Being responsible for lifting and moving a lot of weight, it is important that cranes are tested so that their limits can be identified and not overstepped. This is done to avoid the risk of a load being dropped due to too much strain on the crane, which would cause significant damage to the load in question, the surface it would fall onto and potentially cause injury to any nearby individuals.
This is where load testing and stress testing come in. It is important to know that these tests should be carried out by professional, experienced teams who know how to complete these properly and safely.
We’ve explained more about what they involve and why you need to have them carried out on the cranes at your worksite. Keep reading to learn more.
What are the Tests?
The tests that are used aim to establish what a crane’s working load limit (WLL) is, which is the maximum mass that a crane is authorised to support when the pull is applied. This is calculated by dividing the Minimum Breaking Point (MBP), which is the minimum amount of weight it would take for the crane to fail, by its safety factor number.
The safety factor is usually a number between four to six and is based on the type and use of the equipment being used, however if the failure of the equipment could pose a threat to life then the safety factor would be 10.
The process of testing for these weights involves applying a specified load to an item of equipment in order to assess and verify its strength, with the results revealing the percentage of the WLL that each individual piece of equipment has been designed to withstand.
Remember, a crane’s lifting abilities are only as strong as their piece of equipment with the lowest WLL.
When is it Needed?
Load testing isn’t only required when lifting equipment has been freshly manufactured (though this is important), but there are a number of circumstances in which it is required as part of sensible and professional conduct.
These are:
● Whenever this equipment has been installed at your site
● After any form of repair or modifications to any of the equipment
● Following any incidents in which equipment malfunctions
● As part of a Thorough Examination under Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)
● Periodically to keep in compliance with British and European Standards.
Crane and Lifting Services
Do you require load testing, stress testing and performance testing for your cranes and lifting equipment? If so, then you need Crane and Lifting Services.
Our industry-leading crane engineers use high-quality load testing lifting equipment to provide all the necessary tests in compliance with the British Standards. If it’s not testing you require, but quality and reliable equipment, we offer hoists and jib cranes for hire, as well!
We offer our services across the UK, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today with your enquiry.
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