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provide an inspection template for a tower crane

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Tower Crane Inspection Checklist ================================

Date: 2025-09-27

Inspector: \[INSPECTOR NAME]

Location/Area: \[LOCATION/AREA]

Department: \[DEPARTMENT]

Purpose


To ensure the safe operation of tower cranes by identifying potential hazards and verifying compliance with safety regulations and manufacturer's specifications. This checklist should be used before each shift, after erection, monthly, and annually, or as specified by the manufacturer.

Instructions for Use


  1. 1\. Inspect the crane according to the checklist items.
  2. 2\. Record findings in the maintenance logbook.
  3. 3\. Note any deficiencies and corrective actions taken.
  4. 4\. Ensure all inspections are documented and available for review.

Frequency


This checklist should be completed: Before each shift, after erection, monthly, and annually

Safety Checklist


Pre-Erection Inspection

To be completed before crane erection.

ItemPassFailComments
Inspect each crane component for damage or excessive wear before erection. [1] Check: No visible damage, cracks, or excessive wear is present. Components meet manufacturer's specifications. If failed: Do not erect damaged components. Repair or replace components before use. Reinspect after repair._________________
Pay particular attention to components that will be difficult to inspect thoroughly during shift inspections. [1] Check: Components are easily accessible and thoroughly inspected. If failed: Ensure clear access to all critical components. Use appropriate tools and equipment for inspection._________________
Verify that foundations and structural supports are installed according to their design. [3] Check: Foundations and supports match the design specifications and are properly installed. If failed: Consult with a qualified engineer to correct any discrepancies. Do not proceed with erection until resolved._________________

Post-Erection Inspection

To be completed after crane erection.

ItemPassFailComments
Conduct a load test using certified weights or scaled weights using a certified scale. [2] Check: Load test is performed with certified weights or scaled weights using a certified scale with a current certificate of calibration. If failed: Perform load test as per manufacturer's instructions or written procedures by a registered professional engineer._________________
Conduct the load test in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or written load test procedures developed by a registered professional engineer. [2] Check: Load test follows manufacturer's instructions or written procedures by a registered professional engineer. If failed: Ensure the availability of manufacturer's instructions or engage a registered professional engineer to develop written procedures._________________

Monthly Inspection

To be completed monthly.

ItemPassFailComments
Check tower (mast) bolts and other structural bolts for loose or dislodged condition. [2] Check: Bolts are properly tightened and not dislodged. If failed: Tighten loose bolts to the specified torque. Replace any dislodged or damaged bolts._________________
Inspect the upper-most tie-in, braces, floor supports, and floor wedges for loose or dislodged components. [2] Check: All components are securely in place and not dislodged. If failed: Secure any loose components. Replace any damaged or missing components._________________

Annual Inspection

To be completed annually.

ItemPassFailComments
Inspect all turntable and tower bolts for proper condition and torque. [2] Check: Bolts are in good condition and tightened to the correct torque specifications. If failed: Replace any damaged bolts and tighten all bolts to the specified torque._________________
Inspect wire rope for wear, broken wires, kinking, cutting, crushing, or other damage. [7] Check: Wire rope is free from damage and meets the manufacturer's specifications for wear. If failed: Replace wire rope if any damage is found or if it does not meet the manufacturer's specifications._________________

Operational Inspection (Pre-Shift)

To be completed before each shift.

