How often should an overhead crane be inspected?

Before use, and on a longer schedule by a qualified person. The maker's manual and the current standard set the schedule and what each inspection covers. Check them for your crane.

Who can inspect an overhead crane?

The operator does the pre-use check. Periodic and annual inspections go to a qualified person, per your procedure and the current standard.

What should I do if a limit switch doesn't work?

Stop. Don't lift. Tag the crane out of service and report it. Never rely on the limit switch to stop the hook in normal use.

Free template

An overhead crane inspection checklist for the operator.

Check the crane before the first lift of the shift. Do it per the maker's manual and the current standard. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF.

Also calledBridge crane inspection, Overhead crane pre-use check, Crane daily inspection, Hoist inspection checklist

See the sheet All free tools

Free to print, copy and change. It’s a starting point. Add the lines your equipment and your rules need.

Edit it in the builder

Overhead crane checklist

Date

Time

Crane ID and location

Operator name

Shift

Rated capacity (from the tag)

Hoist and rigging

PassFailN/A

Hook has no cracks, bending, twisting or wear
Hook latch is in place and closes
Wire rope or chain is not kinked, crushed, broken or worn
Rope or chain sits correctly on the drum or in the sprocket
Hoist housing and fasteners are secure, with no leaks
Load block and sheaves turn freely

Controls and brakes

PassFailN/A

Pendant or remote is undamaged and labeled
Every control works, moves the right way and stops when released
Emergency stop works
Hoist, trolley and bridge brakes hold
Upper and lower limit switches work, tested per the maker's manual

Warnings and area

PassFailN/A

Horn, bell or lights work
Load rating is visible and readable
Warning labels are on and readable
Runway and travel path are clear of people and objects
Lifting attachments and slings are inspected and match the load

Defects found and action taken

Taken out of service? Yes NoReported to

Inspector signature

Date

Supervisor review

Date

A starting point. Adapt it to your equipment, your procedures and the rules that apply to you.Free template from portalbaseai.com

How to use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Step 1
Check before the first lift
Run the crane empty first. Move it in every direction, then raise and lower the hook.
Step 2
Don't use a failed crane
Tag it out of service, lock it out if needed, and tell your lead. A crane with a bad hook, latch or brake doesn't lift.
Step 3
Follow the maker's manual
The manual and the current standard set what gets inspected and how often. This sheet covers the operator's pre-use check.

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Run this check on a phone, with a photo on any failed step, no signal needed. A failed step opens a repair and the record is kept for you.

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Common questions

How often should an overhead crane be inspected?: Before use, and on a longer schedule by a qualified person. The maker's manual and the current standard set the schedule and what each inspection covers. Check them for your crane.
Who can inspect an overhead crane?: The operator does the pre-use check. Periodic and annual inspections go to a qualified person, per your procedure and the current standard.
What should I do if a limit switch doesn't work?: Stop. Don't lift. Tag the crane out of service and report it. Never rely on the limit switch to stop the hook in normal use.

Related and more free tools

Free tool

An overhead crane inspection checklist for the operator.

Overhead crane checklist

Hoist and rigging

Controls and brakes

Warnings and area

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Check before the first lift

Don't use a failed crane

Follow the maker's manual

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Get new free tools by email.

Common questions

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Qualified person