Digitising crane safety compliance

One of the most common safety hazards associated with overhead cranes is dropped loads.

According to Konecranes, this preventable hazard is usually caused by poor operator training, improper rigging technique, an incorrect lifting device, overloading the hoist and side pulling.

The global crane manufacturer and service provider has developed its CheckApp to improve daily crane safety inspections.

In addition to any tests, training and inspections required by local laws or regulations, some key basic pre-use recommendations can enhance crane safety and help to avoid dropped loads. The Konecranes CheckApp for Daily Inspections is a digitised way to perform these inspections and includes 15 points to check. Daily inspections are a statutory requirement in several countries and good practice for any crane operator. Checks include:

• Test run the crane the full length of the runway and bridge span to ensure no obstructions will interfere with the crane travel motions. Test that all travel motion speeds match the designed specifications.
• Turn the crane off and engage the hoist ‘up’ switch — the hook should not rise. Engage all other motions to ensure no movement is possible. Turn the mainline switch back on and raise the hook to test the upper limit switch. All travel and hoist motions should match the control labelling directions.
• Check that the wire rope is properly seated. Ensure that it is not twisted, kinked or damaged. Check all other limit devices for proper functionality.
• Train all crane operators on the functionality of all new cranes.
• Provide proper inspections and maintenance as required by local regulations and recommended by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
   

Crane users can quickly and easily record their findings in the CheckApp when performing pre-shift and/or pre-lift inspections. Inspection results can be viewed on the yourKONECRANES customer portal. Besides providing an audit trail of daily inspections, the information can help users recognise potential asset-specific safety or production risk issues and identify workplace improvement opportunities. It can also help identify needs for operator training as well as deviations in following local safety and other site rules.

The daily inspection is a user’s — or crane operator’s — own assessment of the condition of an asset and environment for safe use. It is not an expert’s examination of the condition of an asset or component. The Konecranes CheckApp for Daily Inspections follows the guidance set in the ISO 9927 standard and in applicable statutory regulations.

The app can be downloaded for free on the Apple App Store and from Google Play for Android devices on a mobile or tablet. Company personnel can use their own or shared company-provided devices to perform the daily inspections.

Benefits of CheckApp include:

• Satisfies regulatory requirements, helping companies stay compliant.
• Allows for easy and reliable auditing of performed daily inspections.
• Easy to use and can help motivate users to perform daily inspections on a regular basis.
• Assists with timely recognition of potential asset-specific safety or production risk issues.
• Assists in identifying workplace improvement opportunities.
• Assists in identifying needs for operator training as well as deviations in following local safety and other site rules.