Crane Inspections

 

Cranes and derricks are inspected to prevent injuries and fatalities caused by equipment failures. A key method of accomplishing this goal is through the use of an inspection process that identifies and addresses safety concerns.
OSHA requires that the various inspections be conducted by either a “competent person” or a “qualified person” depending on the type of inspection. “Competent person” means 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 authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

“Qualified person” means a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, successfully demonstrated the ability to solve/resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

Each shift
The shift inspection is the first of three required regularly scheduled equipment inspections.
The employer will often use the equipment operator as the competent person who conducts the shift inspection. The operator, in most cases, by virtue of his or her qualification or certification, experience, and familiarity with the equipment, is a competent person. However, the employer has the flexibility to use someone else to conduct the shift inspection as long as that person is a competent person.

A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used. It must be completed before or during that shift and consist of observation for apparent deficiencies. OSHA does not require documentation of the shift inspection.

Monthly
The monthly inspection of the equipment is the second of the three required regularly scheduled general inspections. It is identical in coverage and manner to the shift inspection and must be conducted by a competent person. However, unlike a shift inspection, the employer must document the inspection and retain the documentation for a minimum of three months.

The documentation must show the:
• Items checked and the results of inspection, and
• Name and signature of person who did the inspection and the date it was done.

Annual/comprehensive inspection
OSHA requires an annual (once every 12 months) general inspection of the equipment, the third of the three required regularly scheduled general inspections. It promotes safety by ensuring that a thorough, comprehensive inspection of the equipment is performed to detect and address deficiencies that might not be detected in the shift and monthly inspections.

Annual inspections must be performed by a qualified person due to the more thorough examination required. The higher level of expertise of a qualified person helps to ensure that the inspector is able to identify deficiencies necessitating a greater degree of scrutiny than what would be required in the shift inspection; for example, a deficiency that is not apparent in a visual inspection but is detectable through taking apart equipment components.

Some disassembly of the equipment may be needed for the qualified person to complete the inspection.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com