Crane inspections

Cranes and hoists need regular inspections by the operator and periodic inspections by a qualified person, and some provinces add their own certification requirements. We provide independent condition inspections of overhead cranes, hoists and rigging, and help you set up and run an inspection program that stands up to scrutiny.

A crane failure can drop a load on a worker. Most serious crane incidents trace back to things an inspection would catch: worn wire rope, damaged hooks, faulty limit switches, cracked welds or rigging that should have been taken out of service. Good inspection programs are as much about records and follow-through as about the inspection itself.

What we look at

• Overhead travelling cranes, gantry and jib cranes, monorails and hoists.
• Structure: runway, bridge and trolley, connections and welds, rails and stops.
• Hoisting components: wire rope or chain, drums, sheaves, hooks and latches, load blocks.
• Brakes, limit switches, pendant or radio controls, warning devices and labelling of rated capacity.
• Rigging hardware: slings, shackles, eyebolts and below-the-hook lifting devices.
• The program: operator pre-use checks, frequent and periodic inspection records, maintenance history and how defects are tagged out.

How it works

1. We start with why. A new crane, an acquired facility, an incident or near miss, or a need to formalize records each set the scope.
2. Record review. We review manufacturer information, load test records, past inspection reports and maintenance logs.
3. Site inspection. With the crane locked out or operated by your qualified operator as needed, we inspect structure, components and controls, and observe a functional check.
4. Program review. We check how pre-use and frequent inspections are being done and recorded, and how defective equipment is removed from service.
5. Report and follow-up. You get a written report and a walkthrough, and we can coordinate repairs and re-inspection.

What you get

A written report for each crane and the rigging inventory, listing condition, defects and whether any item should be removed from service immediately. It includes recommendations on inspection frequency, record keeping and operator checklists that fit how your cranes are actually used. If an item requires repair or a load test, the report says so and describes who should do it.

We can also help you build or tidy up the paperwork side of the program: an equipment register with unique identifiers, inspection forms matched to each crane type, and a simple way to track defects from discovery to repair.

Who it's for

• Plant, maintenance and safety managers responsible for cranes and hoists.
• Fabrication shops, warehouses and industrial facilities with overhead lifting.
• Employers preparing for a safety audit or responding to an OHS order.
• Buyers or tenants taking over a facility with installed cranes.

For background, see overhead crane inspections: frequent and periodic, rigging and sling inspection and lift plans and rigging safety.

Common questions