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Who Inspects Cranes? Understanding Roles & Duties

Ensuring machinery’s safety and operational efficiency is paramount in the construction industry, particularly regarding cranes. A key question often arises: “Whose job is it to inspect cranes at the job site?”

Inspecting cranes falls primarily to designated qualified VICOM inspectors, site managers, and crane operators with the necessary certifications and training to conduct comprehensive evaluations. These inspections are critical for maintaining the integrity of the crane and safeguarding the well-being of all personnel on-site.

Join us as we learn whose job it is to inspect cranes at the job site and the many factors involved in keeping cranes safe and functioning.

Whose Job Is It To Inspect Cranes At The Job Site?

 

Construction Site Managers: Oversight Crane Operations

Construction site managers oversee all aspects of crane operations. They ensure that all crane activities align with safety regulations and project timelines.

Site managers coordinate between different teams, manage the scheduling of crane usage, and ensure that all safety protocols are strictly followed. They serve as the mainstay in the communication chain, addressing any concerns related to crane operations and making executive decisions to mitigate risks.

 

VICOM Inspector: Conducts Thorough Inspections

All vehicles driven on Singapore roads are required by law to undergo a roadworthiness inspection process to ensure that they are environment-friendly and have met the in-use safety and emission standards. VICOM inspectors are tasked with conducting thorough inspections to ensure the vehicles are in excellent working condition.

Their inspections cover various checks, from structural integrity to mechanical functionality, ensuring every component meets the required safety benchmarks. The insights that VICOM inspectors provide are vital in preventing potential hazards and maintaining the crane’s operational integrity over time.

 

Crane Operators: Conduct Daily Checks And Issue Reporting

Crane operators, the individuals directly handling the crane operations, play a pivotal role in daily safety checks, an essential part of crane safety.

Before commencing work each day, operators are expected to perform pre-operational checks to assess the crane’s condition. This initial inspection includes verifying the engine’s functionality, hydraulic system, travelling system, etc.

Operators are also on the frontline of identifying any irregularities or issues during frequent operations, which they must promptly report to their respective mechanics for further assessment.

Their vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, including the awareness of the need for regular inspections, are fundamental in preventing accidents and ensuring a safe working environment.

 

Requirements, Compliance And Regulation Of Crane Inspection

The domain of crane inspection is governed by a stringent set of requirements designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of crane operations within the construction industry. Adherence to these requirements is a matter of legal compliance and a crucial component of occupational safety and operational excellence.

 

Inspection Requirements

Crane inspection requirements encompass a detailed evaluation of the crane’s structural integrity, mechanical reliability, and safety features.

The Ministry of Manpower states that any lifting equipment must be regularly inspected by an Authorised Examiner in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations or at the discretion of the Authorised Examiner.

The goal is to identify and rectify possible harms before they can lead to accidents or failures.

 

Regulatory Compliance

The regulatory compliance for crane inspections in Singapore is detailed and strictly enforced under various regulations. Here’s an overview of the key compliance aspects:

  1. Registration Requirements: Certain types of lifting equipment, including cranes, must be registered with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This ensures that only workplace equipment that meets safety standards is used.
  2. Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Cranes must undergo regular inspections and maintenance checks by an Authorised Examiner. These inspections are mandated to occur at intervals specified by the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations or as deemed necessary by the examiner​ (Ministry of Manpower Singapore)​.
  3. Authorised Examiners: Inspections must be conducted by Authorised Examiners who are approved by the MOM. This ensures that the inspections are carried out by qualified professionals capable of accurately assessing the safety and functionality of the cranes.
  4. Operational Regulations: The Workplace Safety and Health (Operation of Cranes) Regulations 2011 provide comprehensive guidelines on the installation, repair, alteration, and dismantling of cranes. It also includes the roles and responsibilities of crane operators and other personnel involved in crane operations, like lifting supervisors, riggers, and signalmen​ (Singapore Statutes Online)​.
  5. Certification and Documentation: Following inspections, cranes are either certified as safe or flagged for maintenance. Documentation of these inspections must be kept as part of the regulatory compliance.
  6. Periodic Load Testing: Cranes must undergo periodic load testing to verify that they can operate safely at their maximum rated capacity. This is a critical component of the crane’s operational safety checks​ (Ministry of Manpower Singapore)​.

