New Ontario Law Affects Crane Users Effective Jan 1, 2017
New Ontario Construction Regulations define which methods, and what qualifications are required to perform NDT on lift devices. << READ MORE >>
Tower Crane Review Performance Standard
Engineers performing tower crane inspections must follow new Performance Standard or risk losing license.
Why Do I Need a Repair Inspection to Get My Crane Certified?
Another of the most frequently asked questions we encounter is, "why does the inspector need to come back and inspect any repairs before I can get my certificate?". In this article we do a breakdown and analysis on what CSA Z150 says about repair inspection, and why it's always important to properly finish the job. << READ MORE >>
When Do I Need a Critical Lift Plan?
This is one of the most frequent questions our lifting engineers are asked, and one that has no single definitive answer. We look at industry best practices and international standards and take a look at the circumstances where a critical lift may be required. << READ MORE >>
The Financial Cost of Rust and Corrosion
Corrosion is like a force of nature. It doesn't care whether your company owns a fleet of cranes, or if you have a forklift or two, whichever the scenario the bottom line is it can have a negative affect on your profits by damaging your equipment. << READ MORE >>
Annual Inspection on Concrete Pumps (CSA-Z151)
Canadian Standards Association recently published a new standard, CSA Z-151, entitled “Concrete Pumps and Placing Booms” in November, 2009. The standard was developed in response to an increasing number of incidents in the concrete pumping industry. The goal of the standard is to provide a consistent level of safety around this equipment for all of industry. << READ MORE >>
Structural NDT Inspection on Overhead Cranes
Recently we had the opportunity to provide our inspection services to a local facility with a number of overhead cranes. These cranes had been inspected every year by an overhead crane service company but had never had a full non-destructive inspection of the structure before. The results speak volumes about the importance of regular structural inspections utilizing visual and non-destructive testing (NDT). << READ MORE >>
Inspection of Overhaul Balls & Hook Blocks
Sometimes it can be easy to neglect to inspect some parts of your rigging hardware, especially when they rarely show external signs of wear. Case in point is inspection of overhaul balls and hook blocks. Frequent lubrication and quick visual checks on the exterior are simply not sufficient enough to mitigate the risks associated with these critical components. The Safety Code on Mobile Cranes CSA Z150-98 Section 4.3.5.2 states that a teardown inspection shall be performed at least every 5 years or as recommended by the manufacturer. << READ MORE >>
Raising the Bar for Tower Crane Inspection
On June 21 and 22, 2008, the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario put on a Safety Conference for their union constituents. The weekend session covered mobile cranes on the Saturday and tower cranes on the Sunday. << READ MORE >>
The Challenges with Multi-Tiered Crane Loads
Most people in the construction world heard about the new laws that came out for confined spaces a little while ago. At the same time as that legislation was brought in, the construction regulations for electrical safety were virtually completely restructured as well. << READ MORE >>
Get a Professional on Your Side
Of course, you’ve got a wealth of experience behind you and a good understanding of the lift industry. But, sometimes the rules get grey, or you simply haven’t dealt with a certain situation before and need a little support. Wouldn’t it be great if you had a professional on your staff for those moments when you needed answers right away? << READ MORE >>
Understanding Load Sharing In Multi-Crane Lifts
Multiple crane lifts can be tricky business. One source described two crane lifts as being more than twice as risky as single crane lifts with even more disproportionate increases in risk as more cranes are added. This is generally due to the load interaction between the cranes. << READ MORE >>
9 Rules for Successful Weld Repair of High Strength Steel
It’s inevitable. If you inspect your crane, aerial device, or other mobile lift equipment, you’re eventually going to find something that needs repair. When this day comes, its important to fix it properly to avoid having to do it again – either in the following year, or even immediately after the first repair attempt.
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Manbasket Use on a Crane
If you own a crane, and especially if you’re in the business of renting it out, you’ve likely had requirements to raise a worker in a manbasket. If so, you should be familiar with section 153 of OHSA’s Regulations for Construction Projects. However, if this section means nothing to you, then you’re not alone. << READ MORE >>
Common Reasons for Crane Accidents
If you’re like all of the people I asked, you naturally assume that overloading is the major reason for crane tipovers. Surprise! The October 2003 issue of Crane’s Today magazine reports that the number one reason for crane overturning accidents was insufficient support under the outriggers. This is especially true for small cranes performing “routine” lifts due to the lack of planning often associated with these jobs. << READ MORE >>
Determining Competency in a Crane Inspector
The Crane Rental Association of Canada (CRAC) put on a show in Ottawa for this year’s CRAC Conference spanning four days from May 29 to June 1, 2003. Over two hundred people representing Canada’s crane industry attended. << READ MORE >>
CSA Inspection on Aerial Lift Devices
The CSA standards covering scissorlift platforms (B354.2-01) and boom type aerial platforms (B354.4-02) were updated in the last two years after last being published in 1982. << READ MORE >>
OH&S Fines and Violations
The June 2002 issue of the Network News (published by Construction Safety Association of Ontario) included an article on a construction company found to be in violation of the OH&S Act after a crane failure caused the deaths of two employees and injuries to two others. The failure occurred when the boom hoist cable for the Manitowoc 222 crane broke causing the boom to fall onto the workers. << READ MORE >>
The Role of the Mobile Crane Inspector and the Engineer
More and more, crane owners are being asked to have their crane inspected and signed off by a professional engineer before it can go to work. The requirement is already found in Canadian standards and in parts of provincial regulations. << READ MORE >>