Answering the Tough Questions Asked by Crane and Hoist Technicians

Answers to Common Hoist & Crane Questions—the opening session for the Industrial Crane & Hoist Conference, to be held May 26-27, 2010 in Houston, Texas—is sure to set the tone for the rest of event.

Peter Cooke, Corporate Trainer for Columbus McKinnon Corp., will start the education sessions off by sharing insight on OSHA and ANSI safety topics as they pertain to hoist and crane operations. Columbus McKinnon, based in Amherst, N.Y., recently gathered more than 100 common questions asked by crane and hoist operators, inspectors, technicians, maintenance personnel, and plant supervisors. With the assistance of OSHA and ASME members, these questions were translated based on current industry regulations and standards. Highlights from that research will be shared during the session. At the conclusion of the seminar, attendees will be able to obtain a copy of the full report, assisting them with implementing these safety practices.

Among the questions to be answered are:

• Do the requirements for initial inspection vary based on the type of equipment?
• Under what circumstances is a load test required for hoisting equipment on bridge cranes?
• What are the minimum requirements for someone to be “qualified” to perform inspections?
• Are hook latches required? Are the requirements the same for older cranes? 

Peter Cooke has spent the last 15 years as an engineer for Columbus McKinnon Corp., designing engineered lifts, slings, and forgings. He has traveled throughout the world teaching proper rigging techniques, rigging gear maintenance, safe hoist and crane operations, hoist inspection, and repair. Mr. Cooke has spoken at numerous industry conferences and has served on technical committees for a variety professional organizations, including ASME B30.9 Slings, Crane Institute Certification, Associated Wire Rope Fabricators, National Association of Chain Manufacturers, and National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators.

Other topics on the agenda include:

• Overhead Load Protection and Weighing Solutions
• Third Party vs. In-house Crane Inspections
• Inspection Techniques for Technicians
• Gantry Crane Modernization
• Applications and Guidelines for Chain Hoists
• Overhead Crane Component Aging and Obsolescence
• Overhead Crane Operator Training and Certification
• Plate Lift Clamps and Crane Blocks
• Flathead vs. Tapered Tread Crane Wheels
• Safer Crane Bumpers
• Safe Design and Use of Custom-made Below-the-Hook Devices
• Wire Rope Applications in Overhead Lifting 

To view the full agenda or to get registration information, go to www.reachexpo2010.com. The Industrial Crane & Hoist Conference is owned by Maximum Capacity Media, publisher of Industrial Lift and Hoist magazine.