 

Regulation And Enforcement

In Singapore, the regulation and enforcement of crane inspections are primarily governed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

Here’s a breakdown of how this regulation and enforcement process works:

  1. Workplace Safety and Health (Operation of Cranes) Regulations: This regulation is part of a broader legislative framework to ensure workplace safety and health. It specifically addresses the operation of cranes, detailing everything from installation, repair, and alteration to the dismantling of cranes. It also outlines the duties and qualifications required of crane operators and other related personnel such as riggers, lifting supervisors, and signalmen​.
  2. Registration and Inspection: Cranes must be registered with the MOM. Following registration, they must undergo regular inspections by an Authorised Examiner. These inspections are mandated to assess whether the cranes are maintained in a safe working condition and comply with operational safety requirements. The frequency and specifics of these inspections are determined by the Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations or as determined by the Authorised Examiner.
  3. Authorised Examiners: Only examiners who are authorised by MOM can conduct these inspections. This ensures that inspections are carried out by professionals with the requisite knowledge and skills to assess the safety and functionality of the lifting equipment.
  4. Enforcement and Penalties: Non-compliance with the regulations can lead to significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The MOM enforces these regulations and can conduct checks and audits to ensure compliance. They also have the authority to issue stop-work orders if a crane is unsafe.

 

Inspections For Different Types Of Cranes

This section provides a detailed overview of the essential safety checks and maintenance protocols required for various crane configurations. It highlights the specialised approach needed to ensure their operational integrity and safety on construction sites.

 

Lorry Crane

Examining the hydraulic systems ensures the controls’ proper function and the crane’s stability during operation. The lifting mechanism, encompassing hooks, slings and ropes of a lorry crane undergoes scrutiny for wear or damage.

Additionally, the condition of outriggers and stabilisers is checked to ascertain stability and load-bearing capacity.

 

Mobile Crane

A thorough assessment of the mobile crane‘s structure, focusing on welds, bolts, and critical connections, identifies signs of fatigue or stress. The boom assembly, comprising telescopic sections and hydraulic cylinders, is inspected for alignment and smooth operation.

Functional tests are conducted on safety devices, such as load indicators and overload protection systems, to ensure compliance with safety standards.

 

Rough Terrain Crane

Undercarriage components, including tracks, wheels, and axles, are inspected for wear and tear. The hydraulic system of a rough terrain crane is examined for leaks or malfunctions, particularly for stability and levelling mechanisms. The boom and jib assembly condition is verified, ensuring proper alignment and functionality during operation.

 

Crawler Crane / Crawler Tower Crane

The crawler crane’s tracks and undercarriage components are inspected for damage or excessive wear. The slew ring and turntable assembly undergo assessment for smooth rotation and proper lubrication. The functionality of the hoist and winch systems is tested to ensure safe lifting and lowering within the crane’s rated capacity.

 

Crawler Telescopic Crane

Telescopic boom sections of a crawler telescopic crane are inspected for alignment and integrity, with checks for deformation or corrosion. The telescopic extension and retraction mechanisms undergo functional tests to ensure smooth operation and proper locking in each position.

The condition of the counterweight system is verified for stability and load-bearing capacity.

 

Conclusion About Whose Job Is It To Inspect Cranes At Job Sites

From construction site managers overseeing crane operations to qualified inspectors conducting thorough evaluations and crane operators performing daily checks, each stakeholder plays a crucial role in upholding safety standards.

At Pollisum, we support your safety efforts by providing reliable, efficient, and safe solutions for your heavy lifting and transportation needs.

Grab the opportunity to improve your construction projects’ safety standards and operational excellence by reaching us on WhatsApp or at +65 67557600.

Let’s collaborate for a safer operation!

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whose Job Is It To Inspect Cranes At Job Sites

The overall responsibility for the safety of all workers in a crane operation lies with the construction site manager and site safety officer. They oversee crane operations, implement safety protocols, and ensure all workers adhere to safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.

The crane operator must perform the pre-use crane inspection at the start of every shift. They are responsible for thoroughly assessing the crane's condition, including checking for any visible defects, ensuring proper control functioning, and verifying the safety features before commencing operations.

A competent person or a qualified crane inspector must perform an annual crane inspection. These individuals have undergone specific training and possess certifications that qualify them to conduct comprehensive inspections of crane equipment. Their expertise ensures that the crane remains in optimal working condition and complies with regulatory requirements throughout its operational life.