About 72 fatal crane accidents happen each year.

It’s no secret that working with big machinery can be dangerous. That’s why safety is always a priority.

Preventive lifting equipment methods should be taken to ensure safety while using an overhead. Here’s an overhead crane maintenance checklist to follow.

What The Checklist Includes

An overhead crane maintenance checklist includes three different checkouts:

1. Area Check

This check is to ensure the area around the crane is clear. Some of these activities include:

• Know the location of the crane disconnect switch.

• Make sure there are no warning signs present

• Check to make sure workers are not working near the area

• Look ahead to verify there is nothing around the area where the load will be moved.

• Check to make sure the below-the-hook devices are designed for the crane in use and will safely be able to lift the load.

• Make sure that the load capacity is equal to or less than the capacity of the crane.

2. Preliminary Check

Once the area check has been performed, the operator can begin the preliminary check of the equipment. This should be done before he or she touches any controls.

• Check the electric systems, bridge, runway, trolley, and hoist to make sure there are no loose, broken, or damaged parts.

• Make sure the wire rope is seated in the drums grooves properly.

• Ensure that the open power source is secure and there is nothing close.

• Check the strain reliefs or brushings to make sure that no wires are pulled.