Owner's Manual for Thern 5PA5 and 5PA10 Ensign Series Portable Davit Cranes
page 12
A11577I-0617
3.4
Inspecting the Equipment
Do not use damaged or malfunctioning equipment. Place an “OUT OF ORDER”
sign on the crane. Do not use the crane until the sign is removed by a qualified
person who has completely corrected the problem.
Inspect the crane to detect signs of damage or poor operation before they
become hazardous. See Table 2 - Inspection Checklist.
3.4.1
CONSULT APPLICABLE CODES AND REGULATIONS for specific rules
on inspecting the crane and other equipment.
3.4.2
REFER TO THE WINCH OWNER’S MANUAL for information regarding
winch inspection.
3.4.3
Instructions for Frequent Inspection
a
VISUALLY INSPECT the entire crane and all other equipment involved in
the operation.
• Check all equipment for cracks, dents, bending, rust, wear, corrosion and
other damage.
• Make sure the wire rope is installed correctly and anchored securely.
• Make sure the entire crane is properly lubricated.
• Make sure all fasteners are tight and secure.
• Make sure mounting fasteners are tightened securely.
• Check the boom brace assembly for signs of damage, and make sure it
operates smoothly to raise and lower the boom.
• Make sure the foundation is in good condition, and capable of supporting
the crane and its load under all load conditions.
b
TEST CRANE PERFORMANCE by operating the crane with a load not
exceeding the load rating.
• Listen for unusual noises, and look for signs of damage as you operate the
crane.
• Make sure the wire rope winds evenly and tightly onto the drum. If it is
loose or uneven, rewind it before continuing.
• Make sure the load moves smoothly, without hesitation or strain.
• On hand operated models, make sure the winch handle rotates freely in
both directions.
• On power operated models, make sure the winch responds to the control
device. It must rotate as shown on the control labels, and it must turn off
when you release the control.
• Make sure the boom rotates freely when you push the handle, and
remains stationary when you release it.
• Check the winch brake. Raise the load, then lower it and stop it a few
feet off the ground. If the load continues to coast or creep under normal
operating conditions, the brake may be worn and in need of repair or
replacement. Contact the factory.
Completely correct all problems before continuing. Use the Troubleshooting
Chart to help determine the cause of certain problems. See Table 3.
Frequent Wire Rope Inspection:
•
Use ASME B30.7 as a guideline
for rope inspection, replacement
and maintenance.
•
Check the wire rope, end connec-
tions and end fittings for corrosion,
kinking, bending, crushing, bird-
caging or other signs of damage.
•
Check the number, distribution
and type of visible broken wires.
See paragraph 3.4.4 b and Figure 9.
•
Check the wire rope for reduc-
tion of rope diameter from loss of
core support, or wear of outside
wires. See Figure 11.
•
Take extra care when inspecting
sections of rapid deterioration
such as sections in contact with
saddles, sheaves, repetitive pickup
points, crossover points and end
connections.
Important!
• Start an inspection program as
soon as you put the crane into use.
• Appoint a qualified person to be
responsible for regularly inspecting
the equipment.
• Keep written records of
inspection. This allows
comparison with comments from
previous inspections so you
can see changes in condition or
performance.
Perform frequent inspections:
• Before each operation.
• Every 3 hours during operation.
• Whenever you notice signs of
damage or poor operation.
