[RIGGER’S CORNER] NOTHING LASTS FOREVER BY BEN DOBBS, TECHNICAL MANAGER, LEEA (LIFTING EQUIPMENT ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION)


Troughout the lifting industry, there is growing concern over an apparent rise in age-related crane failures. Certainly over the past year or two, a worrying number have been brought to the attention of LEEA. Fortunately, none of these particular incidents have resulted in injury, but it goes without saying that the sudden and catastrophic failure of safety-critical components can have grave consequences. LEEA is therefore endeavouring to highlight the risks, outline the action needed to address them, and emphasize that ultimate responsibility invariably rests with the duty holder – usually in the form of the employer.


All cranes have a finite lifespan. Tis should, of course, be established at the design stage of every new crane, based on information such as the total number of working cycles to be undertaken, load spectrum, and average displacements. From this data it is possible to establish a classification for the crane, and design it for the intended lifespan (Design Working Period, or DWP). Te standard ISO 4301-1:2016 Cranes – Classification provides a common framework for this process. Over the course of several years it is possible, if not


probable, that the demands placed on the crane will deviate from the original assumptions. Its operating life therefore becomes an unknown variable. Indeed, even if the initial criteria are followed to the letter, the DWP defined by the manufacturer should always be treated as an estimate, not a certainty. Duty holders also need to appreciate that many of the signs of ageing are either difficult or impractical to identify with routine procedures. Additional measures therefore need to be put in place to monitor the DWP. Usually the most efficient approach is to monitor the lifecycle of all safety-critical components, and replace or overhaul them as they reach the end of this period. Detailed guidance can be found in another international


standard, BS ISO 12482: 2014 Cranes – Monitoring for crane design working period. It can be a complex undertaking, and many employers will choose to outsource some or all of the work required. However, it must be stressed that doing so does not absolve them of responsibility. Put simply, the buck always stops with the duty holder. Whether in-house or outsourced, all work must be


undertaken by suitably trained and qualified staff. Tis will probably encompass a number of roles: the ‘competent person’,


80 JULY–AUGUST 2017 WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE


inspector(s), and maintenance and operating staff. However, precisely who does what will vary from one application to another. Te duty holder must therefore ensure that everyone is aware of their specific obligations, and that clear lines of communication are in place. Given that they typically serve a long working life, it is all too easy to take overhead cranes for granted. Unfortunately, the results of doing so could be tragic. To help all concerned fulfil their responsibilities, LEEA is currently in the process of producing a new guidance note on the subject. In the meantime, we would urge WRE readers to help spread this simple but vital message: every crane in service should be subject to dedicated procedures that monitor and manage its DWP. y


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