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.