Crane Assembly Safety Checklist

This checklist is designed to ensure the safe assembly of cranes. It covers key areas of inspection and procedures to follow during the assembly process. Completion of this checklist is required before crane operation.

I. Pre-Assembly Inspection

A. Site and Ground Conditions

Site is adequate for safe assembly operations [1]
Ground conditions are adequate to support the equipment during assembly [1]
Ground is level within 1% grade [2]

B. Blocking Material [1]

Size and amount of blocking are sufficient to sustain loads
Blocking is in good condition
Method of stacking the blocking maintains stability
Blocking is appropriately placed to protect the structural integrity of the equipment [1]
Blocking prevents dangerous movement and collapse [1]

C. Component Inspection [3]

Each crane component inspected by a qualified person for damage or excessive wear [3]
Components that will be difficult to inspect thoroughly during shift inspections receive particular attention [3]
Damaged or worn components are not erected unless repaired and reinspected [3]
Components needing monitoring are documented for monthly inspections [3]

II. During Assembly

A. Assist Crane (if applicable) [1]

Loads imposed on the assist crane at each phase of assembly are verified before assembly begins [1]

B. Boom and Jib Pick Points [1]

Rigging attachment points on the boom/jib are suitable for preventing structural damage [1]
Rigging attachment points facilitate safe handling of components [1]

C. Center of Gravity [1]

Center of gravity of the load is identified if necessary for maintaining stability [1]
Measures are in place to prevent unintended dangerous movement resulting from inaccurate identification of the center of gravity [1]

D. Stability [1]

Boom sections, suspension systems, and components are rigged or supported to maintain stability upon pin removal [1]
Suspension ropes and pendants are not allowed to catch on boom or jib connection pins or cotter pins [1]
Potential for unintended movement from inadequately supported counterweights is addressed [1]

E. Wire Rope [4]

Replacement rope is the same size, grade, and construction as the original rope [4]
If a load is supported by more than one part of rope, the tension in the parts is equalized [4]

III. Post-Assembly Inspection and Testing

A. General Inspection [2]

All new and altered cranes are inspected prior to initial use to ensure compliance with standards [2]
Functional operating mechanisms are checked for maladjustment interfering with proper operation [4]
Deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps, and other parts of air or hydraulic systems are checked [4]
Hooks are inspected for deformation or cracks [4]
Hoist or load attachment chains, including end connections, are checked for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations [5]
Rope slings, including end connections, are checked for excessive wear, broken wires, stretch, kinking, or twisting [5]
All functional operating mechanisms are checked for excessive wear of components [5]
Rope reeving is checked for noncompliance with manufacturer's recommendations [5]

B. Operational Tests [6]

Load hoisting and lowering mechanisms tested [6]
Boom hoisting and lowering mechanisms tested [6]
Swinging mechanism tested [6]
Travel mechanism tested [6]
Safety devices tested [6]

C. Load Test [3]

A load test using certified weights or scaled weights using a certified scale is conducted after each erection [3]
The load test is conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions [3]
Where manufacturer's instructions are unavailable, the test is conducted in accordance with written load test procedures developed by a registered professional engineer [3]
Test loads do not exceed 110% of the rated load at any selected working radius [6]

D. Warning Device [4]

Crane is equipped with a gong or other effective warning signal [4]

E. Rated Capacity Chart [2]

A chart indicating the manufacturer's rated capacity at all operating radii for all permissible boom lengths and jib lengths with alternate ratings for optional equipment is posted [2]
Rated capacity charts are readily visible to the operator in the normal operating position [2]