Crane Assessment Criteria Quiz

Assessment Criteria for Cranes

• Examination focuses on defects impacting the crane's strength or functionality.
• Key assessment criteria include:
  • Accuracy of limiting and indicating devices based on manufacturer’s tolerance.
  • Compliance with manufacturer specifications for adjustments, alignments, backlash, and bearing play.
  • Brake performance must meet manufacturer’s defined tolerances.
  • Corrosion, cracks, damage, and distortion should not affect strength or functionality.
  • Fluid levels and cylinder creep are assessed against manufacturer’s standards.
  • Check for guards: presence and condition are crucial for safety.
  • Inspections for leaks affecting functionality and safety (e.g., slips).
  • Adequacy of lubrication impacts operational effectiveness.
  • Ensure proper markings are accurate, present, and in good condition.
  • Mode of operation should align with original manufacturer intentions.
  • Obstructions must be cleared for safe access around the crane.
  • Rope fit and specification must conform to manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Security of components, including fasteners and welds, is vital.
  • Check for full or partial seizure of rotating components.
  • General housekeeping should reflect good tidiness practices.
  • Rope condition assessed per ISO 4309 standards; critical for safety.

Special Considerations for Mobile Cranes

• Evaluate wire ropes used in corrosive or abrasive environments for damage.
• Frequent inspections may be required based on:
  • National statutory requirements.
  • Hoist type and environmental conditions.
  • Previous inspection outcomes and historical performance.
  • Length of service for the wire rope and frequency of hoist operation.
  • Manufacturer's original recommendations may dictate inspection schedules.

Inspection Record Keeping

• Every inspection must be documented by a Competent Person.
• Maintain a running record of crane rope inspections as per ISO 4309.
• Examples of documentation standards can be found in accompanying appendices.

Wire Rope Condition Assessment

• Assess extent and severity of deterioration as a percentage (% Severity Rating).
• Use descriptors like ‘slight,’ ‘medium,’ ‘high,’ ‘very high,’ or ‘discard’ for deterioration levels.
• Utilize various inspection methods, including Magnetic Rope Testing (MRT), for comprehensive assessment.
• Combined effect assessment gives an overall condition status for wire ropes.

Types of Deterioration

• Recognize various faults beyond just broken wires that can compromise wire rope performance and lifespan.

Damage Assessment Techniques

• Look for heat or electric arcing damage indicated by steel 'Bluing'—MRT is recommended for deeper analysis.
• Mechanical damage often results from rope contact with crane structures or external loads.

Assessment Criteria for Mobile Cranes

• Thorough examination targets defects impacting crane strength and functionality.
• Key assessment criteria include accuracy, adjustment, and alignment of limiting and indicating devices.
• Backlash and bearing play must be within manufacturer’s specified tolerances.
• Brake performance, cylinder creep, and fluid levels require monitoring as per manufacturers' guidelines.
• Checks for corrosion, cracks, distortion, damage, and wear that could affect crane operability.
• Fluid leaks could compromise strength, functionality, and create safety hazards.
• Essential checks include guard presence, rope specifications, and condition.
• Component security, lubrication adequacy, and general housekeeping must be ensured.
• Rope condition must comply with ISO 4309 standards.

Overview of the Mobile Cranes Diploma (MOB)

• Essential qualification for those involved in testing, inspecting, and examining mobile cranes.
• Recognized globally as the industry standard for lifting equipment professionals.
• Successful completion equips participants to perform thorough examinations and validations regarding equipment suitability.
• Participants learn to gather information effectively for assessing lifting equipment.

MOB Course Scope

• Covers on-site procedures, equipment, different types of mobile cranes, and examination types.
• Teaches assessment criteria and preparation for thorough examination.
• Addresses competency requirements and load testing methodologies.
• Involves practical examination components, such as crane carrier and telescoping structure assessments.
• Focuses on chain and wire rope examination, and the importance of rated capacity charts.

Post-Examination Procedures

• Immediate reporting of safety-critical issues is essential; equipment must be quarantined if necessary.
• Identifying needed repairs with a realistic timeline is crucial for safety and compliance.
• Debriefing with site contact to summarize findings and ensure customer satisfaction is part of the process.

Examiners' Tools and Equipment

• Examiners should have various hand tools, including spirit levels and load cells, tailored for specific tasks.
• Compliance with manufacturer’s instructions is paramount, especially for jibs and overload testing.
• Checks for crane leveling should ensure a maximum slope of ±0.5%.

Lifting Capacities and Safety Checks

• Load ratings should reflect gross loads as per manufacturer’s rated capacity charts.
• Rated Capacity Limiter (RCL) functionality is verified through specific checks against load charts.
• Load Monitoring Indicators must be properly functioning during examinations.
• For swing gear mechanisms, visual and auditory inspections help identify issues.
• Excessive movement under load requires measuring with a dial test indicator for precision assessment.

Test your knowledge on the thorough assessment criteria for cranes and their supporting structures. This quiz covers accuracy, adjustment, and alignment of components as specified by manufacturers. Understand the standards needed for ensuring the strength and functionality of cranes.