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
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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
Crane Inspections: When, How & How Often?