Vestil AHA - Manual (Page 23)

Copyright 2011 Vestil Manufacturing Corp. Page 23 of 25
Inspections and Maintenance
Owner(s)/end-user(s) of the crane should apply Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) crane
inspection procedures (see 29 CFR 1910.179 by visiting http://www.osha.gov/ and navigate to “Regulations”; then to
“General Industry” standards, section 1910.179. However, the end-user should realize that occupational safety and
health laws and regulations of the state where the crane is used, rather than federal OSHA regulations, are controlling
authority). Inspections are classified according to the intervals at which inspection should be performed. The identity
of the components to be inspected and the degree to which those components wear, deteriorate, or malfunction
determine how frequently you must inspect the crane. 29 CFR 1910.179(j) describes the various inspections the end
user is responsible for performing on this crane:
1. Initial inspection — before a new or modified crane may be used for the first time, it must be inspected
to insure normal condition. Conduct a “Frequent inspection” as described next.
After the first use, the crane end-user/owner must conduct the following 2 types of inspection:
2. Frequent inspection [29 CFR 1910.179(j)(1)(ii)(a)] — Daily to monthly intervals.
The following items shall be inspected for defects at the intervals specifically indicated, including
observation during operation for any defects which might appear between inspections. All deficiencies
such as those listed shall be carefully examined to determine whether they constitute a safety hazard:
 [Inspect daily] All functional operating mechanisms (wheels/casters, teletubes, leg tubes, pins,
and yokes) for maladjustment interfering with proper operation. Verify that the wheels/casters
roll smoothly by pushing/pulling the crane 4-6 feet in one direction.
 [Inspect daily] Look for deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps, and other
parts of air or hydraulic systems. [not applicable]
 [Inspect daily (visually); inspect monthly and make a certification record, which includes
the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and the
serial number (or other identifier) of the hook inspected] Hooks with deformation or cracks.
Immediately discard hooks with cracks or that have a throat opening that is more than 15
percent in excess of normal throat opening, or that are twisted more than 10° from the plane of
the unbent hook.
 [Inspect daily (visually); monthly inspection with a certification record which includes
the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an
identifier of the chain which was inspected] Hoist chains, including end connections, for
excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond hoist
manufacturer's recommendations.
 [Inspect weekly] All functional operating mechanisms (wheels/casters, teletubes, leg tubes,
pins, and yokes, bolts and nuts, including anchor bolts and nuts) for excessive wear.
 [Inspect weekly] Rope reeving for noncompliance with hoist manufacturer's recommendations.
3. Periodic inspection [29 CFR 1910.179(j)(1)(ii)(b)] — 1 to 12-month intervals.
Complete inspections of the crane shall be performed at intervals depending upon its activity, severity
of service, and environment, or as specifically indicated below. Perform all of the requirements
described for frequent inspections and the following bulleted items. Carefully examine the crane for any
problems such as those listed below to determine whether they constitute a safety hazard:
 Deformed, cracked, or corroded members.
 Loose bolts or rivets.
 Cracked or worn sheaves and drums.
 Worn, cracked or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and
clamping devices.
 Excessive wear on brake system parts, linings, pawls, and ratchets.
 Load, wind, and other indicators over their full range, for any significant inaccuracies.
 Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other power plants for improper performance or noncompliance
with applicable safety requirements.
 Excessive wear of chain drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch.
 Electrical apparatus, for signs of pitting or any deterioration of controller contactors, limit
switches and pushbutton stations.
Cranes not in regular use: for each of the 3 bullet points below, in addition to the crane inspection all
rope which has been idle for a period of a month or more due to shutdown or storage of a crane on
which it is installed must be given a thorough inspection before it is used. An appointed person, whose
approval is required before the rope may be used, must inspect the rope for all types of deterioration. A
certification record must be available for inspection. The record must include at least the date of
inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an identifier for the rope
inspected.