Inspection of Cranes not in Regular Use

If you have an overhead crane that has been idle for a length of time due to shutdown or storage, or you have a standby crane with infrequent or irregular usage, the crane needs to be inspected before it is put back into service. OSHA has determined that cranes that have sat idle for the following lengths of time shall be inspected prior to use:

• A crane that has been idle for at least 1 month, but less than 6 months, shall be inspected conforming to the Frequent Inspection requirements.
• A crane that has been idle for 6 months or more, shall be given a complete inspection conforming to the Frequent Inspection and Periodic Inspection requirements.
• A standby crane—meaning a crane which is not in regular service but which is used occasionally or intermittently—shall be inspected at least semi-annually in accordance with the criteria required for Frequent Inspection, as well as the criteria for Idle Wire Rope Inspection (see below).

Idle wire rope inspection – All wire rope which has been idle for a period of 1 month or more due to shutdown or storage of a crane on which it is installed, shall be given a thorough inspection before it is used. A certification record including the date of the inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection, and an identifier for the wire ropes which were inspected, shall be kept on file.

When inspecting wire rope that has sat idle for one month or more, look for the following signs of damage or deterioration:

• Reduction of rope diameter below nominal diameter—this could be a result of loss of core support, internal or external corrosion, or wear of outside wires
• A number of broken outside wires and the degree of distribution or concentration of such broken wires
• Worn outside wires
• Corroded or broken wires at end connections
• Severe kinking, crushing, cutting, or unstranding

After the wire rope has been inspected, you will determine if any observed deterioration, defects, or damages to the wire rope will result in a safety hazard with continued use. If the wire rope is deemed a safety hazard, it needs to be removed from service, quarantined, and be replaced.

NOTE: A qualified person shall determine whether conditions found during the inspection constitute a hazard and whether a more detailed inspection is required. Any unsafe conditions uncovered during inspection shall be corrected before operation of the crane is resumed. Adjustments and repairs shall be done only by designated personnel.

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