Inspections Refresher
Crane operators carry out regular, comprehensive inspections of cranes and hoists because they know the following:
- Lack of attention to basic crane maintenance and repair has resulted in many serious accidents.
- Cranes can only perform lifts safely if the equipment is in good operating condition. If the physics of the lift are in any way affected by structural damage, a lifting disaster can occur.
- Without a formal inspection and maintenance program, the operator has no records to review to ensure mechanical problems or other issues have been corrected.
- Some types of structural damage to cranes cannot be detected without the use of tests done by engineers.
When and How to Inspect and Maintain
Inspect the crane before using it, as well as daily, weekly, monthly, annually, and/or periodically, as set out by the manufacturer. Cranes must also be tested and maintained regularly. Maintenance and repairs must be done or directly supervised by a qualified person. Inspect and maintain cranes in accordance with:
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) Part 14, Section 14.13
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z248 Code for Tower Cranes
- CSA Standard Z150 Safety Code on Mobile Cranes
- The manufacturer’s specifications
- A professional engineer’s specifications
- Your company’s requirements
Inspections should make use of maintenance checklists that cover critical safety components.
Crane Logbook
Use the crane logbook to document the results of regular inspections of components that can wear out with day-today use and may have a direct bearing on crane safety. Record the results of inspections (before use, during operations, and end of shift) in the logbook. Make sure to include any defects or potential defects.
The employer or crane owner should provide a separate logbook for each crane. The logbook stays with the crane. All inspections, tests, and maintenance work must be recorded in the crane logbook. Keep records of the following:
- Operator certifications
- Annual crane inspections
- Stability test and outrigger inspections
- Daily crane pre-use inspections
- Safety device inspections
- Monthly auto lift inspections
- All other types of inspections
- Maintenance and repairs
Benefits of Inspections
Daily or weekly usage wears down important crane components. Routine inspections can help identify potential problems and address them before costly, irreversible incidents occur.
