Ensuring Safety, Compliance, and Reliability in Material Handling Equipment
Comprehensive Load Testing Services by American Crane
Cranes play a crucial role in handling materials across various industries. Constructing them efficiently and safely is essential to avoid any productivity loss or employee injury. Load tests are critical to ensuring the crane’s safety as they verify its capacity to carry a specific load and comply with all relevant government safety regulations.
American Crane is a leading crane, hoist, and material-handling equipment provider. We offer load testing services and professional evaluations for load-bearing equipment to ensure it meets various standards and requirements tailored to the customer’s needs. ACECO, our company, has in-house vertical testing capabilities that include below-the-hook lifting devices, hoists, and hooks.
OSHA Requirements for Rated Load Tests for New and Altered Cranes
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on ensuring workers have safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing other helpful resources (e.g., training, outreach, education, assistance, etc.). Regarding cranes, they published a number of standards, including in respect to their design, construction, and modification. For example,
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.179(b)(2) states
“New and existing equipment. All new overhead and gantry cranes constructed and installed on or after August 31, 1971, shall meet the design specifications of the American National Standard Safety Code for Overhead and Gantry Cranes, ANSI B30.2.0-1967, which is incorporated by reference as specified in §1910.6.”
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.179(b)(3) states
“Modifications. Cranes may be modified and rerated provided such modifications and the supporting structure are checked thoroughly for the new rated load by a qualified engineer or the equipment manufacturer. The crane shall be tested in accordance with paragraph (k)(2) of this section. New rated load shall be displayed in accordance with subparagraph (5) of this paragraph.”
OSHA also requires all active cranes—both new and altered—to be inspected annually by or under the direction of an appointed or authorized person. Since cranes are exposed to conditions that can cause damage to important components on a daily or weekly basis, they are likely to fail without proper maintenance. Routinely inspecting them ensures that any potential problems are identified and addressed before they can lead to costly or catastrophic events.
The OSHA standard outlining the testing requirements for new and altered cranes is 29 CFR 1910.179(k). It states:
Operational tests
Prior to initial use, all new and altered cranes shall be tested to insure compliance with this section, including the following functions:
- Hoisting and lowering
- Trolley travel
- Bridge travel
- Limit switches, locking and safety devices
The trip setting of hoist limit switches shall be determined by tests with an empty hook traveling in increasing speeds up to the maximum speed. The actuating mechanism of the limit switch shall be located so that it will trip the switch, under all conditions, in sufficient time to prevent contact of the hook or hook block with any part of the trolley.
Rated Load Test
Precision Load Testing Services
Load Testing Capabilities at ACECO
As per OSHA standards, all active cranes must be inspected annually by or under the direction of an appointed or authorized person. According to the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, crane inspectors should have a minimum of 2,000 field hours of experience directly relating to crane and hoist equipment maintenance, servicing, repairing, modifying, and functional testing.
At American Crane, we have the experience, expertise, and equipment needed to test devices up to 250 tons. Our highly qualified engineers oversee all operations to ensure strict compliance with ANSI N14.6, ASME B30.20, B30.10, and B30.16, and all relevant OSHA standards. Testing can also be performed in accordance with other specialized codes, such as NRC: 10 CFR Appendix B to Part 50, upon customer request.
We maintain all of the equipment we need to test a range of load-carrying devices. Additionally, our engineering and manufacturing capabilities enable us to design and fabricate lifting fixtures for multiple load configurations. We also have an assortment of calibrated weights for on-site testing outside of our facilities.
In addition to our load testing services, we offer in-house non-destructive weld testing and repair capabilities in accordance with AWS D1.1. Official certificates and reports of all load and welding tests are kept on file and can be provided if necessary.
Crane Safety and Efficiency Experts
ACECO: Your Expert, Craftsman, & Partner for Crane Needs
Knowing the pre-service load-carrying capacity of your crane is essential for both the productivity of your equipment and the safety of your employees, regardless of whether it’s new or refurbished. At American Crane, our experts in material handling equipment can help you with all your crane load testing needs, now and in the future. If you want to learn more about our product and service capabilities, please contact us today. To discuss your requirements with one of our team members, you can request a quote.
