The Importance of Load Testing Overhead Cranes and Hoists

Load testing is an essential tool that helps to ensure overhead crane and electric hoist safety. We will be going in-depth about the importance of load testing overhead cranes and lifting hoists throughout this blog post. 

The standards that be include:

• Management should appoint a designated person to perform duties as an operator as well as a qualified person who has professional knowledge, training and experience when it comes to overhead cranes and hoists.
• Before use, all new and altered cranes need to be tested to ensure the following functions are working correctly: hoisting, lowering, trolley travel, bridge travel, limit switches and locking and safety devices.
• The trip setting of hoist-limit devices shall be determined by tests with an empty hook travelling at increasing speeds to the maximum speed.
• The actuating mechanism of the upper-limit device shall be located so that it will trip the device under all conditions and insufficient time to prevent contact of the hook or load block with any part of the trolley or crane.
• In a Rated Load Test, the test loads cannot be less than 100 percent or more than 125 percent of the rated load capacity unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer.  
• The timing of inspections and load testing depends on the equipment, frequency of use and conditions of the environment. Severe service load testing means normal or heavy use in some irregular or nonstandard environment. 

The avoidance of costly accidents and fines is essential for your company’s bottom line. All performance and safety choices translate into profits and the justification for load testing is no different.