Inspection
1.5 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Perform a daily pre-operational inspection of an articulating loader crane
- •Distinguish a defect that requires removing the crane from service from a minor item
- •Explain the operator's duty to document inspections and report defects
- •Describe periodic and annual inspection requirements
Topics Covered
- •Daily pre-operational (shift) inspection before first use
- •Structural check: boom sections, knuckle joint, column, subframe, and mounting for cracks and deformation
- •Hydraulic check: fluid level and condition, leaks at hoses, fittings, and cylinders
- •Stabilizer system: legs, beams, pads, locks, and controls
- •Load-handling check: hook, hook latch, wire rope and winch (if equipped), attachments
- •Controls, gauges, warning devices, and load-limiting device function
- •Decals and load charts present and legible
- •Defect handling: tag out and remove from service until repaired by qualified personnel
- •Periodic and annual inspections by a qualified inspector; recordkeeping requirements
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: When must the operator perform the daily pre-operational inspection?
- A. Once a week is sufficient
- B. Before the crane is first used on the shift(correct)
- C. Only after a load is dropped
- D. Only when an inspector is on site
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A pre-operational inspection must be done before the crane is first used each shift. Catching a defect before work begins is the entire point — it is the operator's responsibility, not the inspector's.
Question 2: During inspection you find a crack in the knuckle joint area of the boom. What is the correct action?
- A. Monitor it through the shift and report it tomorrow
- B. Field-weld the crack and keep working
- C. Tag the crane out of service and remove it from use until repaired by qualified personnel(correct)
- D. Reduce lifts to half capacity and continue
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A crack in a load-bearing structural member can fail suddenly under load. The crane must be tagged out and removed from service until properly repaired and re-inspected by qualified personnel.
Question 3: You find the hook latch is bent and will not close fully. Is this a "minor" item you can defer?
- A. Yes, the latch is optional equipment
- B. Yes, as long as you only lift with chains
- C. No, a non-functioning hook latch is a defect that must be corrected before lifting(correct)
- D. Yes, if you lift slowly
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The hook latch keeps rigging from coming off the hook. A latch that will not close is a real defect that must be repaired before the crane is used for lifting.
Question 4: Who is responsible for documenting the daily inspection and reporting defects found?
- A. Only the annual inspector
- B. The operator who performs the pre-operational inspection(correct)
- C. The truck dealership
- D. No documentation is needed for loader cranes
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The operator who performs the daily inspection is responsible for documenting it and reporting any defects so they can be corrected. Good records also protect the operator if a question arises later.
Question 5: In addition to daily operator inspections, articulating cranes require:
- A. No further inspections of any kind
- B. Periodic and annual inspections by a qualified inspector(correct)
- C. Inspection only when sold to a new owner
- D. Inspection only after an accident
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Daily operator inspections are the first layer. More thorough periodic and annual inspections by a qualified inspector are also required, with records kept to show the crane has been properly maintained.
Question 6: During the stabilizer portion of your inspection, you should verify that:
- A. Only the paint color is correct
- B. Legs, beams, pads, locks, and controls are present, undamaged, and function properly(correct)
- C. The stabilizers are welded permanently in the stowed position
- D. The stabilizers match the truck's tire brand
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The stabilizer system prevents tip-over, so the inspection must confirm the legs, beams, pads, locks, and controls are all present, undamaged, and working before any lift is attempted.