Crane inspection, maintenance, and pre-operational checks
Domain 3 tests inspection and maintenance discipline: what the operator checks before each shift, what must be tagged out, and what records prove the crane is legal.
Pre-shift inspection
Walk around and look up: wire rope for broken wires, kinks, crushing, corrosion, and end fittings; sheaves and drums for wear and rope seating; hook for cracks, throat opening, and latch; rigging; outriggers and floats; tires, leaks, fluids, and structural cracks. In the cab, check load chart, decals, fire extinguisher, seat belt, lights, horn, and controls. Start and warm up, then function-test limits, anti-two-block, brakes, and steering without a load. Test the anti-two-block with the manufacturer's method, not by bypassing it.
Maintenance levels
Operator performs pre-shift checks and reports defects. Frequent inspections are more detailed and periodic or annual inspections are by a qualified person; follow the manufacturer and applicable standard. Any deficiency affecting safety removes the crane from service until repaired and rechecked. Keep inspection, maintenance, and repair records.
Worked example
During a pre-shift test, the anti-two-block alarm fails to sound when the test weight is lifted. The operator lowers the block, tags the crane out, and informs the supervisor. The lift is reassigned. Reasoning: the device is a safety limit, not an optional convenience; a crane with a failed limit is not operated, even if the chart capacity is fine.
Traps
Skipping the function test because the crane "worked yesterday"; bypassing a limit switch; treating a missing hook latch as cosmetic; operating with an expired annual inspection; no record of repairs; checking only the boom and not the outriggers or ground.