Selecting The Right Overhead Crane

The selection of the proper overhead crane system is critical to the safe and economical operation of your facility. The owner is responsible for selecting a qualified crane supplier.

If you need an overhead crane in your building and you are trying to save some money by building the crane yourself then you need to give us an opportunity to quote a kit for you.

Factors To Be Considered In Proper Overhead Crane Selection:

Application

  • Material Handling
  • Single or Double Girder
  • Load Rating (capacity)
  • Service Rating (freq. of operation)
  • Control I Speed
  • Top Running or Under Running
  • Electric, Air, Manual
  • Impact on Production

Facility

  • Clearance Requirements
  • Building Width I Crane Span
  • Building Length
  • Low Obstruction I Crane Hook Height
  • Runway Beams I ASCE Rail
  • Column Supports
  • Environment
  • Maintenance Access I Service Platforms
  • For greater detail consult CMAA specifications #70 and #74 or contact CMAA

Safety Considerations

Installation And Start-Up Of Your New Overhead Crane

Proper installation, start-up and testing of the selected crane is important for long term satisfaction with your crane investment.

Additional Owner Responsibilities

Having selected & installed an overhead crane to CMAA specs & standards, the owner is responsible for the following:

Training

All overhead crane operators must be trained prior to using any crane. Training includes but is not limited to:

  • Familiarization with crane controls
  • Capacities of cranes
  • Safe operating practices
  • Periodic operator retraining is strongly recommended. Training should be conducted in accordance with the crane manufacturers’ recommendations and CMAA’s Crane Operators Manual.

Inspection

OSHA standards (OSHA 1910.179) require cranes be inspected on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. Additional inspections may be required due to hours of operation, environment and/or severity of service. The inspection requirements of ANSI (B30.2, B30.11 and B30.17) and the manufacturer must also be followed.

Maintenance

OSHA regulation, 1910.179 and ANSI B30, require that all crane owners shall maintain their cranes in safe operating condition and retain appropriate maintenance records.

Operation

Overhead crane owners are responsible for the proper operation and use of their cranes and must follow OSHA regulations 1910.197, B30 and ANSI.

For Example:

  • Manufacturers capacity rating must never be exceeded
  • Unsafe components must be replaced
  • Loads must never be suspended over personnel
  • Proper rigging practices must be followed