How often should overhead cranes be inspected?

Overhead crane inspection is one of the most critical practices for workplace safety, соответствие нормативным требованиям, and equipment longevity. Whether you run a manufacturing plant, склад, construction site, or logistics center, knowing the correct inspection schedule protects your team, сокращает время простоя, and avoids costly violations. In this post, we break down how often overhead cranes should be inspected based on industry standards and best practices.

Why Overhead Crane Inspection Is Non-Negotiable

Мостовые краны handle heavy loads in demanding environments. Wear, усталость, коррозия, and mechanical failure can develop slowly but lead to serious accidents. Regular overhead crane inspection:

• ◆ Prevents injuries and downtime
• ◆ Ensures compliance with OSHA, АСМЭ, and local regulations
• ◆ Extends the service life of hoists, мосты, end trucks, and controls
• ◆ Reduces long-term repair and replacement costs

No matter how new or reliable your crane seems, skipping inspections creates unnecessary risk.

Standard Overhead Crane Inspection Frequencies

Industry guidelines (Оша, АСМЭ Б30.2, CMAA) divide overhead crane inspection into two main categories: frequent inspections and periodic inspections.

1. Частые проверки (Daily to Monthly)

These are visual and functional checks performed by operators or trained maintenance staff.

• ◆ Daily / Shift Inspection: Before each use, check hooks, веревки, цепочки, тормоза, ограниченные переключатели, элементы управления, and abnormal sounds.
• ◆ Monthly Inspection: Documented detailed check of wear components, гидравлические/пневматические системы, щит, и устройства безопасности.

2. Periodic Inspections (1–12 Months)

These are comprehensive inspections performed by a qualified person or certified technician. Frequency depends on usage severity:

• ◆ Normal service: Annually
• ◆ Heavy service: Semi-annually to annually
• ◆ Severe service (постоянное использование, harsh environment): Quarterly to semi-annually

All cranes require at least one full periodic inspection per year.

When to Inspect Immediately (Outside the Schedule)

You must perform an immediate overhead crane inspection if:

• ◆ The crane was involved in an impact, перегрузка, or near-miss
• ◆ Unusual noises, jerky movement, or loss of control occur
• ◆ The crane has been idle for a long period
• ◆ After repairs, модификации, or reinstallation

Never operate a crane that fails any inspection step.

Key Items Covered in Overhead Crane Inspection

A complete inspection covers the entire system:

• ◆ Crane hooks, защелки, and lifting attachments
• ◆ Wire ropes, цепочки, и стропы
• ◆ Тормоза, clutches, and drive systems
• ◆ Мост, end trucks, and runway rails
• ◆ Electrical components and controls
• ◆ Limit switches and safety devices
• ◆ Structural integrity for cracks, деформация, или коррозия
• ◆ Lubrication and bolt tightness

Documentation is mandatory for compliance.

How to Build a Compliant Inspection Plan

• 1. Follow OSHA and ASME requirements for overhead crane inspection frequency.
• 2. Adjust intervals based on usage, среда, and load intensity.
• 3. Train operators on daily checklists.
• 4. Use certified inspectors for annual/periodic checks.
• 5. Keep digital or physical records of all inspections.
• 6. Schedule maintenance immediately after defects are found.

Заключительные мысли

How often should overhead cranes be inspected? The short answer: daily by operators, monthly in detail, and at least annually by a qualified inspector — with more frequent checks for heavy-use equipment.

Overhead crane inspection is not just a regulatory box to check; it is a foundational safety practice. A consistent, well-documented inspection program keeps your operation safe, эффективный, and reliable.