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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
The following are general guidelines. Always refer to manufacturer’s Owner Operator Manual.
Preventative maintenance, such as lubrication and adjustment, shall be performed by qualified and trained personnel. Lack of proper preventative maintenance may cause a hazardous condition. The user shall establish a maintenance program to ensure that VRC components are maintained in a condition that does not constitute a hazard to personnel (see owner’s manual).
No maintenance, or lubrication, shall be performed when the VRC is in operation. Most VRC’s are serviced with the platform or carriage lowered. Consult manufacturer’s service instructions.
When the VRC is stopped for maintenance or repair purposes, the main power shall be locked or tagged out in accordance with a formalized procedure designed to protect all persons or groups involved with the VRC against an unexpected restart.
All safety devices and guards shall be replaced before starting equipment for normal operation.
Routine inspection and corrective maintenance measures shall be conducted to ensure that all guards and safety features are in place and function properly.
Mechanically Actuated VRC
Check fluid levels in gearboxes
Grease pillow blocks per manufacturer’s instructions.
Inspect motor brake assembly, mechanical connections, such as sprockets to drive shafts, inc.
VRC Lift System
VRC with lifting chains, check for chain stretch with chain gauge, check chain connections, and lubricate per manufacturer’s instructions.
VRC with cable lifting system, check for stretched or frayed cable(s) and replace. Check cable attachment, and inspect and lubricate cable sheaves per manufacturer’s instructions.
VRC Guide System
Check with VRC manufacturer, but in general the guide wheels, rollers, or slide mechanisms may need to be lubricated if not equipped with sealed bearings and the guide rails may require periodic greasing. Inspect rails for abnormal wear or deformation.
VRC Safety Devices
All VRCs on which the carrier or carriage is suspended must be equipped with a falling platform safety device(s). These devices may require periodic testing and lubrication depending on the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s instructions for these devices should be followed exactly.
Mechanical VRCs may be equipped with either slack cable/slack chain safety shut off switches and/or cable/chain over-tension shut off switch, all of which will require periodic checks to make sure they are functional.
Other safety devices that may require maintenance and checking if the VRC is so equipped, are any removable guard interlocks, gate electrical-mechanical interlocks, and over-travel limit switches. There may be other devices not mentioned. Check with the manufacturer of the VRC that you are considering.
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