Crane inspection checklist (each shift)
Updated · Reviewed by Israel Margulies, founder and CEO of High Point GPS
A shift inspection checklist for cranes and derricks on construction sites, built from the items OSHA's 29 CFR 1926.1412(d) lists: controls, pressurized lines, hydraulic fluid, hooks and latches, wire rope, electrical, tires, ground conditions, level, cab windows and safety devices.
Under 1926.1412(d), a competent person does a visual inspection before or during each shift the equipment is used. The monthly inspection repeats the same items and must be documented, with records kept at least three months; the annual inspection is done by a qualified person, goes deeper, and its records are kept at least 12 months.
If a deficiency is a safety hazard, the equipment comes out of service until it's fixed. This checklist follows the federal text for construction; it isn't legal advice, and the crane maker's manual adds model-specific checks.
Crane shift inspection
Fields: Crane / unit no. · Make and model · Site · Hour meter · Competent person · Date and shift
Controls and drives
- Control mechanisms: no maladjustment that interferes with operation
- Control and drive mechanisms: no excessive wear or contamination
- Air, hydraulic and other pressurized lines: no deterioration or leaks
- Hydraulic fluid level
Hooks and wire rope
- Hooks and latches: no deformation, cracks, wear or damage
- Wire rope reeving matches the manufacturer's specifications
- Wire rope (per 1926.1413(a))
Machine and setup
- Electrical apparatus: working, no deterioration, dirt or moisture
- Tires (when in use): inflation and condition
- Ground conditions and support, outriggers: no settling or water
- Level within the manufacturer's tolerance (before each shift, after each move and setup)
- Operator cab windows: no cracks or breaks that impair view
- Rails, rail stops and clamps (rail-traveling equipment)
- Safety devices and operational aids working
- Deficiencies. If a deficiency is a safety hazard, take the equipment out of service until it's corrected. Record what was found and what was done.
- Monthly and annual. Monthly: the same items, documented, records kept at least 3 months. Annual: by a qualified person, records kept at least 12 months.
Fill it in the right way
- Before or during each shift, have the competent person walk the crane with this checklist.
- Check controls, lines and hydraulic fluid, then hooks, latches and wire rope.
- Check electrical, tires, ground support, outriggers and level, and the cab windows.
- Test the safety devices and operational aids.
- Take the crane out of service if a deficiency is a safety hazard, and record it.
- File the checklist; use it as the monthly record when that inspection is due.
Tips
- Check level again after every move and setup, not just at the start of the shift.
- Wet ground under outriggers changes through the day; look again after rain.
- Keep the maker's inspection list next to this one; it adds the model's own items.
- Track repeat findings per crane: the same leak twice is a repair, not an inspection item.
Do it in FleetZap
- Put a QR label on each crane; the competent person scans it to do the check on a phone without an account.
- Failing an item opens a repair work order for the shop and notifies the right people.
- Checklists can include pass/fail, reading, photo and signature steps, with required steps that block closing.
- Monthly and annual inspection due dates can be tracked as compliance items with reminders.
- FleetZap records checks and repairs; it doesn't certify compliance.
Sources
FleetZap Maintenance
Work orders, PM, parts, compliance, assets and KPIs. Explore FleetZap Maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How often must a crane be inspected?
Under OSHA 1926.1412, a competent person inspects it each shift, a monthly inspection is documented, and a qualified person does an annual inspection. Other inspections apply after modifications, repairs or severe service.
Does the shift inspection have to be written down?
1926.1412(d) doesn't state a documentation requirement for the shift inspection, but the monthly inspection must be documented and kept at least three months. Many contractors keep every shift sheet.
What does a crane shift inspection cover?
Controls and drives, pressurized lines, hydraulic fluid, hooks and latches, wire rope and reeving, electrical, tires, ground support and outriggers, level, cab windows, rails, and safety devices.
Who can do the crane shift inspection?
A competent person: someone able to identify hazards and authorized to take prompt corrective action.