Crane & Lift Inspection Checklist

What is a crane inspection checklist? A crane inspection checklist is a mandatory safety form required by OSHA 1926.1412 before each shift to verify crane equipment is safe for operation. Per OSHA Subpart CC, a competent person must conduct visual inspections daily and before each use. This checklist covers mobile cranes, tower cranes, and overhead cranes per ASME B30 standards and international requirements including UK LOLER 1998.

  • Industry: Construction
  • Frequency: Daily / Before each shift / After equipment modification
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Crane Operator / Competent Person
  • Total Items: 59
  • Compliance: OSHA 1926.1400-1442 (Cranes in Construction), OSHA 1926.1412 (Inspections), ASME B30.5 (Mobile Cranes), ASME B30.3 (Tower Cranes), ANSI/ASME B30.2 (Overhead Cranes)

Operator Qualification Verification

Per OSHA 1926.1427, verify operator certification before operation. UK requires CPCS or equivalent card.

  • Operator certification current and valid?
  • Certification matches crane type being operated?
  • Medical certification current (if required)?
  • Operator fit for duty (no impairment)?
  • Signal person designated and qualified?

Documentation & Load Charts

Per OSHA 1926.1417, load charts must be available and legible in operator cab.

  • Load chart present and legible in cab?
  • Load chart matches crane configuration?
  • Operating manual available?
  • Previous inspection records reviewed?
  • Annual/periodic inspection current?
  • Maintenance records current?

Ground Conditions & Support

Verify ground can support crane plus maximum rated load. Check outrigger deployment.

  • Ground conditions adequate for crane weight?
  • Ground level within crane specifications?
  • Outriggers fully extended and set on pads?
  • Outrigger pads adequate size for soil conditions?
  • Level indicators showing crane is level?
  • Underground hazards identified (utilities, voids)?

Structural Components Inspection

Visual inspection of crane structure per OSHA 1926.1412(d) and ASME B30 requirements.

  • Boom sections free of cracks, dents, corrosion?
  • Boom pins properly seated and secured?
  • Jib/fly section condition (if installed)?
  • Counterweight properly installed and secured?
  • Turntable/swing bearing functioning properly?
  • Outrigger beams free of damage?
  • Carrier/crawler frame free of cracks?

Wire Rope & Rigging Inspection

Per OSHA 1926.1413 and ASME B30.5, inspect all wire rope for damage criteria.

  • Hoist rope free of kinks, birdcaging, corrosion?
  • No excessive broken wires per removal criteria?
  • Rope diameter within tolerance (no stretching)?
  • Wire rope adequately lubricated?
  • Sheaves/pulleys free of cracks, proper groove?
  • Drum free of damage, rope spooling correctly?
  • Hook free of cracks, twist, throat opening?
  • Hook safety latch functioning?
  • Load block swivel functioning freely?

Controls & Safety Devices

Verify all controls and safety limiting devices function per OSHA 1926.1415-1416.

  • All controls properly labeled and functional?
  • Controls respond correctly to input?
  • Deadman controls return to neutral?
  • Load Moment Indicator (LMI) functional?
  • Anti-two-block device functional?
  • Boom angle indicator functional?
  • Boom length/radius indicators functional?
  • Swing brake holding properly?
  • Hoist brake holding load?
  • Emergency stop functional?

Power Systems & Fluids

Inspect engine, hydraulics, and electrical systems.

  • Engine oil level adequate?
  • Coolant level adequate?
  • Hydraulic oil level adequate?
  • No hydraulic leaks visible?
  • Fuel level adequate for shift?
  • Battery connections tight and clean?
  • Electrical wiring free of damage?
  • Warning/indicator lights functioning?
  • Horn and backup alarm functional?

Work Area & Hazard Assessment

Evaluate work area for hazards per OSHA 1926.1407-1408 (power lines) and site safety.

  • Power line locations identified and marked?
  • Power line clearance distances adequate?
  • Swing radius barricaded from personnel?
  • Overhead obstructions identified?
  • Load travel path clear of obstructions?
  • Load landing zone clear and prepared?
  • Communication plan established with signal person?

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