How often should overhead cranes be inspected?

Overhead crane inspection is one of the most critical practices for workplace safety, การปฏิบัติตามกฎระเบียบ, and equipment longevity. Whether you run a manufacturing plant, คลังสินค้า, construction site, or logistics center, knowing the correct inspection schedule protects your team, reduces downtime, and avoids costly violations. ในโพสต์นี้, we break down how often overhead cranes should be inspected based on industry standards and best practices.

Why Overhead Crane Inspection Is Non-Negotiable

เครนเหนือศีรษะ handle heavy loads in demanding environments. สวมใส่, ความเหนื่อยล้า, การกัดกร่อน, and mechanical failure can develop slowly but lead to serious accidents. Regular overhead crane inspection:

• ◆ Prevents injuries and downtime
• ◆ Ensures compliance with OSHA, ASME, and local regulations
• ◆ Extends the service life of hoists, สะพาน, end trucks, and controls
• ◆ Reduces long-term repair and replacement costs

No matter how new or reliable your crane seems, skipping inspections creates unnecessary risk.

Standard Overhead Crane Inspection Frequencies

Industry guidelines (OSHA, ASME B30.2, ซีเอ็มเอเอ) divide overhead crane inspection into two main categories: frequent inspections and periodic inspections.

1. การตรวจสอบบ่อยครั้ง (รายวันถึงรายเดือน)

These are visual and functional checks performed by operators or trained maintenance staff.

• ◆ Daily / Shift Inspection: Before each use, check hooks, เชือก, โซ่, เบรก, ลิมิตสวิตช์, controls, and abnormal sounds.
• ◆ Monthly Inspection: Documented detailed check of wear components, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, การทำซ้ำ, and safety devices.

2. การตรวจสอบเป็นระยะ (1–12 Months)

These are comprehensive inspections performed by a qualified person or certified technician. Frequency depends on usage severity:

• ◆ Normal service: Annually
• ◆ Heavy service: Semi-annually to annually
• ◆ Severe service (continuous use, harsh environment): Quarterly to semi-annually

All cranes require at least one full periodic inspection per year.

When to Inspect Immediately (Outside the Schedule)

You must perform an immediate overhead crane inspection if:

• ◆ The crane was involved in an impact, โอเวอร์โหลด, or near-miss
• ◆ Unusual noises, jerky movement, or loss of control occur
• ◆ The crane has been idle for a long period
• ◆ After repairs, การปรับเปลี่ยน, or reinstallation

Never operate a crane that fails any inspection step.

Key Items Covered in Overhead Crane Inspection

A complete inspection covers the entire system:

• ◆ Crane hooks, latches, and lifting attachments
• ◆ Wire ropes, โซ่, และสลิง
• ◆ เบรก, clutches, and drive systems
• ◆ Bridge, end trucks, and runway rails
• ◆ Electrical components and controls
• ◆ Limit switches and safety devices
• ◆ Structural integrity for cracks, การเสียรูป, หรือการกัดกร่อน
• ◆ Lubrication and bolt tightness

Documentation is mandatory for compliance.

How to Build a Compliant Inspection Plan

• 1. Follow OSHA and ASME requirements for overhead crane inspection frequency.
• 2. Adjust intervals based on usage, สิ่งแวดล้อม, and load intensity.
• 3. Train operators on daily checklists.
• 4. Use certified inspectors for annual/periodic checks.
• 5. Keep digital or physical records of all inspections.
• 6. Schedule maintenance immediately after defects are found.

ความคิดสุดท้าย

How often should overhead cranes be inspected? The short answer: daily by operators, monthly in detail, and at least annually by a qualified inspector — with more frequent checks for heavy-use equipment.

Overhead crane inspection is not just a regulatory box to check; it is a foundational safety practice. A consistent, well-documented inspection program keeps your operation safe, มีประสิทธิภาพ, and reliable.