Pre-Operational Inspection and Setup
What this domain covers
Pre-Operational Inspection and Setup tests the walk-around, function checks, and setup decisions made before the first pile is picked.
Inspection sequence
- Review the prior shift log and any defects.
- Inspect structural members, welds, pins, keepers, boom and lead connections, cracks, and corrosion.
- Check wire rope for broken wires, kinks, birdcaging, crushed areas, and end connections; check sheaves, blocks, hooks, latches, and shackles. Apply the wire-rope removal criteria in the applicable ASME B30 standard and manufacturer manual.
- Inspect the hammer for cracks, loose bolts, cushion condition, fuel or hydraulic leaks, hoses, gauges, and safety guards.
- Test controls, brakes, horn, alarms, anti-two-block, limit switches, and emergency stop without a load. Confirm the load moment indicator is calibrated for the configured attachment.
- Set up on firm, level ground with mats; fully extend outriggers; barricade the swing area.
Worked example
During the walk-around you find a missing keeper pin on a boom-foot pin and a cracked weld on a lead guide. The correct decision is to stop, tag the rig out of service, and have a qualified person repair it to the manufacturer's procedure. You do not replace the keeper with a bolt from the toolbox or continue because the crack is only in the guide.
Traps
Treating the inspection as a box-check; skipping function tests because the rig started; using unapproved pins; and setting up before confirming ground and utility clearance.