No matter what you are lifting – you are probably using a number of different load lifting attachments in your daily operations. The safe use of lifting attachments requires regular inspections to make sure they are working properly, and an identification tag can help you keep track of the equipment and their inspection information.
Common types of identification tags can range from metal or fabric tags to a dab of paint on a chain sling. This type of tagging is not very effective as metal can wear, fabric can tear and paint can chip. In addition to the tags, you need a way to keep inspection records and plan for replacements.
Konecranes Slings and Accessories Inspection combines an inspection of your non-maintainable load lifting attachments and accessories with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to record accessory inspection data and a smartphone app to help quickly and reliably identify attachments.
While tags may not always be a requirement – they play a vital role in the safety of your employees and your operations.
Local regulations don’t require inspection tags, so there is no reason to use them
While it may be true that some regulations such as OSHA and ASME in the US do not require any type of visual tag or marking to indicate that a piece of rigging equipment has been inspected, safety is not limited to the minimum requirements of compliance standards.
Accessory tags can help increase the productivity of your operators. When logging out a sling, the operator can quickly verify the inspection status from the tag. Utilizing a digitally-enabled tag, such as an RIFD tag, takes safety a step further by allowing operators to scan the tag to confirm inspection status—as a splotch of paint or worn-off writing can be easily misinterpreted.
OSHA does required slings to have permanently affixed markings identifying the safe working load as prescribed by the manufacturer and other properties based on the type of sling. RFID tags can be scanned to see not just inspection information, but also device information such as device type, workload limit, number of legs, manufacturer, serial numbers and more. Being able to access your entire accessory fleet information in one place assists in audits, keeping track of inventory and planning for replacements.
Inspection tags will result in a reduction of daily or pre-shift inspections
Daily inspections are a statutory requirement in many countries and good practice for operators everywhere. When you have accessories identified with RFID tags and data records in one online location – you have an easy and reliable way to audit inspections and identify deviations in following local safety or other site rules.
The use of RFID tag also helps simplify pre-shift inspections with a quick scan to determine that the accessory has been inspected. This gives operators more time to check for excessive wear or damage.
The tags will interfere with production and cause work stoppages
It’s important to have accessories inspected by qualified and trained professionals who have experience checking different types of slings and accessories. Trained crane service technicians know how and where to safely attach tags with minimal interference to the load or lifting.
Your process will flow more smoothly when you are able to check the condition and inspection status of accessories when they are logged out for use. And if an RFID tag was somehow damaged or lost you are still able to see the accessory’s information because of detailed recordings of the device specifications/properties, such as the hardware’s serial number. You won’t have to second-guess the status and can easily replace the tag with the correct information.
Inspections tags will interfere with the effectiveness of rigging hardware or slings
When an RFID tag is attached by a trained and qualified professional, interference will not be an issue. Different RFID tag types allow for efficient operation in various environments and under a variety of conditions.
If accessories are used in an environment not appropriate for an RFID tag, a physical ID such as a serial number can be used to identify the accessory and view its information.
Tags are not cost-effective
RFID tags last a long time, and for most slings, a low-cost tag is all they need. Many fleets have a large variety of slings and accessories to fit a range of processes. Getting a complete digitized view of an entire fleet of accessories can save time and money when it comes to keeping track of inventory and planning for replacements.
Imagine the costs involved each time your employees need to spend time figuring out which of the many nearly identical slings have been inspected and are OK to use compared with a quick scan of an RFID tag.
It’ll be difficult to account for new or repaired slings and accessories
Approximately 15% of slings need to be replaced annually. It’s most cost-effective to purchase them at one time and have them inspected. With the Slings and Accessories Inspection you can see your entire fleet records on yourKONECRANES. You know exactly which slings failed and need to be replaced.
Slings that fail inspection are often kept for some time before they are disposed of. You may waste time inspecting them over and over or an operator uses the damaged sling because they didn’t have an easy way to identify the status. With RFID tags and online inventory at yourKONECRANES, the process is safer and more efficient.
Learn more about the Slings and Accessories Inspection
