Crane and Hoist Operation

Operating Tip: Crane Pre-Operational Check

A pre-operational check of the crane is vital to basic crane safety and required by OSHA 1910.179 as well as ANSI/ASME crane and hoist national safety standards. The following is a generic checklist to assist an operator in performing this necessary inspection:

PRE-OPERATION CRANE SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Prior to the operation of the crane, the user will visually inspect to the best of their ability, the items listed below. This inspection is not intended to certify the safety of the crane or take the place of a detailed inspection.
Crane Description:_______________________________ Shift:_________________
Crane Operator/Inspector:_________________________ Date:_________________

If any inspection checklist item is found to be unsafe, report it to your supervisor and do not operate the crane.

Signature:________________________________________________________

The crane user will visually inspect the following items for proper operation at the beginning of each shift.

Safe Unsafe

_____ _____ 1. Area and runway rails for obstructions to crane bridge/cab (stops, portable equipment, etc.).

_____ _____ 2. Check for personnel who may have accessed the bridge or trolley and general crane condition (obvious damage or loose parts?)

_____ _____ 3. Hoist(s) wire rope or chain for evidence of damage (broken wires, kinks, crushing, etc….)

_____ _____ 4. Drum(s) for proper spooling of wire rope and check for proper seating of rope in all sheaves.

_____ _____ 5. Hoisting slings or grabs or lifting devices attached to crane for evidence of damage and proper operation.

_____ _____ 6. Crane hooks and block(s) for obvious cracks, bent conditions, or other defects.

_____ _____ 7. Warning Devices (horn, etc….)

_____ _____ 8. Upper safety limit switch.

_____ _____ 9. All crane motions (direction and operation)

_____ _____ 10. Brakes (plugging, holding, and service, if equipped).

_____ _____ 11. Leaks in hydraulic systems, if so equipped.

Additional items for cab-operated cranes:

_____ _____ 12. Access (stairs, ladder condition, etc.)

_____ _____ 13. Fire extinguisher (presence and charge)

_____ _____ 14. Emergency egress device (Rescumatic or other)

_____ _____ 15. Cab condition (windows, housekeeping, etc.)

Other items which may require further attention, but may not cause the crane to be unsafe:

_____ _____ 16. Lights (bridge or other lights)

Other items _____ (Check if applicable, list remarks below on card)

The crane operators will notify supervisor if defects or abnormal operation occur during pre-operations inspections or during the shift.