Load Testing Services

Cranes are used in critical material
handling applications across a
wide range of industries. In these applications, they must be built to carry out the work efficiently and safely; otherwise, they may experience issues that lead to productivity loss and/or employee injury. Load tests are critical to ensuring the safety of crane equipment since they verify that a crane can carry a specific load and comply with all relevant government safety regulations. 

At American Crane, we are a premier provider of cranes, hoists, and other material handling equipment. We offer a range of load testing services and professional evaluations for load-bearing equipment to ensure it meets various standards and requirements as needed by the customer. Our in-house vertical testing capabilities encompass a variety of equipment, including: 

• Below-the-hook lighting devices
• Hoists
• Hooks

OSHA Requirements for Rated Load Tests for New and Altered Cranes

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on ensuring workers have safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and providing other helpful resources (e.g., training, outreach, education, assistance, etc.). Regarding cranes, they published a number of standards, including in respect to their design, construction, and modification. For example, 

• OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.179(b)(2) states: “New and existing equipment. All new overhead and gantry cranes constructed and installed on or after August 31, 1971, shall meet the design specifications of the American National Standard Safety Code for Overhead and Gantry Cranes, ANSI B30.2.0-1967, which is incorporated by reference as specified in §1910.6.”

• OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.179(b)(3) states: “Modifications. Cranes may be modified and rerated provided such modifications and the supporting structure are checked thoroughly for the new rated load by a qualified engineer or the equipment manufacturer. The crane shall be tested in accordance with paragraph (k)(2) of this section. New rated load shall be displayed in accordance with subparagraph (5) of this paragraph.”

OSHA also requires all active cranes—both new and altered—to be inspected annually by or under the direction of an appointed or authorized person. Since cranes are exposed to conditions that can cause damage to important components on a daily or weekly basis, they are likely to fail without proper maintenance. Routinely inspecting them ensures that any potential problems are identified and addressed before they can lead to costly or catastrophic events.  

The OSHA standard outlining the testing requirements for new and altered cranes is 29 CFR 1910.179(k). It states: “Testing—

• Operational tests. 
  • Prior to initial use, all new and altered cranes shall be tested to insure compliance with this section, including the following functions:
    • Hoisting and lowering
    • Trolley travel
    • Bridge travel
    • Limit switches, locking and safety devices
  • The trip setting of hoist limit switches shall be determined by tests with an empty hook traveling in increasing speeds up to the maximum speed. The actuating mechanism of the limit switch shall be located so that it will trip the switch, under all conditions, in sufficient time to prevent contact of the hook or hook block with any part of the trolley.
• Rated load test.
  • Test loads shall not be more than 125 percent of the rated load unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. The test reports shall be placed on file where readily available to appointed personnel.”

Load Testing Capabilities at ACECO

As per OSHA standards, all active cranes must be inspected annually by or under the direction of an appointed or authorized person. According to the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, crane inspectors should have a minimum of 2,000 field hours of experience directly relating to crane and hoist equipment maintenance, servicing, repairing, modifying, and functional testing.

 At American Crane, we have the experience, expertise, and equipment needed to test devices up to 250 tons. Our highly qualified engineers oversee all operations to ensure strict compliance with ANSI N14.6, ASME B30.20, B30.10, and B30.16, and all relevant OSHA standards. Testing can also be performed in accordance with other specialized codes, such as NRC: 10 CFR Appendix B to Part 50, upon customer request. 

We maintain all of the equipment we need to test a range of load-carrying devices. Additionally, our engineering and manufacturing capabilities enable us to design and fabricate lifting fixtures for multiple load configurations. We also have an assortment of calibrated weights for on-site testing outside of our facilities.

In addition to our load testing services, we offer in-house non-destructive weld testing and repair capabilities in accordance with AWS D1.1. Official certificates and reports of all load and welding tests are kept on file and can be provided if necessary.

ACECO: Your Expert, Craftsman, & Partner for Crane Needs

Whether you have a new or refurbished crane, knowing its pre-service load-carrying capacity is vital to the productivity of your equipment and the safety of your employees. The material handling equipment experts at American Crane can help you with all of your current and future crane load testing needs. To learn more about our product and service capabilities, contact us today. To discuss your requirements with one of our team members, request a quote.