Crane Inspections: Frequent & Periodic
Cranes wear out in ways you can’t always see from the cab: cracked welds, worn sheaves, frayed wire rope, leaking cylinders and failing safety devices. OSHA requires several levels of inspection so problems are caught before a load drops or a boom fails.
- Crane operators
- Mechanics
- Competent persons
Photo: competent person inspecting a crane’s hook block and wire rope before the shift
Inspection schedule (construction)
| Inspection | Who | What | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift | Competent person | Visual and functional check before each shift: controls, safety devices, hooks, wire rope, hydraulics, tires, ground and outriggers | Not required, but recommended |
| Monthly | Competent person | Same items as the shift inspection | Documented and kept at least 3 months |
| Annual (comprehensive) | Qualified person | Thorough inspection, with disassembly as needed, of structure, components, safety devices and more | Documented and kept at least 12 months |
Other required inspections
- After assembly, before use.
- After modifications or repairs to safety-related parts, by a qualified person.
- Severe service: after use beyond normal conditions, like shock loading or a possible overload.
- Idle equipment: a crane not used for 3 months or more must be inspected before use.
- Wire rope: its own shift, monthly and annual inspections. See Sling & Rigging Hardware Inspection.
What a shift inspection covers
- Control mechanisms work and aren’t worn or contaminated
- Safety devices and operational aids work (anti-two-block, LMI, boom angle indicator, horn)
- Hooks and latches: no deformation, cracks or excessive wear
- Wire rope: visible broken wires, kinks, crushing, birdcaging or corrosion
- Hydraulic and pneumatic hoses and fittings: no leaks or damage
- Electrical apparatus working; no visible damage
- Tires inflated and outriggers working
- Ground conditions and level
- Operator cab windows clean and undamaged
Deficiencies stop the work. If an inspection finds a problem that is a safety hazard, the crane must be taken out of service until it’s fixed. Tag it and tell the operator and supervisor.
Operators: report what you notice
Unusual noises, jerky movement, slow functions, warning lights or a load that drifts are signs to stop and report. See Crane Safety Devices.
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1926.1412: Inspections
- 29 CFR 1926.1413: Wire rope inspection
- See also: Crane Safety Basics
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