Crane Inspections: When, How & How Often?

Safety is a crucial factor in any job site. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), organizations must regularly inspect and maintain their cranes to prevent worksite accidents.

Industrial cranes are responsible for lifting heavy loads. Over time, they experience wear and tear and could break down without routine maintenance, endangering everyone on the worksite. OSHA outlines two types of inspections: frequent and periodic. The inspection checklist for your cranes will depend on the type of inspection performed.

Crane Inspection Requirements

OSHA standard 1910.179 dictates the requirements for successfully carrying out crane inspections. These requirements include:

• Cranes should follow a routine inspection schedule to enhance workplace safety.
• An inspection of the crane should be conducted before its initial use.
• Once the crane is placed into service, two types of inspections should be carried out, including frequent and periodic inspections.
• Only a qualified OSHA inspector can perform crane inspections.

Crane Inspections Frequent Vs. Periodic Inspections

It is critical that cranes be inspected more than once per year. For this reason, OSHA 1910.179 dictates two categories of overhead crane inspections based on the intervals at which the inspections should be performed. These intervals depend on the nature of critical crane components and the extent of their exposure to deterioration, wear, or malfunction. The two classifications of crane inspections are frequent and periodic.

Crane Inspections Frequent Inspections

Frequent inspections are performed daily or at monthly intervals. The checklist for this type of inspection includes:

• Maladjustments interfering with the proper operation of the crane
• Deterioration or leakage in pumps, hydraulic systems, lines, valves, or tanks
• Deformed or cracked hooks
• Defective hoist chains
• Faulty wire rope reeving system
• Extreme wear of components

Crane Inspections Periodic Inspections

Periodic inspections are performed in monthly intervals throughout the year. The checklist for this type of inspection includes:

• Worn tires
• Deterioration of chain drive sprockets
• Faulty or unsafe power plants
• Wear on brake and clutch systems
• Loose bearings or rivets
• Deterioration in electrical apparatus such as limit switches, push-button stations, and controller contactors
• Overstretch of chains
• Inaccuracy in indicators
• Distorted bearings