Types of Inspections

Before use, all new or modified cranes must undergo an initial inspection.

There are two additional types of inspections:

• Frequent inspections (occurring in daily and monthly intervals)
• Periodic inspections (occurring in one- to 12-month intervals)

Frequency of inspection depends on each individual crane and its components, its use and wear, its exposure to the elements, and its tendency to malfunction.

Frequent Inspections

Daily inspections test for the following deficiencies:

• Excessive wear or maladjustment of functional operating mechanism components.
• Deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps, and other parts of air or hydraulic systems.
• Hooks with deformation or cracks.
• Hoist chains, including end connections, excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations.
• Rope reeving for noncompliance with manufacturer's recommendations.

Monthly inspections test for the following deficiencies:

• Hooks with deformation or cracks.
• Hoist chains, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations.

Periodic Inspections

Periodic inspections are needed depending on the equipment functions, environment, and other factors. Periodic inspections should look for the following:

• Deformed, cracked, or corroded members
• Loose bolts or rivets
• Cracked or worn sheaves and drums
• Worn, cracked, or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, and locking and clamping devices
• Excessive wear on brake system parts, linings, pawls, and ratchets
• Load, wind, and other indicators over their full range for any significant inaccuracies
• Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other power plants for improper performance or noncompliance with applicable safety requirements
• Excessive wear of chain drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch
• Electrical apparatus, for signs of pitting or any deterioration of controller contractors, limit switches, and pushbutton stations

Cranes not in regular use (idle for more than one month but less than six) must meet the "frequent" inspections and maintenance requirements of this section. Cranes idle for more than six months must meet maintenance requirements and undergo "periodic" and "frequent" inspections. Standby cranes must undergo a minimum of semi-annual inspections ("frequent" inspections) and maintenance.

To learn more about Crane, Derrick & Hoist visit our Crane, Derrick & Hoist Safety Online Training web page.