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instructions and OSHA
regulations can minimize
health and safety risks.
Operator’s Manuals typically
specify daily, weekly, and
monthly inspections, as well
as longer-term assessments
that may require equipment
to be partially disassembled.
Performing these inspection
schedules can reduce liability if
something happens on the job
site.
Crane maintenance needs
frequent scheduling to test
safety and functionality. The
frequency may depend on
the model, service, use and
environment in which the
equipment is working or stored
and may require a customized
approach.
It’s clear that regular,
consistent maintenance will
often identify minor problems
before they become major
ones and help ensure the
safety, proper performance
and long life of the equipment.
Necessary care and inspection
are essential to protect
operators and others working
on and around the equipment
as well. And OHSA also requires
your crane to be inspected if
you make extensive repairs,
alterations or replace large
parts, such as hoists, ensuring
the modifications are safe
before use.

Daily Crane Inspections
Even if you don’t regularly
operate the crane or forklift,
it makes safety sense to run
through a safety checklist
before each shift – a walk-
around circle-check for any that go to a deeper level. They include daily to every aspect of the machine, from structural
visible problems, defects guidelines and add a careful look at the entire components to small hardware, cables, chains,
or missing items that could structure for damage, deformation, cracks, leaks pedals, pumps, tires, lights and seatbelts.
affect safety or productivity. or misalignment, as well as load testing. Beyond
Operation Manuals will have a the daily requirements, they check oil levels in the Oil and lubrication
detailed checklist to follow but hydraulic tank and slewing housing and carefully Generally, all knuckleboom crane and truck-
it’s also important to take note reviewing all small hardware: bolts, screws, pivot mounted forklift models should be cleaned and
of things that may not be on pin locking mechanisms, latches and retainers. lubricated after 16 hours of operation or before
that list, such as loose items or Control linkages are checked, along with support storage. Changing the return filter and cleaning
debris that could fall off while legs, outriggers, winches, hooks, accessories and the filter in the filler cap every six months or
the machine is in operation or other lifting tackles. 500 hours, and changing hydraulic and gear oils
transit. OHSA requires inspections at least daily or annually after the first six months will help keep
after each shift when used around the clock in the equipment in peak performance.
One-Month and Six-Month forklifts. As a standard, a 30-point inspection and
Inspections load test is essential after set operational hours. Inspection Logbooks
Manufacturers often Beyond oil levels, air filters, coolants, hoses and A well-maintained logbook is both best
recommend inspections connections, these inspections pay close attention Lifting Device Safety continued on page 22...

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