A metal finishing plant in central Indiana was the scene of a catastrophic runway failure. When our emergency service technicians arrived, the bridge and spreader bar was hanging precariously over caustic dipping vats. One of the runways had broken loose and fallen. Caustic environments tend to increase the chances of equipment failure. A Runway survey, as part of a regular preventive inspection, could have possibly prevented this failure.

Overhead cranes are the workhorse of any manufacturing or distribution facility. They are there to do the heavy lifting and keep the production floors safe and uncluttered. Often taken for granted, they aren’t appreciated till they start having issues. Heavy lifting and repetition create wear and tear on joints and other mechanical parts. Throw in multiple shifts, grime, and caustic operating conditions and they begin to show their age.