Maintenance, Inspection and Thorough Examination of Mobile Cranes

17.3.3 Generic Information
Competent persons may also need to refer to generic information such as standards
and industry guidance. Examples of these are BS ISO 4309:2004, Cranes. Wire
ropes. Care, maintenance, installation, examination and discard, and wire rope
manufacturer’s guidance.
Care should be taken to ensure that the information is up to date.
17.3.4 Machine History
The history of the repairs and maintenance carried out on a mobile crane is essential
to a competent person carrying out a thorough examination. Details of any structural
repairs, welding and any non-routine maintenance must be presented to the
competent person at the time of the next thorough examination.
17.3.5 Supplementary Reports and Tests
The purpose of the supplementary tests is to support the thorough examination in
order to establish the equipment’s suitability for continued safe use. These
supplementary tests may be specified by the competent person and can cover a wide
range of techniques, not just overload testing. They will need to be undertaken,
completed by the date specified and documented, in order to enable the subsequent
thorough examination to be completed. Failure to complete the supplementary tests
may preclude the completion of the subsequent thorough examination. In some
circumstances the competent person may wish to witness the ‘supplementary tests’.
The results of any tests not witnessed by the competent person should be forwarded
to the competent person, for review, without delay
Supplementary tests and corresponding reports on mobile cranes may include:-
� Load test following major repair;
� RCI/RCL calibration and functional test;
� Anemometer calibration and functional test;
� Non Destructive Examination of individual components;
� Slew ring condition and clearances;
� Maintenance records.
Additional information on supplementary tests is given in Annex 10.
In practice the mobile crane owner and the competent person may wish to agree and
periodically review the specific supplementary test reports that will be provided prior
to each thorough examination. These should at least include functional test and
confirmation of calibration of RCI/RCL and hoist brake test. Additional supplementary
tests will be requested by the competent person as circumstances demand.
17.3.6 Previous Reports of Thorough Examination and Supplementary Tests
Where a mobile crane has been previously examined, the reports of the most recent
thorough examination and any supplementary tests carried out should be made
available to the competent person before they carry out the current thorough
examination. Best practice guidance is that all reports of thorough examination are
kept for the life of the mobile crane.
17.3.7 Information on Clearance of Defects
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