ItemPassFailComments
Verify that the crane is on a firm/stable surface and level. [4] Check: Crane is level and stable, with outriggers fully extended if applicable. If failed: Adjust the crane's position to ensure it is on a stable and level surface. Fully extend outriggers._________________
Inspect all rigging prior to use. [4] Check: Rigging equipment (slings, hooks, etc.) is in good condition, with appropriate capacity ratings. If failed: Replace any damaged or worn rigging equipment. Ensure the correct type and capacity are used._________________
Check for proper operation of load moment indicator, boom angle indicator, boom length indicator and anti two-block system. [8] Check: Indicators and anti two-block system function correctly. If failed: Repair or replace any malfunctioning indicators or systems._________________
Ensure the load indicating device is functional. [1] Check: The load indicating device displays the magnitude of the load on the hook. If failed: Repair or replace the load indicating device if it is not functioning correctly._________________
Check rope appearance. [6] Check: Rope is lubricated, and free from kinks, cuts, breaks, corrosion, reduced diameter, or broken strands. If failed: Replace rope if any of the above conditions are present. Lubricate if dry._________________
Check hooks. [6] Check: Hooks are free from cracks, twisting, straightening, and have a functional safety latch. If failed: Replace hooks if any of the above conditions are present._________________
Check lights. [6] Check: All lights are functioning properly. If failed: Replace any burned-out or broken lights._________________
Check brakes. [6] Check: Brakes are functioning properly with no excessive shoe wear. If failed: Adjust or replace brakes as necessary._________________
Check hydraulic systems. [8] Check: No leaks or deterioration in hydraulic systems. Fluid levels are correct. If failed: Repair any leaks and ensure fluid levels are correct._________________
Check control buttons. [6] Check: Control buttons are labeled and function properly without sticking. If failed: Repair or replace any malfunctioning control buttons._________________

General Requirements


ItemPassFailComments
Crane operators must be qualified and trained. [4] Check: Operators have the necessary certifications and training records. If failed: Provide necessary training and certification to unqualified operators._________________
A designated competent person must inspect the crane and all crane controls before use. [4] Check: Inspection is performed by a competent person and documented. If failed: Designate a competent person to perform inspections._________________
Maintain at least a 10-foot safe working clearance from overhead electric power lines. [4] Check: Clearance is maintained at all times during crane operation. If failed: Relocate crane or power lines to ensure safe clearance._________________
Use the correct load chart for the crane's current configuration and setup. [4] Check: Load chart is present, legible, and matches the crane's configuration. If failed: Obtain and use the correct load chart._________________
Do not exceed the load chart capacity while making lifts. [4] Check: Load weight is within the crane's capacity. If failed: Reduce load weight to be within the crane's capacity._________________
Fully extend outriggers and barricade accessible areas inside the crane's swing radius. [4] Check: Outriggers are fully extended and swing radius is barricaded. If failed: Extend outriggers and barricade the swing radius._________________
Towers must be erected plumb to the manufacturer's tolerance and verified by a qualified person. [3] Check: Tower is plumb within the specified tolerance. If failed: Adjust tower to meet plumb tolerance._________________

Failed Item Procedures


  1. 1\. Remove the crane from service immediately.
  2. 2\. Tag the crane as 'Out of Service'.
  3. 3\. Notify the supervisor and maintenance personnel.
  4. 4\. Repair or replace the defective component before returning the crane to service.
  5. 5\. Re-inspect the crane after repairs are completed.

Documentation Requirements


1\. Maintain a logbook of all inspections, maintenance, repairs, and modifications.

Checklist Completion


Overall Status: ☐ Pass     ☐ Fail     ☐ Corrective Actions Required

Inspector Signature: Date:

Supervisor Review: Date:

Corrective Actions Completed By: Date:

References and Standards


  • OSHA 29 CFR 1926\.1435 - Tower cranes [1]
  • CSA Standard Z248-2004, Code for Tower Cranes [5]

This checklist must be retained for \[RETENTION PERIOD].

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8 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] OSHA Quick Cards: Crane Safety

Page 1

Open source document

Source excerpt

# OSHA QUICK CARD™ ## Protect Yourself Crane Safety Fatalities and serious injuries can occur if cranes are not inspected and used properly. Many fatalities can occur when the crane boom, load line or load contacts power lines and shorts electricity to ground. Other incidents happen when workers are struck by the load, are caught inside the swing radius or fail to assemble/ disassemble the crane properly. • Cranes are to be operated only by qualified and trained personnel. • A designated competent person must inspect the crane and all crane controls before use. - Be sure the crane is on a firm/stable surface and level. - During assembly/disassembly do not unlock or remove pins unless sections are blocked and secure (stable). - Fully extend outriggers and barricade accessible areas inside the crane's swing radius. - Watch for overhead electric power lines and main- tain at least a 10-foot safe working clearance from the lines. - Inspect all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist lines around the load. • Be sure to use the correct load chart for the crane's current configuration and setup, the load weight and lift path. - Do not exceed the load chart capacity while making lifts. - Raise load a few inches, hold, verify capacity/bal- ance, and test brake system before delivering load. • Do not move loads over workers. • Be sure to follow signals and manufacturer instruc- tions while operating cranes. For more complete information: Occupational OSHA Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA OSHA 3259-09R-05

