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Why, How, and When Should a Mobile Crane be Inspected?

When it comes to mobile crane operation, safety should always be the top priority. To maintain a high level of safety for operations that require the use of a mobile crane, thorough and routine inspections are crucial. These inspections can highlight any potential hazards or operating issues with the crane before performing a lift, allowing operators to have it repaired before resuming work. With so many standards and regulations to adhere to, it can be difficult to understand the requirements for crane inspections. That is why the team at TNT Crane & Rigging has compiled some information outlining why, how, and when a mobile crane should be inspected.

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Mobile Crane Inspections: Why, How, and When

The following questions are among the most frequently asked when discussing crane inspections:

Why Should a Mobile Crane be Inspected?

Most jurisdictions require mobile cranes to be inspected at least once per year to ensure that they are in good working order. Failure to adhere to this requirement can result in fines and other penalties that can negatively impact your operation. In addition to legal requirements, cranes should be inspected to identify potential problems and address them before more expensive repairs are needed. Routine inspections help to maintain a high level of safety and performance while minimizing the possibility of costly downtime, making them a vital process for all types of operations

How Should Inspections be Conducted?

Annual inspections should be performed by an experienced and certified technician. This will ensure that all diagnostics and evaluations are performed correctly, giving you an accurate representation of the condition of your crane and its core components. Technicians will take note of any components that are showing excessive signs of wear and make any recommendations for replacements if needed.

When and How Often Should Inspections be Performed?

At minimum, a mobile crane must be inspected at least once per year by a certified technician. It should be noted that this requirement increases based on the level of usage. For example, a crane that is used multiple days per week will likely need to be inspected more than a crane that is only used once per week or two to three times per month. If a crane is equipped with certain elements such as vibratory hammers or drop hammers, it will also need to be inspected more frequently. In addition to routine inspections, all mobile cranes should be thoroughly inspected before operation to ensure that there are no issues that would compromise a lift.

To learn more about crane maintenance and safety or to inquire about our selection of mobile crane rentals, get in touch with the team at TNT Crane & Rigging. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.