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Maintenance and Inspection are commonly confused as being one and the same thing when in actual fact they are completely different.
An inspection is when an engineer carry's out a thorough visual inspection of the crane and completes a report identifying and prioritising any necessary repairs. It includes for nothing else.
A maintenance visit also includes for an engineer to carry out a thorough visual inspection and compile a report. However, unlike the inspection, it also includes for repairs to minor faults to be carried out during the service, any necessary adjustments to brakes and lubrication of mechanical components where applicable.
In general, persons responsible for lifting equipment adopt one of two opinions towards maintenance and inspection contracts. The first is to cover their legal obligation by having their equipment inspected at the maximum permitted interval. The second is to implement a planned maintenance schedule whereby more frequent thorough visits are carried out. The planned maintenance contract has a higher initial cost (longer, more frequent visits) but with significantly noticeable savings over a longer period. Inspection only contracts have a small initial cost but can result in expensive costs being incurred in the long term.
The most effective way to reduce overhead crane costs is with the implementation of a crane maintenance contract. By having the equipment thoroughly inspected at regular intervals any repairs found necessary can be scheduled for a convenient time when the crane in question is not needed or can be covered for. This reduces the chance of the crane becoming inoperative at a time when it is essential and slowing or even stopping production.
These repairs are quoted in order that our customers are aware of the total cost beforehand, whereas estimating the cost of a breakdown is impossible. Intercepting these problems at an early stage and repairing the faulty item will avoid unnecessary damage to otherwise good equipment and thus further reduce maintenance costs.
A maintenance contract is not only about reducing breakdowns and expensive repairs it is also largely about increasing the equipment's 'life span' and safety. Lubricating applicable parts on a regular basis reduces wear and ensures the equipment will run in a good condition for as long as possible. Regular inspections will highlight the potential for a dangerous occurrence before it becomes an accident.
With the implementation of Granada's maintenance contract and efficient breakdown support service over a twenty four month period most customers see a reduction in crane repair costs of between 40 and 70 percent.
- Employers must ensure that equipment is thoroughly examined before it is put into service for the first time and after any significant change that affects its operation. If the equipment is obtained from another undertaking, it must be accompanied by physical evidence that it has been examined. Where safety depends on the installation conditions, it must be thoroughly examined on each occasion after installation or assembly and before use. Equipment must be thoroughly inspected at least every six months if intended for carrying people, at least every 12 months if used for other purposes, or according to a scheme devised by the examiner. Examinations should also take place after any exceptional event such as accident or dangerous occurrence. Examinations must be carried out by competent persons who are sufficiently independent and impartial for objective decisions to be made. Examinations may involve the performance of tests as determined by the competent person.
Unfortunately, not all breakdowns are avoidable; therefore in the event of a fault we offer a 24-hour a day, 365 days a year Emergency Callout Service.
