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.

Factors to Consider in Overhead Crane Kit Selection:

Application:

  • Material handling.
  • Single or double girder.
  • Load rating (capacity).
  • Service rating (frequency 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 and installed an overhead crane to CMAA specs and standards, the owner is responsible for proper training, inspection, maintenance and operation.

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 overhead 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.