What this checklist is for
The form is a US worksite crane inspection record for overhead and gantry cranes or mobile cranes. Fill in the on-screen fields and then download a PDF or CSV. You can also print a blank copy and write by hand. There’s also a blank copy you can print and fill out manualy.
Check on a shift basis or daily. Do more detailed regular inspections such as monthly, weekly, etc., using the same format.
The inspection stations follows 29 CFR 1926.1412 (construction) shift requirements; and add checks for wire rope (1926.1413), safety devices (1926.1415), operational aids (1926.1416), and ground conditions (1926.1402). In addition, there are general industry versions for periodic and frequent lists for truck, locomotive, and crawler cranes under 1910.180, and overhead cranes under 29 CFR 1910.179.
For each item, select N/A, Defect or OK. If it’s a rubber-tired rough-terrain crane, mark N/A on bridge rails; if it’s an overhead crane, mark N/A on outriggers.
The header needs the make, rated capacity, hours, crane ID, date, type of inspection, and inspector name. The body needs the inspector, hour meter reading, rated capacity, make and model, serial number, unit identified, jobsite and type of crane.
For the type of crane, choose the one that makes N/A selections meaningful further down in the form. The type of inspection comes from the applicable OSHA paragraph that describes your situation. Annual, monthly and shift are for construction cranes. Frequent (daily to monthly) and periodic (once per year to once per month) apply to general-industry mobile cranes and overhead cranes. Note these aren’t some arbitrary “every 10 hours” rule we made up. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, according to 1412(j).
What it is not
- It is not a load-securement form. Cargo straps, binders, and 49 CFR 393 cargo rules are a different job.
- It is not a forklift daily. Powered industrial trucks use Forklift Inspection Checklist under 29 CFR 1910.178, not this crane sheet.
- It is not a CDL pre-trip or a Pre Trip Inspection Checklist. Gladhands, fifth wheels, and 4/32 inch steer tread are highway items.
- It is not a licensed inspector's annual certificate by itself, not a lift plan, and not a substitute for the OEM procedure in the cab. Construction annual/comprehensive work in 1926.1412(f) is done by a qualified person and may require disassembly.
- It is not ASME B30 reprinted. ASME B30.5 is the consensus standard for many mobile cranes. This template cites OSHA first. Buy and follow the B30 volume that matches the crane when your employer or the OEM points you there.
How to fill each block
If it’s been sitting long enough for idle rules to kick-in, check the idle box. That would of included truck and crawler cranes (per 1910.180(d)(5)). It also includes overhead cranes idle 1 month or longer (1910.179(j)(4)) and construction cranes idle 3 months or longer (1926.1412(h)).
Make sure the load chart and operator manual are located in the cab (required per 1910.180(c)(2); 1926.1417(c)). For instance, the Grove GRT8120 manual mandates they be located in the holder and that the crane undergoes a daily inspection prior to each shift.
Check the undercarriage and structure for obvious cracks or corrosion. Check for loose fasteners, tire/track damage, electrical dirt, or moisture. Check for leaking power plants, counterweights not matching the chart, cab glass blocking vision, or missing labels and steps. Unless there’s an obvious defect, periodically (or annually) open gear cases and check linings/pins. There’s no need to lower the boom or disassemble components during the construction shift inspection unless trial operation or visual check suggest it.
The controls should operate properly with no adjustment needed. The hydraulic fluid should be at the right level. Pressurized lines like flexing hose shouldn’t have leaks. Travel, swing, and hoist brakes should be checked.
If the crane is equipped with foot pedal brakes you need to make sure that they has a safety device called a foot pedal lock (1926.1415). Controls should be set to the correct position before operating the equipment and personnel should be kept clear of the machine during start up (1926.1417(g)). Don’t override a tag-out sign.
Match the manufacturer’s specs for reeving.
Shift rope inspection: Check the rope that will most likely be used during that shift and inspect it as it was made. The rule is 1413(a)(1).
1413. Remove running rope if it has six random broken wires in any one lay. Also remove it if it has three broken wires in one strand in one lay. Remove rotation-resistant rope having two broken wires in six rope diameters, or four in 30 rope diameters. Remove standing rope having more than two broken wires in one lay beyond end connections. Also remove standing rope having more than one broken wire in a lay at an end connection. Also remove rope if its diameter is reduced more than 5% from nominal.
Monthly inspection is required under 180(g). This rule does not specify a broken wire count, and the signed record requirement also applies. Use OEM/ASME removal criteria. There are 180 mobile cranes. Keep two full wraps on the drum.
Inspect the latch, load block, and hook for any deformation, heat or chemical damage, and cracks.
Subparts C & D (Sections 1910.179 & 1910.180) require you to remove any hook that has more than 10 degrees of twist or more than 15 percent excess throat opening.
Construction standard (Section 1926.1412) doesn't specify the percentages.
For Subpart CC cranes, record the hook number, date, and signature on overhead monthly hook records. If your cab manual specifies a number to remove hooks, use this instead of OEM or ASME removal rules.
Check these operation aids: boom length/angle indicators, hoist upper limit, load moment/load weighing system (if equipped), outrigger position sensor (newer machines), and the load chart located in the cab.
