Construction Safety Talks

© 2003 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 1

Daily Inspections No. 71

How This Talk Applies To My

Crew:

Some things to know before you give your talk. An overhead crane is a complex piece of equipment that is expected to handle a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and weights without fail. Despite the complexity of the machinery it only takes eight buttons to operate it. To operate it safely requires more knowledge than just the purpose of those eight buttons.

The first person to use the crane on each shift should do a quick “look over” of the crane. The purpose for this visual check is to discover any obvious problems. Here are few things to look for:

• Anything on the crane that’s shiny warrants closer examination. Shiny parts usually mean two pieces are rubbing together or have recently been in contact with another object.

• Bent or deformed structural members. Bent members are not as strong as they were originally. The amount of damage will dictate if a more in-depth inspection is necessary.

• Components that are loose or hanging from the crane require further investigation before the unit is used.

• Hook damage. First, the throat opening can be expanded by loading the tip of the hook - not a recommended practice. Although a measurement is needed to confirm the expansion of the throat, a safety latch (if fitted) that doesn’t seat properly indicates potential damage. Second, view the hook head-on, the tip should line up with the back of the hook. A small side twist is allowed, but indicates the hook has been overstressed. Lastly, look at the saddle for gouges, ruts, cracks or other signs that the saddle has been damaged or material worn away.

• All controls should be tested before attaching a load to the crane. Test the upper limit control (follow the manufacturer’s instructions) by running the hook block up into the hoist AT LOW SPEED!

The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.

Inspections don’t stop once the crane is in use. As the operator, you should be aware of anything unusual that may indicate the beginning of a problem. Has the sound of the crane or trolley changed when traveling? Is there any hesitation or jerkiness evident when the bridge or trolley move, or when the hoist operates? Is the hand controller warm to the touch? Does the crane or controller emit an odor or smoke after being used for a while? A yes answer may indicate a problem that should be reported to the person who maintains the crane.

Try this for show and tell! “Doctor” the crane with a little bit of silver paint on one or two spots to fake shiny parts. Ask the group to visually inspect the unit.

Check the owner’s manual for a daily inspection checklist or develop one yourself. Hand out and review the checklist

Questions you can use to get them talking: • What might cause the crane to give off an odor or smoke?

• A warm or hot hand controller may indicate what kind of a problem?

• Where is the electrical shutoff for the crane?

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