What to inspect?
Hoists and cranes require inspections, including daily visual and operational inspections by the operator, a minimum
monthly inspection with signed reports by a qualified person, and periodic inspections—at minimum, once per year—with signed reports by a qualified
person. OSHA regulates overhead cranes through 29 CFR 1910.179, which can be found in its entirety at osha.gov. Note that ANSI B30.20-67 Safety Code for Overhead
and Gantry Cranes is incorporated by reference in 1910.6(e)(19).
Daily items that should be visually inspected every shift include the pendant station or remote; upper and lower limits;
hoist operation; trolley operation; bridge operation; end stops; cross conductor; wire rope or chain; rope reeving; hook and latch; warning device; and warning tag.
Monthly inspection items include hooks; wire rope or chain; and wire rope or chain end connection. The monthly inspection
certification record should have the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and the serial number, or other identifier, of
the items.
Periodic inspections are complete inspections of the crane.
The ASME B30.26 and B30.9 standards require hardware and slings to be inspected before each lift by the operator, each day
by a competent person, and annually by a qualified person. Below-the-hook devices fall under ASME B30.2 and are required to be inspected before each lift and daily
by the operator, as well as annually by a qualified person.
Steps in the lift plan
Before the lift is even made, a crucial part of mitigating risk is establishing a lift plan. What are the key steps in
establishing this plan?
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Determine who is the competent person responsible for rigging and make this known to the team.
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Establish if the equipment is in an acceptable condition, noting if it is the appropriate type and has been properly identified.
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Determine if the working load limits are adequate, including if the capacity of the gear, the weight of the load, and the center of gravity is
known.
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Note if the slings are padded against sharp corners and prevent any cuts or abrasion using sling protection.
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Verify the sling angle to be used during the lift, which can affect lifting capacity.
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Find out if the load will be rigged to the center of gravity.
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Determine if the load will be under control, and the hitches will be appropriate. When selecting a sling, also consider the hitch that will be
used, the load that will be applied, and the rigging environment. Do not use a hitch for lifting loose materials, long materials, or any load
that can tip. When this is decided, determine if the slings capture the center of gravity, the hitch is appropraite, the load lift is level,
the load is stable, and if a tag line is required.
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Find out if there are any unusual loading or environmental conditions, such as wind or extreme temperatures.
Lifting and moving the load
When it comes time to make the lift, note that cranes are designed for vertical lifts only. Side pulling and end
pulling are improper lifts. As the lift is made, pay attention. Perform the lift so no one will be hurt if there is a failure. Keep hands clear of
the load to eliminated pinch points. Slowly raise the hook block, then slowly raise the load to minimize swing. Use proper hand signals when necessary.
At all times, respect the load being lifted.
By practicing good risk management, risks created by making a lift can be decreased from your crane operation.