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.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
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.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
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.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
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.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
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.

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
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

Item	Pass	Fail	Comments
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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