9.2 Crane Inspections, Safety Devices & Operational Aids (230 CMR 6.08; OSHA 1926.1412, 1415, 1416)

Massachusetts inspection duties (230 CMR 6.08)

Who may inspect: competent person versus qualified person

• Competent person: "capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards… and has authorization to take prompt corrective measures." This definition appears in both 230 CMR 6.01 and OSHA 1926.1401. The operator commonly performs the shift inspection as the competent person.
• Qualified person (OSHA 1926.1401): has a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or extensive knowledge, training and experience, and has demonstrated the ability to solve problems in the subject matter. Annual inspections, post-assembly inspections and severe-service evaluations need a qualified person. OSHA does not require that person to be an outside third party.

The OSHA 1926.1412 inspection schedule

Each shift (1926.1412(d))

A competent person begins a visual inspection before each shift and completes it before or during the shift. Booming down or disassembly is not required unless the visual check or trial operation shows a need. At minimum it covers:

1. Control mechanisms, for maladjustments
2. Control and drive mechanisms, for excessive wear and contamination by lubricants, water or other foreign matter
3. Air, hydraulic and other pressurized lines, for deterioration or leakage, especially lines that flex
4. Hydraulic fluid level
5. Hooks and latches, for deformation, cracks, excessive wear, or chemical or heat damage
6. Wire rope reeving, for compliance with the manufacturer's specifications
7. Wire rope, per 1926.1413(a) (Section 9.1)
8. Electrical apparatus, for malfunction, deterioration, dirt or moisture
9. Tires, for proper inflation and condition
10. Ground conditions, including settling under outriggers and water accumulation
11. Level, within the manufacturer's tolerance, before each shift and after each move and setup
12. Cab windows, for cracks or breaks that hamper the view
13. Rails, rail stops and clamps, for rail-traveling equipment
14. Safety devices and operational aids, for proper operation

Deficiency found (items 1–13): the competent person immediately decides whether it is a safety hazard. If it is, the equipment is taken out of service until corrected. Safety-device or operational-aid deficiencies follow 1926.1415 and 1926.1416, below.

Monthly (1926.1412(e))

Each month the equipment is in service, it is inspected to the shift-inspection standard, and it may not be used until no corrective action is required. Documentation: the items checked and the results, plus the name and signature of the inspector and the date. It is kept for at least three months.

Annual/comprehensive (1926.1412(f))

At least every 12 months, a qualified person repeats the shift-inspection items and does a deeper inspection, with disassembly as necessary. It covers: structural members (deformed, cracked or significantly corroded); bolts, rivets and fasteners; welds for cracks; sheaves and drums; pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers and locking devices; brake and clutch parts, linings, pawls and ratchets; safety devices and operational aids, including significant inaccuracies; power plants; chains and sprockets; travel, steering, brakes and locks; tires; hydraulic and pneumatic hoses, fittings, pumps, motors, valves and cylinders (including cylinder drift); outrigger pads and floats; slider pads; and electrical components and wiring. Documentation of items, results, name, signature and date is kept for at least 12 months.

Other required inspections

Safety devices: no alternatives (OSHA 1926.1415)

Required on all covered equipment unless otherwise specified:

• Crane level indicator (built in or available on the equipment)
• Boom stops (except derricks and hydraulic booms)
• Jib stops if a jib is attached (except derricks)
• Locks on equipment with foot pedal brakes
• Integral holding devices or check valves on hydraulic outrigger and stabilizer jacks
• Rail clamps and rail stops on equipment on rails (except portal cranes)
• Horn

Rule: operations may not begin unless all of these work. If one fails during operation, the operator safely stops, and the equipment is out of service until it works. Alternative measures are not permitted.

Operational aids: temporary alternatives with deadlines (OSHA 1926.1416)

Parts on order: if the employer documents that parts were ordered within 7 days, the repair is due within 7 days of receiving them (for Category II, when the parts arrive too late to finish within 30 days). If an aid fails during operation, the operator safely stops until the alternative measures are in place. Manufacturer measures that are more protective must be followed. For personnel hoisting, the required devices must work, and no alternative measures are allowed (1926.1431).

Tagging out

When equipment or a function is out of service, a tag goes in the cab (or at the function's control) stating that it is out of service and is not to be used (OSHA 1926.1417(f)). When adjustments or repairs are needed, the operator informs the employer's designated person in writing, and the next operator on successive shifts. The employer tells all affected employees at the start of each shift about the needed repairs and the alternative measures in use (1926.1417(j)). Safety devices and operational aids are never a substitute for the operator's professional judgment (1926.1417(k)).

Other equipment checks

• Accessible fire extinguisher on the equipment (OSHA 1926.1433(d)(6)).
• Posted warnings and the manufacturer's labels kept legible (1926.1433(d)(5)).
• Load charts and manuals in the machine (230 CMR 6.08(2)(c)15; 6.09(1)(a)).