Friday, August 1, 2014

Importance Of Carrying Out Tower Crane Inspections

By Annabelle Holman


Advancement in technology and modernization has obviously led to inventions of highly advanced and sophisticated types of cranes, tower cranes being among them. These large lifters are much safer and efficient than ancient types, which used ropes that could snap. Such machines besides occupying lager areas for stability could also disassemble anyhow causing disasters. However, modern tower cranes though much efficient and reliable being they can develop errors and breakages, and that is why tower crane inspections are important.

There has been an increase in production of these machines by engineering plants due to the high number of buildings and structures set to be constructed. The manufacturers despite the increased demand are still required to maintain the required standard of machines for safety purposes. However, since they cannot be one 100 percent safe, maintenance and inspection services are crucial at the construction sites.

Considering that these cranes are very tall and yet erected on small surface areas, they might cause potential dangers in their operations. This poses great risks to construction workers and to people especially when buildings are being built near other premises, roads, or residences. Thus, there is need these cranes be erected on hard surfaces on a concrete slab and by experienced people.

At times, the cranes may require to be attached to other structures. The mast is usually heavy being made up of steel trussed sections. Together with the other units such as, hook, jib or the operating arm, the operating cabin, engines and other accessories, the crane is very heavy. Any fault in any of these parts if not repaired in time can lead to collapse of such cranes causing deaths, injuries, and damages.

Poor planning, hiring unskilled persons for crane operations and poor inspections practices often come with consequences. The machines are heavy and need to be stable for the rest of the construction period. If erected on soft soils and with poor methods of stabilization, the machines could topple and dismantle killing people, injuring others, and destroying near structures and buildings. This follows large costs and legal cases especially if you are not covered by insurance.

Therefore by not employing the right people puts you at legal risks, and you can incur huge losses in case of damages. At the same time, you also put lives of people at risk. Many hazards can occur if poor supervision of cranes operations is done by unskilled. The cranes could dismantle if not well erected. They could detach from the attached structures and injure people and destroy property.

Other parts may have broken and need repair. If no inspections are done for the specified time given by the law, the faults may increase and become hazardous. Therefore, when giving contracts for your construction projects it is important that you employ the right person with adequate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience. The contractors can be hired from crane hire companies. They have great skills in planning and supervision.

Advanced ultrasonic technology allows inspection be done fast without disassembling the cranes. High technology equipment such as borescopes and pendants are also used. In essence, employing skilled supervisors, workers, and crane operators reduces some of the risks. If inspections and repairs are not done in time, more problems arise, which may be catastrophic.




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