CICB Issues Overhead Crane Guidance

Overhead cranes are called upon almost daily to move heavy loads around the job site, as Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau (CICB) says. As a result of this repeated use, and sometimes even abuse by untrained personnel, these machines are pushed to their limits on a regular basis.

Regretfully, many of these cranes do not see the preventative maintenance that they should. To combat this issue, OSHA requires many of the components that are relied upon most often to have monthly documented inspections. Unfortunately, many companies are not aware of these requirements or who is authorized to complete them.

Headquartered in Orlando, FL since 1969 with a second training facility in Houston, TX, Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau (CICB) provides customized training for every type of lifting equipment and inspection services worldwide.

The daily inspection, or shift as many refer to it, is not required to be documented, although it is probably a good idea. The monthly, on the other hand, is required by OSHA and the records must be kept. The requirement includes the inspections of critical items, such as hooks, chains, ropes, along with documentation that includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection, the equipment’s serial number, or other identifier of the inspected items.

Overhead cranes are called upon almost daily to move heavy loads around the job site.

This is just one type of inspection that OSHA requires. If you are unfamiliar with this requirement or any other inspection requirement, in addition to who is authorized to do these inspections, contact a professional at CICB for guidance. If an accident were to happen and these required inspections have not been completed, you could be looking at extremely large fines and civil liability.

References: United States Department of Labor, Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations: 29 CFR 1910.179(j)(2)(iii); 29 CFR 1910.179(j)(2)(iv); and 29 CFR 1910.179(m)(1).