Crane inspections and regular maintenance are not just good practices, but they are also legal obligations. The current OSHA guidelines mandate that every crane be inspected annually, with the dated reports stored for future reference. Companies should also consider additional inspections at daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly intervals to enhance worker safety and minimize potential downtime and unexpected repairs.
Consider the following factors to help determine how often each crane should be inspected.
Age: Older cranes and those with extensive usage require inspections more often than newer cranes.
Function: Cranes that perform more complex activities should be inspected more frequently due to the additional components and assemblies utilized.
Usage: Cranes that are in regular or extensive use should be inspected more frequently than those that are rarely used. OSHA has even developed a separate set of inspection rules for typically idle cranes, highlighting the need for tailored inspection schedules based on usage.
Capacity: Due to the inherent dangers of massive loads, higher-capacity cranes should be inspected more frequently than those with lower load limits.
To assist companies with these additional inspections, the Hi-Speed Team has created a basic checklist that can be used as a starting point for most overhead cranes.
Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Overhead Crane and Hoist Inspection Checklist
| Equipment Name, Type, and Identifier (SN): | Location: | |||
| Name of Inspector: | Signature: | |||
| Date and Time: |
Weather:
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Daily, Weekly, Monthly Inspections: Use this checklist to conduct regular overhead crane and hoist inspections. Use this checklist to document inspected items and return to the supervisor after marking an inspection tag or an inspection log. Pre-Use Inspections: Use this checklist to conduct shift or daily pre-use inspections for overhead cranes and hoists. Only trained and authorized personnel can inspect or operate this crane. If no problem is visible, mark the box with a checkmark. If an item is defective, mark with an X and provide details in the comments section at the bottom of this checklist. IF ANY ITEM FAILS INSPECTION: · * DO NOT USE THE EQUIPMENT OR ATTEMPT REPAIRS · * REPORT THE ISSUE IMMEDIATELY TO YOUR SUPERVISOR CAUTION: This checklist might not contain every item used on your crane. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s inspection and operation guidelines. |
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| # | Inspection Item | X or | N/A | |
| 01 | Check the surrounding area to ensure that the area is clear, and the crane and load can travel without restrictions. | |||
| 02 | Ensure that each side of the crane or hoist displays the load rating and is clearly visible from the floor. | |||
| 03 | Check that all warning labels are clean and legible. | |||
| 04 | Inspect hooks for cracks, bends, deformations, and thread damage. | |||
| 05 | Check that the hook safety latch is functioning correctly. | |||
| 06 | Check the hook attachment and means of securing. | |||
| 07 | Check the hoist chains and end connections for stretch, excessive wear, twist, distortion, or interference of proper performance. | |||
| 08 | Check the wire cable and end connections for proper lubrication, broken strands, or excessive wear. | |||
| 09 | Check the chains rope, and wire cable are correctly seated into the drum and pulley grooves. | |||
| 10 | Ensure that hoist, lever, trolley, bridge, runway, beam clamps or electric systems contain no broken, loose, or damaged parts. | |||
| 11 | Check the load block, sheaves, and drums for signs of deformation. | |||
| 12 | Check the placement and attachment of all end stops. | |||
| 13 | Ensure that there are no loose items that could fall/break free during operation. | |||
| 14 | Check the pendant controls for damage or missing/illegible labels. | |||
| 15 | Ensure that pendant controls move in the correct direction and operate properly. | |||
| 16 | Check all operating mechanisms for proper adjustment or unusual sounds. | |||
| 17 | Check the lines, valves, tanks, drain pumps and other hydraulic/air components for deterioration or leaks. | |||
| 18 | Check the braking systems for the hoist, bridge, and trolley function properly. | |||
| 19 | Ensure the bridge and trolley operate smoothly and are tracking correctly with no binding. | |||
| 20 | When releasing controls in the up or down position, verify little to no hook drift. | |||
| 21 | Without a load attached, ensure the limiting devices and switches are properly functioning. | |||
| 22 | Ensure walkways are securely attached and free from tripping hazards. | |||
| 23 | Verify all warning lights, buzzers, and alarms function correctly. | |||
| # | Comments: | |||
Due to the variety of overhead cranes and their specific components and usage, your crane inspection could require adding or deleting items from this checklist. Should you have any questions regarding your crane or its inspection requirements, contact the Hi-Speed Team via email or call us at 800-713-1013 today.