Inspection of Cranes

The safety of any lifting activity depends heavily on the lifting device. On each work shift, before any lifting work begins, all cranes must be inspected by a competent person. This inspection must check at least the following mechanisms and equipment:

• Control mechanisms must be adjusted properly.
• Control and drive mechanisms must not have excessive wear or be contaminated by lubricants, water, or other materials.
• When necessary, safety devices such as boom stops, boom angle indicators, or load moment indicators, must be in place.
• Air, hydraulic, and other lines must be checked for deterioration and leakage, especially those that bend during use.
• Hooks and latches must be checked for deformation, chemical damage, cracks, and other wear.
• Wire rope reeving (the way the rope is threaded through the pulley) must be done according to the manufacturer's specifications.

A competent person's pre-shift crane inspection must also include the following:

• Electrical components should be checked for the accumulation of dirt or moisture and any malfunctioning.
• The hydraulic system should have the proper amount of fluid.
• Tires should be properly inflated and not heavily worn.
• The ground around the crane should be checked for adequate support. The inspection should look for potentially hazardous or changing ground conditions, such as the accumulation of water or the settling of the soil.
• The hoisting equipment should be level after every move and setup.

If the competent person notices any deficiencies, he or she must determine whether they constitute a hazard. If so, the hoisting equipment must not be used until the deficiency is corrected and the hazard is removed.

During operations, the operator of a crane or other hoisting equipment is responsible for operations under his or her direct control. If there is any question of safety, the operator has the authority to stop operations and refuse loads until safety can be assured.

To learn more about Construction Steel Erection visit our Construction Steel Erection Safety Online Training web page.