Arch Beams: Potential Danger

We have seen numerous installations still in use and these need to be reviewed as soon as possible.

Potential Dangers of Arch Beam...

Arch beam is a type of crane that looks like the ones in these images. Though it hasn’t been manufactured since 1962, it is still in use in plants throughout North America.

Companies need to be aware of the possible dangers posed by age and fatigue in the welds of these Arch Beams.

Cracks in welds and lower T Sections
Tracks with raised tread worn away
Most cranes have exceeded their useful life expectancy, but some users see cranes as “timeless”
Current inadequate crane maintenance regulations may lull owners into a false sense of security about crane safety and/or conditions
Due to the age of equipment, the exact understanding of a crane’s design duty cycle may be difficult to determine without engineering analysis. (i.e. documentation may be missing)

Got Arch Beam? Here is what we recommend:

Our primary recommendation is to Replace All Arch Beams with Tarca® Beams - contact Ergonomic Partners at 314-766-4578 or email info@ergonomicpartners.com

If this is economically unfeasible, conduct regular safety audits
Safety Audits: Steps to a safer and more reliable crane - Use only skilled personnel for the audit
Identify the highest risk cranes in your inventory by age and cycles
Study and compare the original design versus the current usage
Fully inspect every weld in the beam. Through inspections, find discontinuity and then use non destructive testing
Benchmark critical components using reliability based maintenance practices and software.

sales@ergonomicpartners.com

see the attached pdf with more information

/archbeamflyer.pdf