Pre-operational inspections, checks and maintenance
Before every shift
A pre-operational inspection is a systematic check of the crane before use. Walk around and check for structural damage, cracks, corrosion, loose or missing fasteners, hydraulic leaks, tyre condition and pressure, outrigger beams and pads, and the condition of the slew ring and its bolts. Check the operator's cabin, controls, gauges, LMI/RCL function, alarms, limit switches, hoist rope for broken wires, kinks, corrosion or end fittings, hook for cracks, wear, latch function and throat opening, and sheaves for wear and rope fleet angle. Test functions with no load: hoist, lower, slew, boom raise and lower, telescope, and travel where applicable.
Record the inspection and report defects. A defect that affects safety means the crane is out of service until repaired and re-inspected. Maintenance is scheduled by the manufacturer and by the maintenance provider; the operator does not perform major repairs but must not operate a defective crane.
Traps in exam questions
- Thinking a pre-start is a full inspection. It is a check, not a substitute for scheduled inspection and testing.
- Ignoring the hook latch, which must close and function.
- Missing rope defects: broken wires in a short length, kinks, bird-caging, corrosion, or damaged end fittings.
- Assuming a defect can be 'monitored' during the shift. Safety-critical defects stop the crane.
- Forgetting to check the logbook and previous reports.
Worked example
Rule of thumb: if a defect is on a load-bearing or control-critical component - rope, hook, slew ring, outrigger, LMI, brakes - the crane is out of service. Cosmetic issues are recorded but do not necessarily stop work.
Exam tip
If a question says 'the operator notices a defect at the start of the shift', the answer is to tag out, report and not operate.