
• when the device is fitted with motion-locking devices, open them
• switch the control of the cassette to the device when it concerns a particular device
• checking the operation of warning mechanisms, including lamps, audible signals, warning lights
• checking the operation of the controls
• verifying the correct operation of the emergency stop button
• verifying that the movements of the equipment correspond to the indications on the control panel
• checking the operation of the limit switches on the lifting mechanism and on the running tracks
• checking brake operation under load
• checking the functioning of the slipping clutch and the load limiter

Finally, the operator should also carry out a functional check of the drive mechanisms by means of a test run.