Dashpivot Article – OSHA Crane Inspection Requirements

Crane Inspection Requirements - OSHA and Other Safety Standards
Crane Inspection Requirements
Cranes are machines that make use of pulley systems to shift the direction of the force needed to lift a load and to distribute that force over a greater distance. They are usually used in industries where heavy lifting is involved. In the construction industry, they are the machines that are primarily responsible for moving materials, setting up structures, demolition, and maintenance, all large scale and critical tasks, which is why adhering to crane inspection requirements inline with OSHA or your regional standard is a critical operational requirement.
Despite their usefulness, cranes can also be dangerous to be around and crane safety in construction is always of paramount importance. Like humans, cranes also need to undergo check-ups, to see if they are optimally working. When an inspected crane possesses defects, it could be dangerous and risky for the people working around it. Because crane check-ups are vital to keep people from danger, the Occupational Health and Safety Association (OSHA), made a mandate about how a crane should be inspected.
OSHA Specific Crane Inspection Requirements
We have established that while cranes contribute greatly to many industries, they possess hazards when not inspected right.
Fortunately, OSHA, a regulatory body responsible for setting safety standards in industries, have made it easier for organisations and companies. They have also set a standard on how cranes should be properly inspected. In this article, we will be discussing the entirety of this OSHA standard.
Who Should be Inspecting the Crane?
When humans get sick, we go to a professional doctor to take a careful assessment on our bodies and figure out what is wrong with us. Doctors would request to run different kinds of tests to give them a clearer picture of the root cause of the problem. Having determined the root cause, doctors can then provide us with the right medication to treat that problem. For cranes, OSHA also requires organisations and companies to have a competent person, who is equipped with enough knowledge and skills about cranes, to conduct the inspection process.
OSHA defines this competent person as one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorisation to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Selecting the right person for the job would know what tests are required, are able to identify the source of the problem, and provide the perfect solution for such problem, just like the doctors we go to. This selection process of a competent person is a strict requirement from OSHA, that means organisations are required to follow this to avoid non-conformance and legal problems.
How frequent does OSHA Want us to Inspect the Cranes?
Depending on the amount of frequency and use, organisations have to carry out frequent and periodic inspections at appropriate intervals. OSHA standard 1910.179 defines frequent inspection as occurring daily to monthly, and periodic inspections as occurring at 1 to 12 months interval.
Frequent Inspection Requirements
These inspections include on checking the working mechanism, air or hydraulic system components, and the condition of hooks and hoist chains. These should be visually inspected every day, as per OSHA requires that testing and examination should be done before each shift. Inspections must have written records; the records should be signed and dated by the inspector to validate the inspection done. All frequent inspections must be kept in good detail. When an accident occurs or when OSHA conducts an audit, evidence of safety procedure compliance can result in reduced liability.
Periodic Inspection Requirements
Attention is paid to detecting loose bolts, cracked sheaves, damaged locking device, and brake system wear during periodic inspections. This inspection also includes the load and wind indicators, gasoline and electric power motors, and electrical wiring. Periodic inspections are often required on a yearly basis for normal or heavy service. Unless they operate in severe service conditions, cranes need to undergo inspection monthly, or every quarter. Adherence to a manufacturer's recommendation should also be taken note of. The manufacturer may offer recommendations on the intervals and procedures of inspection in accordance with standards set by OSHA.
What kind of Crane Checklists does OSHA Require?
Checklists are the main document type for managing crane inspection requirements inline with OSHA and other standards, but there are a number of other documents including Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for Cranes, which are designed for higher risk style crane lifts and activities.
Crane Lift Plans are also regularly used to ensure lifts are planned safely. But in general, the classic checklist is at the core of crane inspection requirements, because inspections are best managed in a checklist style format.
Pre-start Inspection Checklist
Based on the OSHA standard 1910.179 which states that a crane must be inspected first before first use. What makes this inspection different is that it is performed before using the crane. It’s primary distinction between a frequent inspection checklist and a periodic inspection checklist, where any problem must be discussed when damaged parts must be replaced, is that it is done before the machine is operated, which can be seen by reviewing any good crane pre start inspection checklist template.
The fundamental functions of a crane must be tested, and a short load test must be done. Whether it is a new crane, an altered crane, or even a used crane, the procedures of an initial inspection are repeated every four years after the very first inspection.
Frequent Inspection Checklist
In general, frequent inspections for cranes take place in frequencies of daily to monthly. This addresses the defects and problems that occur during operation and between scheduled maintenance. Some of the general check items under the daily inspection include ensuring that all functional operating mechanisms are free from maladjustment, which can cause disruption or excessive wearing of components in proper operation. There also needs to be an inspection for air and hydraulic systems, that is, for lines, tanks, valves, and drain pumps for signs of deterioration or leakage. Hooks should also be inspected for deformation or cracking, and there must be checking for hoist chains, inclusive of end connections, wear, twisting, distorted links, stretches beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations. Finally, Finally, inspection should be performed on rope reeving with respect to conformance to specifications by the manufacturer’s.
Periodic Inspection Checklist
Periodic inspections are conducted on cranes every bimonthly, quarterly, or yearly depending on the crane's activity, severity of service, and work environment. During the inspections, the crane inspector looks at the critical components for possible defects. These include checking if structural members are deformed, cracked, or corroded, loose bolts or rivets, and sheaves and drums cracked or worn. Components inspected for wear or breakage would include pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and clamping devices. For the brake parts like linings, pawls and ratchets are inspected and loaded, wound or any indicators used in assessing inaccuracies with tests done all round. In addition, chain drive sprockets and chain stretch are checked for wear. Safety standards of any gasoline, diesel, electric or other power plants are inspected. In the final checks, electric apparatus parts like contractors on the controllers, limit switches, and push-button stations for pitting and deterioration are checked.
Checklist as an OSHA Requirement
Failure to comply with OSHA crane inspection requirements leads to fines, penalties and even cessation of operations. OSHA conducts audits and investigations for enforcement purposes. The association takes action on employers who fail to meet the standards.
OSHA compliant crane inspection checklists are designed to protect workers and ensure the safe operation of cranes in the workplace. By following these standards, employers can reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries, foster a safety culture, and avoid legal and financial repercussions. All employers who operate cranes must be aware of OSHA’s standards and have an aggressive inspection and maintenance program.
See how you could stay OSHA compliant by using the example OSHA Crane Inspection Checklist below.