Check these safety devices: the level indicator, horn, boom/jib stops, anti two-block device, load moment/load weighing system (if equipped), outrigger position sensor (on newer machines), boom length/angle indicators, and the load chart located in the cab. There are no alternate measures to these safety devices found in 1926.1415. Stop if the level indicator/horn fails. You may have a temporary measure listed for 7/30 days for operational aids in 1926.1416.
Test the overhead crane's upper limit switch without a load at the beginning of each shift. Never operate using the limit switch as an operating control. Refer to 1910.179(n)(4). Test by inching load into limit.
§ 1910.180 mandates that a fire extinguisher be within reach of truck, locomotive and crawler cranes, or at least inside the cab. This must be a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or other approved type.
§ 1910.179 requires that there be no carbon tetrachloride used as a fire extinguisher and that if an extinguisher is furnished, operators shall be instructed in its use. However, this section does not mandate one in each overhead cab. Subpart CC makes no mention of a fire extinguisher.
If applicable, follow 1910.180 for crawler, locomotive, and truck cranes. Otherwise, follow the manufacturer's guidelines. For instance, Grove instructs the operator to be aware of where the closest extinguisher is located.
Is the ground graded, firm, and well-drained? Are mats in place where required? Have any underground voids been addressed? Is the outrigger beam located at the indicated span? Are pads intact? Are holding valves installed? According to 1926.1412(d)(1)(x), (xi), and 1926.1402, the crane must be level within the manufacturer’s tolerance before each move and during a shift change.
What varies
For overhead operators, soil rows is marked as N/A. Rail sweeps, bumpers, and runway stops shall be checked per 1910.179(e).
Write the defects, pick the action, and sign.
- Construction (most building sites, Subpart CC): competent person, each shift the equipment will be used; monthly documented while in service; qualified person at least every 12 months. Wire rope has matching shift, monthly, and annual looks in 1926.1413. Idle 3 months or more: monthly-level look by a qualified person before use.
- Overhead and gantry (1910.179): frequent, daily to monthly, with some items specifically daily (operating mechanisms, air/hydraulic leakage, visual hooks and hoist chain). Periodic, 1 to 12 months, based on activity, severity, and environment. Running ropes: thorough inspection at least monthly with a certification record.
- Crawler, locomotive, and truck cranes in general industry (1910.180): the same frequent (daily to monthly) and periodic (1 to 12 months, or as the manufacturer recommends) split, plus monthly certification records on brakes, hooks, and ropes.
- Manufacturer procedures that are more comprehensive or more frequent than 1926.1412 must be followed (1926.1412(j)). Grove, as one OEM example, still wants a daily pre-start walk even when OSHA already requires a shift look.
If a crane deficiency causes a safety hazard, the crane remains out of service until repaired.
According to OSHA’s 3433 small-entity guide, you do not need to document construction shift inspections. For general industry, monthly certification requirements for ropes, brakes, and hooks is specified in 1910.179(j)(2) and 1910.180(d)(6). You must maintain the following:
Monthly records include the date, name, signature, items, and results. Monthly records stay for at least 3 months, but annual records stay for at least 12 months.
Keep annual records for at least 12 months.
After you finish
While there’s no one number of hours from the feds, it is based off the standard governing the crane. That said, both 1910.179 and 1910.180 contain hook throat-opening and twist numbers. For construction, these figures is in 1926.1413, which covers wire-rope broken-wire counts and the 5% diameter figure. Don’t get the tables mixed up.
Beyond OSHA regs, some states have crane certificate-of-operation or licensing programs. This form is for federal compliance purposes. It is not a state license card. Tower cranes add monthly structural-bolt and tie-in items in 1926.1435. Form is intended for overhead and mobile units. Use the OEM tower sheet, or mark it N/A if it is a tower crane only.
If you would like a copy of your answers to take with you out of this browser tab, hit one of the download buttons at the bottom of the form and get a CSV or filled-in PDF. If you'd like a hard-copy version to carry around during the walk, download the blank PDF. Your answers will remain in this browser tab. Anyone who visits after you will see a blank form. Nothing will be stored on BenchTab's server.
For the yearly or monthly copy, provide it to the employer who performed the inspection. Under 1926.1412, persons performing inspections has to be able to see the construction monthly files for the duration of time they’re retained.
1926.1417(j) says you need to notify the designated person in writing if there’s something to repair, and also inform the next operator on the following shift. The sign-off block is your written notice when you complete it.
A completed shift walk sheet with no defects found is not enough alone to meet the documented monthly inspection requirement. If you’re using this sheet as your monthly record as well, please indicate this in the Inspection type field, sign off on it, and retain for at least 3 months.
Not a substitute for the OEM or a licensed inspection
This is a recordkeeping template. This is not a substitute for a qualified person’s annual comprehensive inspection, the applicable ASME B30 volume, the crane manufacturer’s inspection procedure, an OSHA form, or legal advice.
Don’t make up pass or fail percentages where the applicable OSHA paragraph doesn't says. When the Code of Federal Regulations is silent, use ASME or OEM removal criteria.