Free OSHA crane inspection checklist

Benefits of using this OSHA crane inspection checklist

• OSHA records: one form for shift, monthly and annual inspections under 29 CFR 1926.1412, with an inspection type field. It does not list every (d)(1) or (f)(2) item, so add the ones your crane needs before relying on it.
• Tiered inspection: one form with an inspection type field, so shift, monthly and annual records share a single format.
• Wire rope and structural safety: systematic checks of wire ropes, hooks, sheaves, drums and structural components catch wear and damage before failure.
• Safety device verification: the checklist prompts testing of anti-two-block, load moment indicator, boom angle indicator and emergency stops.
• Record keeping: a completed form captures the items checked, the results, and the name, signature and date of the inspector, which is what OSHA asks monthly and annual records to show.
• Fleet visibility: linking each inspection to the crane asset in MapTrack gives fleet managers a real-time view of which cranes are current on all three inspection tiers and which are overdue.

How to use this OSHA crane inspection checklist

1. Select the inspection tier (shift, monthly or annual) and record the crane details, inspector name, date and weather conditions.: Identify whether this is a shift, monthly or annual (comprehensive) inspection and record it in the inspection type field. Enter the crane make, model, serial number, type (mobile, tower, overhead) and rated capacity. Record the inspector name, qualification (a competent person for shift and monthly inspections, a qualified person for the annual) and the current weather including wind speed, temperature and visibility. This header links the inspection to a specific crane, tier and point in time.
2. For a shift inspection, check all control mechanisms, safety devices, hydraulic lines, hooks, wire rope and ground conditions before the crane begins work.: Operate each control lever and pedal to confirm smooth, correct response. Test the anti-two-block device, load moment indicator (LMI), boom angle indicator and emergency stops. Inspect hydraulic and pneumatic hoses for leaks, abrasion and secure fittings. Check the hook for throat opening increase, twist, cracks and a functioning safety latch. Examine the wire rope for broken wires, corrosion, kinking and proper spooling on the drum. Assess ground conditions under the crane and outriggers for settlement, erosion or soft spots. Note wind speed and confirm it is within the crane operating limit.
3. For a monthly inspection, repeat every shift item, add any deficiency flagged for monthly monitoring, and document the result.: Under 1926.1412(e) the monthly inspection covers the same items as the shift inspection. The record must show the items checked, the results, and the name, signature and date of the person who did it, and must be kept for at least three months. Include any deficiency that the last annual inspection flagged for monthly monitoring. You can also add structural checks between annual inspections, such as boom and jib members, bolted connections and pins, sheaves, the hoist drum and outriggers; that goes beyond the OSHA monthly minimum.
4. For an annual inspection, have a qualified person check the shift items and the full list at 1926.1412(f)(2), with functional testing.: At least every 12 months a qualified person must inspect the shift items and the list at 1926.1412(f)(2), which runs from structural members, fasteners and welds through sheaves and drums, brakes and clutches, hydraulic components and electrical wiring to warning labels, steps and guards. Disassembly is required as necessary, and the inspection must include functional testing. Where the manufacturer inspection procedure is more comprehensive or more frequent, paragraph (j) requires it to be followed. Depending on the crane, this may include non-destructive testing (NDT) of critical welds, boom pins and turntable bolts, and calibration checks of the LMI/RCI. Record the items checked, the results, and the name, signature and date of the inspector, and keep the record for at least 12 months.
5. Record all defects, classify severity and take corrective action. If a defect makes the crane unsafe, take it out of service until the defect is resolved.: For each defect, record the item, a clear description and a severity classification: minor (monitor and schedule repair), major (restrict crane operation until repaired) or critical (crane must be taken out of service immediately). Critical defects include structural cracks, wire rope failure criteria met, brake failure, hook safety latch broken and safety device malfunction. Tag the crane as "DO NOT OPERATE," lock out the cab and notify the site manager and the crane owner. Track all defects in the maintenance register until the repair is complete and the crane is re-inspected.
6. Sign and date the checklist. Retain inspection records per your record-keeping policy and make available for OSHA review on request.: The inspector signs and dates the completed checklist. For monthly inspections, the crane operator and site manager also acknowledge the findings. For annual inspections, the qualified person and the crane owner or representative sign the report. OSHA requires monthly inspection records to be kept for at least three months and annual records for at least 12 months. Best practice is to retain all crane inspection records for the life of the crane. Upload the completed checklist to MapTrack so records are instantly retrievable during an OSHA site visit.

In MapTrack, you can digitise safety inspections and compliance forms. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

Frequently asked questions

OSHA Crane Inspection Checklist preview