[2] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) - 1926.1435 - Tower cranes

Page 9

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1926.1435(e)(6)(iv) (cont.) 1926.1435(e)(6)(vi) Load indicating device. Cranes manufactured after November 8, 2011 must have a device that displays the magnitude of the load on the hook. Displays that are part of load moment limiting devices that display the load on the hook meet this requirement. Temporary alternative measures: The weight of the load must be determined from a source recognized by the industry (such as the load's manufacturer), or by a calculation method recognized by the industry (such as calculating a steel beam from measured dimensions and a known per foot weight), or by other equally reliable means. This information must be provided to the operator prior to the lift. - 1926.1435(f) - Inspections. - 1926.1435(f)(1) Section 1926.1412 (Inspections) applies to tower cranes, except that the term "assembly" is replaced by "erection." Section 1926.1413 (Wire rope--inspection) applies to tower cranes. - 1926.1435(f)(2) Pre-erection inspection. Before each crane component is erected, it must be inspected by a qualified person for damage or excessive wear. - 1926.1435(f)(2)(i) The qualified person must pay particular attention to components that will be difficult to inspect thoroughly during shift inspections. Submit Feedback - 1926.1435(f)(2)(ii) - If the qualified person determines that a component is damaged or worn to the extent that it would create a safety hazard if used on the crane, that component must not be erected on the crane unless it is repaired and, upon reinspection by the qualified person, found to no longer create a safety hazard. - 1926.1435(f)(2)(iii) - If the qualified person determines that, though not presently a safety hazard, the component needs to be monitored, the employer must ensure that the component is checked in the monthly inspections. Any such determination must be documented, and the documentation must be available to any individual who conduct

[3] Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 296/97)

Page 276

Open source document

Source excerpt

# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Standards (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION Part 14 - Cranes and Hoists (c) Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) Specifications for Top Running and Under Running Single Girder Electric Overhead Cranes Utilizing Under Running Trolley Hoist - No. 74 (2004). (4) A bridge, jib, monorail, gantry or overhead travelling crane must meet the safety requirements of (a) CSA Standard B167-96, Safety Standard for Maintenance and Inspection of Overhead Cranes, Gantry Cranes, Monorails, Hoists, and Trolleys, (b) ANSI Standard ANSI/ASME B30.2-2005, Overhead and Gantry Cranes (Top Running Bridge, Single or Multiple Girder, Top Running Trolley Hoist), (c) ANSI Standard ANSI/ASME B30.11-2004, Monorails and Underhung Cranes, (d) ANSI Standard ANSI/ASME B30.16-2003, Overhead Hoists (Underhung), or (e) ANSI Standard ANSI/ASME B30.17-2003, Overhead and Gantry Cranes (Top Running Bridge, Single Girder, Underhung Hoist). (5) A mobile crane, telescoping or articulating boom truck or sign truck must meet the requirements of (a) CSA Standard Z150-1998, Safety Code for Mobile Cranes, (b) ANSI Standard ANSI/ASME B30.5-2004, Mobile and Locomotive Cranes, or (c) ANSI Standard ANSI/ASME B30.22-2005, Articulating Boom Cranes. (6) A tower, hammerhead crane or self erecting tower crane must meet the require- ments of CSA Standard Z248-2004, Code for Tower Cranes. (7) A portal, tower or pillar crane must meet the requirements of ANSI Standard ASME B30.4-2003, Portal, Tower, and Pedestal Cranes. (8) A construction material hoist, other than a light duty portable material hoist, must meet the requirements of CSA Standard CAN/CSA-Z256-M87, Safety Code for Material Hoists. (9) A chimney hoist must meet the requirements of WorkSafeBC Standard 14.116 - Chimney Hoists, set out in Schedule 14-A. (10) A base mounted drum hoist must meet the

