Cranes are a key component of many construction projects, but the importance of maintenance and servicing is something that should not be overlooked. Not only does it keeps keep your equipment in working order, but it also ensures that those who operate the crane are well protected. Cranes fall under the lifting equipment umbrella, where they are primarily used to lift heavy loads from one place to another. All equipment needs to be serviced, but it is especially important with cranes because of the safety risks it poses if anything is faulty.
At Crane and Lifting Services, we are able to offer crane inspection and repair services so you can be assured that your crane is working at peak condition. Neglecting crane servicing can not only present several health and safety risks but it could also land you in trouble with the HSE-backed LOLER legislation. It should therefore be in your best interests to have cranes serviced and maintained at the earliest opportunity.
Take a look at Crane and Lifting Services' guide to servicing and what benefits it presents!
How Are Cranes Serviced and Inspected?
There are several procedures that go into the servicing of cranes. As already touched on, a malfunctioning crane is very dangerous and can cause serious injuries to the operator. Therefore it’s important that the crane engineer is careful and vigilant when conducting their service because missing just one part of their checks could be fatal. Here are just some of the ways engineers service cranes:
Pre-Checks
Whilst it is important to check the physical condition of the crane, it’s also essential that the paperwork is looked at. Checking the inspection and maintenance records needs to be carried out as it provides information on what previous maintenance and repairs had been carried out. As well as this, crane inspection will also require you to show proof that the operator is trained in all aspects of the crane. This provides evidence that the operator knows how to use the crane in a safe manner. The inspector will also ask you for certain information regarding the crane, such as; load weight, load charts, capacities and rigging.
Performance Testing
When the engineer is looking at the performance testing, this means they are looking at the equipment collecting metrics such as stability, availability and response time. Another aspect that usually falls under performance testing is load testing. With crane load testing, this is used to verify the design of the crane and make sure the components are all in working order. This test is vital as it allows the engineer to determine the safe working load. If you don’t know the safe working load of the crane, this means you’re unaware of its limitations. Overloading a crane can be dangerous and unsafe, that’s why this type of testing is mandatory as it ensures that you are adhering to health and safety regulations.
Wire Rope Lubrication
Part of the service process is to look at the condition of the wire rope. If a wire does not have the proper lubrication, then the life of the rope is drastically reduced because of the friction increase. When it comes to wire rope lubrication, it is advised that you do not attempt to do this by yourself. This is because of the number of different things you need to consider when lubricating the wire. For instance, the lubrication you apply needs to be compatible with the original lubricant. The lubricant must also have the right properties to complete the job properly, meaning that you cannot use general multi-use products such as typical gear, chain and rope lubricant.
Benefits of Having Crane Repair and Service
Now that we have explained some of the aspects that goes into crane inspections and services, what are the benefits of having frequent maintenance? It goes without saying that the main benefit of having your crane serviced is that the likelihood of accidents is greatly reduced. This in itself has many benefits. Here are just a few of the benefits of having crane repairs and services:
Health and Safety
On any construction project, health and safety should always be a top priority. Your employees should feel safe at all times during work, so having a crane that is regularly serviced will give them that much-needed peace of mind that your equipment is working in the best condition possible. But if you choose to neglect crane inspection and maintenance, then the chances of equipment failure is much higher. Having equipment that has defects will inevitably discourage workers from attending work, as they will want to prioritise their safety.
With the introduction of HSE–backed LOLER legislation, companies now have to guarantee that their equipment is inspected before any operation takes place. To ensure your worksite is adhering to regulations and your employees are safe at work, your lifting equipment needs to be assessed and examined every six to twelve months. At Crane and Lifting Services, we’re the crane servicing specialists that can give you a helping hand when it comes to crane examinations and maintenance solutions. We know how important it is for your equipment to be compliant with health and safety regulations, that’s why we offer twenty-four-hour emergency crane repair services.
Insurance Claims
If one of your employees is injured as a result of your faulty equipment, then you might expect a personal injury lawyer to come knocking. In this case, you won’t have a leg to stand on because you are responsible for maintaining your equipment on a frequent basis. As a result, this means that you will have to pay compensation money to your employee to cover the physical damage they have received. Some of the most common crane accidents occur when the crane workers fall from the crane or the crane itself tips over. To prevent this from happening completely, you need to have regular crane inspections. This will save you money because if an injury does ever happen, you will be covered as you have all the documentation to prove the equipment has been serviced and maintained.
Considering that the purpose of cranes is to carry heavy goods, it is crucial that nothing is dropped. Dropping heavy goods can not only lead to some serious casualties, but it can also cause serious damage to your construction project and equipment. If your equipment and project become damaged, then you may have to face some serious insurance claims to get things back up and running again.
Confidence
Having the proof to show that your lifting equipment is fully maintained, serviced and repaired will instil great confidence in clients, investors and your employees. You might find it difficult to convince investors to be involved with a project that does not adhere to health and safety regulations. Furthermore, employees and clients may be put off actually visiting your construction site because of the risks that are present. It is therefore paramount that you have your lifting equipment maintained on a regular basis.
Crane and Lifting Services, The Crane Engineers You Can Trust
If you’re looking for crane repairs or services, then look no further than Crane and Lifting Services. Based in South Wales, Bristol, London and Aylesbury, our crane inspection services can help you prepare your machinery for inspection, whilst ensuring that your equipment follows all of the correct health and safety guidelines. Employee safety is vital in any construction project, that’s why our crane engineers can give you that helping hand when you need it the most. Our crane engineers specialise in LOLER examinations, visual inspections, certification and more! Not only that, but we can also offer twenty-four-hour repair services for those who are in emergency situations. It’s vital that you choose a reliable crane maintenance service team. To find out more about the services that we can offer, get in touch with our team today!