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Crane Safety Tips
Crane safety is essential to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of your team. Selecting the right type of crane is the first step—ensure the crane is suited for the tasks at hand, considering whether a mobile or fixed crane is needed and accounting for its load capacity and capabilities.
Familiarise yourself with the crane operator manual, which provides detailed information about the crane's controls, functions, and limitations. Always operate your crane within its load limits, as overloading can lead to hazards such as tipping or structural deformation. Be aware of the job site environment and surroundings by monitoring nearby people, structures, and potential obstructions. Operate the crane only on designated paths and use a spotter to help identify and avoid hazards. These basic safety tips can significantly reduce risks during crane operation.
Streamline how you Manage your Crane Inspection Requirements
Depending on how regularly you need to be conducting your crane inspections per OSHA regulations, it can be a tedious process if you're doing them over and over again.
Using a digital OSHA Crane Inspection Checklist App can make it easier for your team to spin up OSHA-compliant, standardised crane inspections quickly.
These tools enable crane operators to easily document their inspection directly on site, taking and attaching photo evidence of checks, faults, defects and other important findings.
Once completed, inspection records are automatically stored in a digital database so they can be reviewed and audited by OSHA or any safety auditor.
In this article, we have outlined OSHA's crane inspection requirements, and provided you with a number of documents and tools with which you can better manage your crane inspection requirements moving forward.

Crane Pre-Use Inspection Checklist template
Make sure all of the checks and inspections required to ensure safe crane operation have been performed before every use.

Hoist Inspection Checklist template
Keep all of your hoists operating smoothly and safely using this hoist inspection checklist for a number of different hoists at your chosen frequency.

Crane Hook Inspection Checklist template
Ensure all of your crane hooks are inspected and well maintained using this checklist.