[4] Materials Handling - Crane Maintenance

Page 2

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Materials Handling - Crane Maintenance (cont.) ## Organize (cont.) - Check all sides of the wire for reduction in diameter, broken wires, kinking, cutting, crushing, or other damage. - Lower hoist to unload rope sheaves. - Unwind all wire rope from the hoist drum to expose all parts of the rope, making sure that the rope does not rewind in the reverse direction. - Inspect sheaves, sockets, dead-ends, thimble joints, and all wire rope hardware. - Check that the sheaves rotate freely and smoothly. Look for worn bearings, broken flanges, proper groove size, smoothness, and contour. - Inspect all parts of the cable, cleaning wire rope only as required to complete an inspection. Excessive removal of lubrication will lead to damage. - Re-lubricate rope to prevent corrosion, wear, friction, and drying out of the core. - Check for ropes that may have been operated dry (unlubricated). Replace dry ropes. There may be hidden damage that is not detected by visual inspection. - Compare the rope length and diameter with the original dimensions. Lengthening accompanied by diameter reduction is often an indication of interior core defects. - Check the hook for wear, bending, twisting, or cracks. Safety catches should be in place, operate properly, and the hook nuts are tight. Replace when there is more than 10% wear on the hook. Establish a schedule of rope replacement to change wire rope before it breaks and according to manufacturer's specifications. Periodic replacements do not take the place of inspections. If rope breaks or inspections reveal abnormal wire breakage or defects, reduce the time between replacements. Do not make wire rope slings from used wire rope. ## Crane Structure and accessories - Visually, ultrasonically, or by other methods examine the crane structure for deformed, cracked or corroded members in the structure and boom. - Check that the capacity markings are present. - Check for loose bolts or rivets. - Check for excessive wear on

[5] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) - 1926.1435 - Tower cranes

Page 10

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1926.1435(e)(6)(iv) (cont.) Post-erection inspection. In addition to the requirements in § 1926.1412(c), the following requirements must be met: - 1926.1435(f)(3)(i) A load test using certified weights, or scaled weights using a certified scale with a current certificate of calibration, must be conducted after each erection. - 1926.1435(f) (3) (ii) The load test must be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions when available. Where these instructions are unavailable, the test must be conducted in accordance with written load test procedures developed by a registered professional engineer familiar with the type of equipment involved. - 1926.1435(f)(4) Monthly. The following additional items must be included: - 1926.1435(f)(4)(i) Tower (mast) bolts and other structural bolts (for loose or dislodged condition) from the base of the tower crane up or, if the crane is tied to or braced by the structure, those above the upper- most brace support. - 1926.1435(f)(4)(ii) The upper-most tie-in, braces, floor supports and floor wedges where the tower crane is supported by the structure, for loose or dislodged components. - 1926.1435(f)(5) Annual. In addition to the items that must be inspected under § 1926.1412(f), all turntable and tower bolts must be inspected for proper condition and torque. [75 FR [redacted postal code], August 9, 2010] Scroll to Top OSHA Standards Enforcement Topics Media Center Contact Us

[6] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) - 1926.1435 - Tower cranes

Page 2

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) tower, jib, or rotating portion of the crane during erecting, climbing and dismantling operations until the crane is secured in a locked position and the competent person in charge indicates it is safe to enter this area, unless the manufacturer's instructions direct otherwise and only the necessary personnel are permitted in this area. - 1926.1435(b)(3) Foundations and structural supports. Tower crane foundations and structural supports (including both the portions of the structure used for support and the means of attachment) must be designed by the manufacturer or a registered professional engineer. - 1926.1435(b)(4) Addressing specific hazards. The requirements in $ 1926.1404(h)(1) through (9) apply. In addition, the A/D director must address the following: - 1926.1435(b)(4)(i) Foundations and structural supports. The A/D director must determine that tower crane foundations and structural supports are installed in accordance with their design. - 1926.1435(b)(4)(ii) Loss of backward stability. Backward stability before swinging self erecting cranes or cranes on traveling or static undercarriages. - 1926.1435(b)(4)(iii) Wind speed. Wind must not exceed the speed recommended by the manufacturer or, where manufacturer does not specify this information, the speed determined by a qualified person. - 1926.1435(b)(5) Plumb tolerance. Towers must be erected plumb to the manufacturer's tolerance and verified by a qualified person. Where the manufacturer does not specify plumb tolerance, the crane tower must be plumb to a tolerance of at least 1:500 (approximately 1 inch in 40 feet). - 1926.1435(b)(6) - Multiple tower crane jobsites. On jobsites where more than one fixed jib (hammerhead) tower crane is installed, the cranes must be located such that no crane can come in contact with the structure of another crane. Cranes are permitted to pass over one another. - 1926.1435(b)(7) Climbing procedures. P

