Tag Archive: critical lift cranes

1. Elevating Excellence: American Crane’s Aerospace Industry Solutions

   December 7, 2023 3:30 pm Leave a Comment

   

   In the aerospace and aircraft industry, precision, efficiency, and safety are paramount. When it comes to material handling equipment, you need a partner who understands the unique challenges and demands of this sector. American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO) is that partner. With over 40 years of experience, ACECO has solidified its position as a leader in providing top-notch material handling solutions for the aerospace and aircraft industry. From aircraft manufacturing to satellite construction and maintenance, ACECO has a proven track record of delivering tailor-made equipment that exceeds expectations.

   Tailored Solutions for Aerospace and Aviation

   In the aerospace and aviation sectors, the deployment of cranes and hoists is crucial for a multitude of tasks, ranging from the precise assembly of aircraft to the safe transportation of high-value aerospace satellites. These industries demand equipment that can handle potentially hazardous or highly sensitive loads, and this necessitates a strong focus on performance, efficiency, and safety in their engineering. With more than four decades of experience in designing and manufacturing machinery for intricate lifting configurations and high-risk applications, our seasoned engineering team is well-equipped to deliver tailor-made solutions for even the most complex aerospace and aviation lifting jobs.

   Diverse Product Range

   ACECO provides a wide array of material handling equipment with solutions suited for various applications within the aerospace and aviation sectors. From ready-made products to a diverse set of custom engineering and manufacturing capabilities, our offerings range from small 1/2- ton ratchet lever hoists to large 300-ton overhead cranes. Beyond equipment supply, we also provide spare parts and crane upgrades to ensure that your material handling equipment remains in optimal working condition.

   Specialized Equipment

   In addition to standard cranes, ACECO offers critical lift cranes, cleanroom cranes, and other specialized material handling units and accessories. These can be customized with features that enhance safety and performance, including redundant hoist reeving systems, overspeed and misreeving protection mechanisms, emergency hoist brakes, precision control systems, remote operator stations, and EMI filters.

   Comprehensive Support and Services

   At ACECO, we are more than a manufacturer, taking pride in offering comprehensive services and support to our customers. Our dedicated team is well-versed in a spectrum of services, including design and engineering, product support, outage support, retrofitting, upgrades, load testing, inspection, and training. This holistic approach ensures that our clients receive not only top-tier equipment but also the guidance and assistance necessary to optimize its performance and lifespan.

   Our Commitment to Certifications and Standards

   ACECO invests in quality employees and cutting-edge equipment. Our facility boasts state-of- the-art material preparation and CNC machining units, as well as a UL508 certified panel shop. Furthermore, our welders are certified to American Welding Standard (AWS) D1.1 and D14.1 and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) W47.1, ensuring the highest quality standards are met.

   Partner with ACECO Today

   For all your material handling equipment needs in the aerospace and aviation industry, ACECO is your expert, craftsman, and partner. We offer a range of standard and custom equipment solutions to fully meet your requirements.

   To learn more about ACECO’s products and services and how we can serve the aerospace and aviation industry, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Request a quote or speak with one of our representatives to explore how ACECO can elevate your aerospace material handling operations to new heights.

2. How to Improve Safety & Efficiency with Aerospace Critical Lifts

   June 30, 2015 4:29 pm Leave a Comment

   When you have an aerospace critical lift that could impact your project or the environment, it’s doubly important to follow all the proper procedures for safety and compliance. Many people are unsure of the exact legal requirements and the best way to ensure compliance. Here is a brief rundown on managing critical aerospace lifts.

   Identifying Critical Lifts

   A lift is considered critical if it has one or more of the following characteristics:

   

   1. If loss of control over the lifted item could invoke a declaration of a site emergency per the governing regulations such as NASA-STD- 8719.9.
   2. If the item to be lifted is vital to the project schedule or irreplaceable.
   3. If the item is lost during the lift, the resulting impact on cost or schedule might jeopardize program commitments.
   4. If the lift occurs in close proximity to items that fit any of the definitions in items 1 through 3.
   5. If the load exceeds 80 percent of the crane’s capacity, it is critical. If two cranes are used and the lift weight exceeds 75 percent of the rated capacity of one of the cranes, it is also considered critical.

   Aerospace Critical Lift Requirements

   If your planned lift fits into any of these categories, you are required to take certain safety precautions. The precautions may vary depending on the characteristics of the lift, but almost every aerospace critical lift will require specific safety precautions.

   Lift Supervisor

   This person is responsible for ensuring that every member of the lift team understands their role and has the proper training. The Lift Supervisor must also confirm that the equipment has been properly inspected and has the right safety ratings to safely carry out the lift plan.

   Safety Representative

   The Safety Representative cannot be the same individual as the Lift Supervisor. The Safety Representative is responsible for reviewing and checking all inspections, the lift plan, and must be on site during the lift to monitor the process and ensure adherence to the plan.

   Critical Lift Plan

   The Critical Lift Plan includes both a Hazard Report and a Lift Procedure. The entire team, but especially the Lift Supervisor and the Safety Representative should be familiar with the details of the plan.

   Safety Review Meeting

   Before undertaking the lift, the team must hold a Safety Review Meeting to ensure that all team members have a firm grasp on their roles and all lift procedures. The meeting can be held up to two weeks prior to the lift for very complex lifts, but two to three days is more common.

   Equipment Requirements

   For aerospace critical lifts, you must use equipment rated to handle the necessary load plus a margin of error. The equipment must meet these requirements whether it is leased or owned and must meet  minimum load rating for every item used in the lift, including rigging, jigs, cables and hoists.

   American Crane Aerospace Equipment is designed to meet the requirements of aerospace critical lifts. American Crane Critical Lift Cranes are designed for durability, reliability and safeguarding equipment during lifts and to comply with appropriate industry guidelines. With over 40 years of experience designing and building the industry’s most respected cranes, American Crane products offer custom design and fabrication and a complete in-house quality assurance program to comply with standards. Before shipment, all cranes are completely tested and fully assembled to meet CMAA duty cycle requirements.

   Inspections

   You must have certificates of inspection and original rating certificates for all equipment. These should be part of the Lift Plan and reviewed and validated in the Safety Meetings.

   If you are responsible for managing a project or program that may include an aerospace critical lift, consider working with the experienced team at American Crane. Our team of experts provide high quality equipment, safety and reliability in every aerospace critical lift.