Cranes are essential in the construction industry. They facilitate being able to move heavy loads, reduce manual labour, and speed up construction time. But cranes also pose a significant risk of injury and damage, especially if they malfunction during operation.
If you’re a crane hirer or user, it’s crucial to have your cranes inspected regularly to ensure they are safe to use and be around – from daily pre-use checks by in-house employees to periodic thorough examinations by qualified professionals.
Find out more below.
What Are Crane Inspections & When Do You Need One?
Crane inspections are designed to assess the safety and functionality of crane equipment, attachments, and accessories by identifying signs of wear and tear, defects, and other maintenance needs for safe, productive operation.
It’s important to know which inspections should be carried out at all stages of a crane’s lifecycle, as they can vary depending on the circumstances. For example, a crane that hasn’t been used for several months should undergo a thorough examination before being used again.
Initial Inspections (Thorough Examinations)
An initial inspection is required for all cranes being deployed for the first time (whether new or after prolonged downtime), as well as cranes that have undergone repairs, significant modifications, or reinstallation of core accessories and software.
This check ensures the safety and functionality of newly installed or modified crane equipment. Under LOLER (the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998), the inspection must be carried out by a certified crane and lifting equipment assessor, such as ISI.
Functional Test Inspection (Pre-Use Check)
Before a crane is used, a functional test inspection (or pre-use check) should be carried out to ensure the correct and safe functionality of the crane.
This check can be done by your own in-house staff if properly trained to do so. Any identified issues should be reported and actioned immediately.
Frequent Inspections (Routine Maintenance)
Frequent inspections are required either daily, monthly, or quarterly, depending on usage. This inspection involves the routine examination and maintenance of operating mechanisms, control panels, motors, trolleys, girders, hooks, rails, hoist ropes, end trucks, and more.
Certain components or items require daily pre-use checks, while others can be checked every month. These inspections can also be made by your own in-house staff if properly trained to do so.
Periodic Inspections (Thorough Examinations)
Under LOLER, thorough examinations are legally required for all cranes and crane accessories every 6-12 months. Like initial inspections, 6-month and annual crane inspections must be carried out by a certified assessor.
This inspection involves a comprehensive check of all crane components and attachments, identifying issues such as damaged hoist rope or chains, loose rivets and bolts, worn-out wheels, brake and clutch system deterioration, distorted bearings, inaccurate readings, and unsafe power plants.
Following a thorough examination, you’ll receive a LOLER certificate, verifying your compliance.
Download a copy of our LOLER Regulations guide to learn the required inspection frequency of all crane items.
Why Are Regular Crane Inspections Important?
1. Ensure Safety
The main purpose of regular crane inspections is the safety of operators and those around the equipment when in use, as a single mechanical failure can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
By identifying signs of wear and tear, deterioration, or faults early, you can remedy any issues before they become a danger.
2. Avoid Costly Downtime
Regular crane inspections reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, which can be costly in terms of repairs and halted operations.
Planned maintenance is always more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic failure and ensures your crane is always operational when you need it.
3. Protect Assets
Cranes are expensive assets, and regular maintenance is crucial to prolonging the life of the equipment by ensuring parts are replaced or repaired before they can cause bigger issues.
Not only this – but if your crane malfunctions during operation, it can cause significant and costly damage to any machines and materials around it.
4. Maintain Productivity
Machine failure can disrupt workflow, cause project delays, and lead to missed deadlines. Regular crane inspections ensure that equipment remains reliable, maintaining the productivity and efficiency of your operations.
This is especially important for organisations where timing is critical, such as in construction projects or supply chain logistics.
5. Legal Compliance
Cranes fall under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).
These regulations require all workplace lifting equipment to undergo a thorough examination before using the equipment for the first time, after assembly, during service (every 6-12 months), or after exceptional circumstances, such as repairs or prolonged downtime.
Carrying out regular crane inspections means you can ensure compliance with LOLER, which is a legal requirement enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A full list of equipment and corresponding regulations can be found here.
Key Requirements Under LOLER
LOLER is in place to ensure the ongoing safety of all lifting equipment used at work including employees’ own lifting equipment, for lifting or lowering loads. The regulations also cover attachments and accessories used for anchoring, fixing, or supporting lifting equipment.
The regulations ensure that lifting equipment is:
- Positioned and installed to minimise any risks
- Strong and stable enough for its particular use and marked to indicate safe working loads
- Used safely (the work is planned, organised, and performed by competent people)
You can read more about what equipment is covered by LOLER in our blog.
Crane Inspections from ISI
At ISI, we offer comprehensive and impartial LOLER inspection services for a wide client base.
Unsure if your cranes are due for an inspection? Get in touch! Our team can give you free, impartial advice by phone, or you can book a statutory plant survey for an agreed fee.
You can read more about LOLER services on our Lifting Equipment Inspection Services page, or download a copy of our LOLER Regulations guide for more information.