[7] Materials Handling - Crane Pre-operation Inspection

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Source excerpt

# Materials Handling - Crane Pre-operation Inspection (cont.) ## What should you check for before operating a crane? (cont.) - Capacity markings - present - Rope appearance - lubrication, kinks, cuts, breaks, corrosion, reduced diameter, broken strands of wires or other signs of wear or damage. - A rope drum - position of cable in groove tracking, means of anchoring and drum wear or damage. - Sheaves - alignment of ropes, guides, dead ends, wear in sheave groove. - Hooks - cracks, twisting, straightening, hook throat opening or other signs of wear or damage, bent safety latch and broken spring. - Slings - appropriate type of sling, legible and appropriate capacity ratings, with no holes, cuts, crushed webbing or other damages. - Lights - burned out, broken. - Mechanical parts and guards - loose, bent, broken, and missing. - Rails - broken, chipped, cracked. - Wheels - worn (shown by bumpy riding). - Bearings - loose, worn. - Brakes - shoe wear. - Bridge bumpers and trolley end stop - loose, missing, improper placement. - Controllers and collector shoes or bars - worn, pitted, loose, broken, or faulty operation. - Control buttons - labeled to indicate their function, properly function, immediately release without sticking. - Foot walk zone - condition of the boards, railings, and ladders. - Gears - lack of lubrication or presence of foreign material in gear teeth (indicated by grinding or squealing). - A fire extinguisher must be in the crane cab. - Make sure that no one is on or around a crane before closing the main or emergency switch, even when starting on regular duty. - Before closing the main switch, make sure that all controllers are in the "off" position. - Inspect oil after opening and locking out the main switch. - Make sure no overhead power lines are obstructing the crane operation. ## What should you inspect while the crane is moving? Before lifting any load you should start the crane and inspect it when it is moving. Look for:

[8] Materials Handling - Crane Maintenance

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Open source document

Source excerpt

# Materials Handling - Crane Maintenance (cont.) ## Hydraulic systems - Check for deterioration or leakage in air or hydraulic systems. - Check for safe and effective operation on hoses, pumps and motors. - Check levels of fluid. - Check air cleaners for replacement or cleaning. ## Control Mechanisms and Monitoring Devices - Check all control mechanisms such as cables, brakes and levers for poor adjustment or excessive wear. - Check accuracy of marking on the load/radius indicator over full range. - Check for proper operation of load moment indicator, boom angle indicator, boom length indicator and anti two-block system according to the manufacturer's manual. ## What are some things to remember when repairing a crane? - Enter all service inspections and repairs in a crane logbook. - Ensure that all controllers are placed in the "off" position, and the main switches are open and locked. Use lockout/tag out procedures as appropriate, including to: - Use fall protection equipment if working at heights. - Do not carry anything in your hands when going up and down ladders. Items that are too large to go into pockets or belts should be lifted to or lowered separately. - Prevent loose parts or tools from falling to the floor or on other workers. - The area below the crane must be cleared and a barrier erected to prevent injury from a falling object. - Replace all guards and other safety devices before placing the crane back in service. - Remove all stops, tools, loose parts and other material as you complete the repair job. - Keep your equipment clean including batteries, cab and windows, wheels and tracks, deck and car body. Fact sheet last revised: 2019-02-18 ## Disclaimer Materials Handling - Crane Maintenance CCOHS

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