Technical Bulletin – Cracked Rail.

Many of our clients have some form of equipment, crane or automated machinery most often been driven and travelling along rails.

Our clients realise and appreciate that every inspection we undertake on the equipment being used, that we inspect not only the machine but also the rail as required under Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the range of BS 7121 standards.

It is as equally important to ensure that the stability of the asset is true running and free from defect as undetected cracks in your rails can pose serious consequences to your equipment.

We regularly apply our knowledge and competence in the inspection of rails and regularly conduct laser alignment and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of your rails and in particular rail joints.

We recently conducted a rail inspection including laser alignment and NDT of the rail joints and on initial inspection the rail joints appeared to be defect free. After conducting an ultrasonic inspection and then confirming the results with further Magnetic Particle Inspections (MPI), we found cracks very visible and propagating from the foot of the rail.

Please see our photographs below of the sample we took from the defect rail to demonstrate the extent of cracks that were NOT visible to the naked eye!

Be safe and always regularly have your rails checked!

About us

Port Engineering Services (PES) have over 50 years of combined experience in inspection and manufacture. Providing our customers with engineering services and solutions worldwide.

Our in-house design facilities provide our clients with cutting edge 3D design and simulation capabilities allowing the “What if” scenarios to be tested at design stage, prior to manufacture. Allowing changes to be conducted prior to early design, ensuring you receive the best product specifically suited to your requirements with reduced lead times.

Our wealth of knowledge in the port and shipping industry often requires our competent inspection engineers to carry out comprehensive inspection services including Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and using the latest testing techniques. We regularly conduct Thorough examinations which include structural, mechanical and electrical inspections governed under LOLER and PUWER regulations.

Providing competence, knowledge and leading industry skills is paramount to our everyday operations. PES is a UKAS ISO/IEC 17020 Accredited Inspection Body which clearly demonstrates our specialism and competence abilities.

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