820 Cranes and Derricks Safety I

Shift Inspections

Taking apart equipment components and booming down is not required as part of this inspection unless the results of the visual inspection or trial operation indicate that further investigation is needed. At a minimum, the inspection must include all of the following:

• control mechanisms for maladjustments interfering with proper operation
• control and drive mechanisms for apparent excessive wear of components and contamination by lubricants, water or other foreign matter
• air, hydraulic, and other pressurized lines for deterioration or leakage, particularly those which flex in normal operation;
• hydraulic system for proper fluid level;
• hooks and latches for deformation, cracks, excessive wear, or damage such as from chemicals or heat;
• wire rope reeving for compliance with the manufacturer's specifications;
• wire rope (see Standard 1413 for the rules for wire rope inspections);
• electrical apparatus for malfunctioning, signs of apparent excessive deterioration, or dirt or moisture accumulation;
• tires (when in use) for proper inflation and condition;
• ground conditions around the equipment for proper support, including ground settling under and around outriggers/stabilizers and supporting foundations, ground water accumulation, or similar conditions;
• the equipment for level position within the tolerances specified by the equipment manufacturer's recommendations, both before each shift and after each move and setup;
• operator cab windows for significant cracks, breaks, or other deficiencies that would hamper the operator's view;
• rails, rail stops, rail clamps and supporting surfaces when the equipment travels on rails;
• safety devices and operational aids for proper operation;
• for derricks, guys for proper tension (Standard 1436(p)); and
• deficiencies identified during the most recent annual inspection that the inspector determined must be monitored in the monthly inspections.

If the inspection shows a safety device (see Standard 1415 for a list of required safety devices) is not working properly, the equipment must not be used. If it shows an operational aid (see Standard 1416 for a list of required operational aids) is not working properly, the equipment may be used for a limited period (7 or 30 calendar days depending on the type of operational aid) as long as specified temporary alternative precautions are taken. For the other items covered by the inspection, if the inspector finds any deficiency in an item, he/she must determine if the deficiency is serious enough to be a safety hazard. If so, the equipment must not be used until the deficiency is corrected. Shift inspections need not be documented.

Tower Crane Pre-Shift Inspection

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